Do vocal cord polyps cause coughing?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 21, 2024
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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

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should not be eaten with vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological ailment. In terms of diet, it is advised not to consume spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, and black pepper, as well as foods that are likely to cause allergies. These foods can directly irritate the throat and vocal cords, potentially exacerbating symptoms such as hoarseness and possibly causing throat pain and a sensation of a foreign object in the throat. Patients with vocal cord polyps should visit an otolaryngology clinic after symptoms appear. Routine blood tests and laryngoscopy can help determine the specific cause and extent of the condition, which then facilitates targeted treatment.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Do vocal cord polyps require hospitalization?

Vocal cord polyps are a common condition treated in otolaryngology, mainly caused by excessive voice use, inflammatory irritation, and physical and chemical factors. These factors lead to the formation of granuloma-like neoplasms at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the vocal cords. These growths have a broad base or may be pedunculated, and the mucosa is smooth. When the vocal cords attempt to close during phonation, closure is poor, causing symptoms such as effortful speech and easy vocal fatigue. Diagnosis can be confirmed through indirect laryngoscopy or videolaryngoscopy. If diagnosed with vocal cord polyps, outpatient surgery may be an option if the patient cooperates well with topical anesthesia and if the clinician's technique is highly adept. Otherwise, inpatient surgery under general anesthesia may be necessary, as outpatient treatments do not allow for reimbursement or the execution of necessary anesthesia. Therefore, vocal cord polyps generally require inpatient treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking Chinese medicine?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms on the free edge of our vocal cords. Once vocal cord polyps form, they are difficult to eliminate through medication and are generally removed surgically, as they are usually relatively large. In terms of using Chinese medicine, clinically, we mainly use Chinese patent medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice. However, these can only serve as an adjunctive treatment and cannot eliminate vocal cord polyps. Therefore, in clinical treatment, surgery is primarily used. Chinese medicine cannot eliminate vocal cord polyps, and this is something we must understand.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are benign tumors located on the vocal cords, primarily caused by improper use of the voice or by inflammatory infections. When vocal cord polyps are suspected, it is essential to visit a hospital for an examination, primarily using a laryngoscope to assess the size of the polyps and check for any other vocal cord lesions. Once diagnosed, surgical intervention is often evaluated. Suitable cases are admitted to the hospital for surgery under a surgical microscope to remove the polyps. Generally, patients can be discharged three to five days after the surgery. The surgery involves microscopic techniques, so the trauma is minimal.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be examined by B-ultrasound?

Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions of the vocal cords, mainly appearing as polypoid protrusions on the surface of the free edge of the vocal cords, sometimes with a thin stalk, and sometimes with a broad base. In clinical practice, vocal cord polyps are primarily examined using a laryngoscope, and can also be assessed via CT and MRI. However, ultrasound is not used to examine vocal cord polyps, as ultrasound produces many artifacts and the neck’s muscles and soft tissues are very rich, preventing ultrasound from correctly or fully displaying the condition of the vocal cord polyps. In summary, ultrasound is not used clinically to examine vocal cord polyps.