Q: I am a 55 years old woman having paralysed vocal cords and I need a breathing tube. I have a skin problem too due to which the doctor think that using the breathing tube would not be a good idea because of the discomfort. Is there anything else I can do to avoid the tube?

A:The options depend on the position of the paralysed cords. If breathing is a problem the options are between a tracheostomy (breathing) tube or laser surgery to the vocal cords to create a space to breathe. You need to discuss these options in detail with the doctor and be informed of the risks and benefits of both these options in terms of breathing and quality of voice.