Do vocal cord polyps cause coughing?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 21, 2024
00:00
00:00

Vocal cord polyps generally do not cause coughing in patients. Vocal cord polyps are vocal cord lesions caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting loudly, excessive yelling, or irritation of the vocal cords by acid reflux. They primarily cause the patient's voice to be hoarse and progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally occur on one side. When examined with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth-surfaced, light red or pale white abnormal growth can be found on the anterior middle third of one vocal cord. The glottis moves well, but closure is incomplete, causing persistent hoarseness in the patient. In terms of treatment, conservative treatment for vocal cord polyps is ineffective, and patients need to undergo surgical treatment. The surgery can be performed with a support laryngoscope to remove the vocal cord polyp. Hospitalization is required for the surgery, and recovery with discharge is possible within about a week.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Do vocal cord polyps recur?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the vocal cords. Often, they are treated through surgical removal. After the removal of vocal cord polyps, there is a certain rate of recurrence. This is because the inflammation in the vocal cord area has not been fully controlled after the surgery. Recurrent and frequent upper respiratory infections stimulate the vocal cords. Also, inappropriate use of the voice, such as frequent vocalization and loud screaming, can damage the vocal cords and lead to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Other factors, such as diet, spicy and irritating foods, alcohol, and chili stimulation, can cause congestion and edema of the vocal cords to persist, leading to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of these aspects after surgery for vocal cord polyps.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

What should be noted after vocal cord polyp surgery?

The most important thing to pay attention to after vocal cord polyp surgery is to speak as little as possible, which means vocal rest. Typically, vocal rest should last between two to four weeks. The better you adhere to vocal rest, the better your voice will recover after the surgery. Once recovered, continue to minimize speaking and ensure correct pronunciation to prevent recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Another important consideration is avoiding environments with tobacco smoke; do not smoke and try to stay away from places where others are smoking. Diet should be light, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Also, manage your emotions in daily life; do not rush or shout, as this can affect your recovery. Even if you do not yell when anxious, it can still lead to a less than optimal post-operative recovery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
58sec home-news-image

The difference between vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules are diseases caused by incorrect pronunciation or overuse of the voice, with the main clinical manifestation being hoarseness. The difference between vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules lies in their appearance under a laryngoscope: Vocal cord polyps often occur on one vocal cord, typically in the anterior one-third where a translucent, smooth swelling is found. This swelling can either have a broad stalk or a smaller stalk, and often, a hole can be observed with respiration. Vocal cord nodules are smaller and usually located symmetrically on the anterior one-third of both vocal cords. This implies that while polyps are commonly found on one vocal cord, nodules occur symmetrically on the anterior one-third of both vocal cords. From a general perspective, vocal cord polyps are wider and larger, whereas vocal cord nodules are only nodular lesions.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

How long does it take to wake up from general anesthesia for vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are common and frequently occurring clinical benign tumors located on the vocal cords. Clinically, the main treatment is the removal of the vocal cord polyps under a microscope-assisted laryngoscope, performed under general anesthesia. Currently, our control technique for general anesthesia is very refined, and the surgery for vocal cord polyps generally takes about 15 minutes. After these 15 minutes, our patients gradually regain consciousness. Therefore, patients undergoing general anesthesia for vocal cord polyp surgery can progressively wake up after the surgery is complete. This is achievable due to our current precise control techniques in anesthesia and medication management, allowing patients to awaken promptly after the surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

The causes of recurrent vocal cord polyps

The recurrence of vocal cord polyps is primarily due to patients not taking care to protect their voice usage, improper voice use, and failing to quit bad habits such as smoking and drinking. The main cause of vocal cord polyps is edema in the Reinke's layer of the vocal cord mucosa, which leads to the proliferation of the surface mucosa. The main symptom in patients is a hoarse voice. After undergoing support laryngoscopy and surgical removal of the vocal cord polyps, patients are required to refrain from speaking for three to four weeks to allow the vocal cord mucosa to recover and heal. If patients do not take care of their voice during this period, there is a possibility of recurrence of the vocal cord polyps.