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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Nov 10.
Published in final edited form as: J Voice. 2014 Apr 13;28(5):636–643. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2014.01.006

Table 2. Preliminary Taxonomy of Patient Experience with Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis.

Sub-Axes PRIMARY AXES
I. Voice II. Swallowing III. Breathing
A. Physical
  1. 1. Change in Quality
    • Breathiness
    • Strain
    • Vocal Fatigue

  2. Inconsistency

  3. Pain/irritation with use

  4. Voice rationing/rest
  1. Coughing/Choking
    • Thin liquids
    • Solid food
    • Pills

  2. Require Diet Change

  3. Use of head maneuvers

  4. Smaller sips and bites
  1. Shortness of Breath
    • Phonatory
    • Exercise-Induced
    • Sensation that “can't hold air”
  2. Throat Irritation
    • Constant throat congestion/globs
    • Inefficient cough
    • Cannot clear secretions

  3. Inefficient valsalva
B. Social

  1. Changed family dynamic

  2. Social Limitations
    • Difficulty in background noise
    • Limiting daily activities
    • Phone difficulties
    • Use alternative communication

  3. Decreased work efficiency

  4. External reactions

  1. Affect social interactions

  2. Choking in public

  3. Slowed meals

  1. Difficulty in conversation Extra breaths during phonation

  2. External reactions
C. Emotional

  1. Feeling of seclusion

  2. Worry about loss of income

  3. Changed “way of life”

  4. Frustration

  5. Anxiety/Fear/Depression

  1. Fear of choking/aspiration

  2. Hesitancy to eat/drink

  3. Increased concentration

  1. Anxiety about breathing

  2. Loss of control