Vocal cord nodules and polyps: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What are vocal cord nodules and polyps?

Vocal cord nodules are abnormal growths (not cancer) in both vocal cords due to excessive use of your voice. Over time, this can cause tender, swollen nodules on both vocal cords. These nodules will enlarge and become louder as long as you continue to overuse your voice.

Meanwhile, polyps come in many forms. Sometimes polyps are caused by overuse of the voice and can appear in one or both of the vocal cords. It looks like a nodule, which is a lump that swells and grows outward, like a plant branch. It can also look like a fluid-filled blister.

Most polyps are larger than nodules and may be referred to by other terms such as polypoid degeneration or Reinke's edema. To distinguish between them, imagine that the nodule is very hard, whereas the polyp is like a blister.

How common are vocal cord nodules and polyps?

Polyps are common in adults. While nodules can occur in children. Experts note that, for some reason, women in the age range of 20 to 50 years experience vocal cord nodules more frequently.

Signs and symptoms

What are the symptoms of vocal cord nodules and polyps?

The following are common symptoms of vocal cord nodules and polyps:

• Hoarseness
• Sounds like exhausted
• Stabbing pain from left ear to right
• It feels like something is stuck in the throat
• Neck hurts
• Cannot speak in a high voice or tone
• Limp body
• It's hard to speak

There may be symptoms not listed above. If you suspect certain symptoms or have questions, contact your doctor immediately.

Cause

What are the causes of vocal cord nodules and polyps?

Nodules are most often caused by using an excessive amount of voice, such as screaming or singing too loudly. Polyps can be the result of long-term use of your voice. However, polyps can also occur because of one incident that is quite severe, for example, shouting too loudly while watching a concert.

Smoking habits, hypothyroidism, and acid reflux disease (GERD) can also form polyps.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of vocal cord nodules and polyps?

Any of the following can make you vulnerable.

• Have allergies
• Smoke
• Tight and stiff muscles
• Singer profession
• Profession as a coach
• Cheerleaders
• Likes to talk out loud
• Drinking caffeine and alcohol (which will dry out the vocal cords)

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How are vocal cord nodules and polyps diagnosed?

If you have experienced hoarseness or discharge for 2 or 3 weeks, see a doctor immediately. The examinations include:

• Physical examination by an ENT doctor (ear, nose and throat)
• Evaluation of the voice by a speech and language pathologist
• Examination by the surgeon (if needed)

The team of doctors will check the quality of your voice based on certain criteria. You may also need to undergo endoscopy, which is to insert a tube with a camera into your throat through your mouth or nose.

How are vocal cord nodules and polyps treated?

Nodules and polyps can be treated medically, surgically, and through behavior changes. Surgery may be done to remove or remove nodules and polyps from the vocal cords. This is only done when the nodules and polyps are very large or have been on the vocal cords for a long time. Children rarely have surgery.

Medical conditions that trigger vocal cord nodules and polyps will also be treated, such as acid reflux, allergies, and thyroid disorders. Patients are also recommended to quit smoking and manage stress.

Your doctor may refer you to a speech therapist. Speech therapy will help you control your voice, breathing, and various techniques to deal with stress.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.