Can you smoke with vocal cord polyps?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 06, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. It is advised not to smoke in daily life, as cigarettes contain many chemical substances that have direct irritative effects on the mucous membranes and vocal cords, potentially worsening the condition of vocal cord polyps and possibly leading to further hoarseness. Moreover, long-term smoking may also lead to cancerous changes in the vocal cords and cause laryngeal cancer. Therefore, for such patients, it is recommended to abstain from smoking and drinking, and to regularly visit an otolaryngologist for a laryngoscopic examination to check the status of the vocal cord polyps. Some patients may also require surgical removal of the polyps.

Other Voices

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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The difference between vocal cord nodules and polyps

Vocal cord nodules are often bilateral symmetrical tiny nodules, while vocal cord polyps can be unilateral or bilateral. Vocal cord nodules commonly affect teachers, singers, orators, and other professions that involve excessive use of the voice. Vocal cord polyps, however, can be seen in all kinds of people. For vocal cord nodules, treatment usually begins with medication. If medication is ineffective, surgical treatment may be considered. For patients with vocal cord polyps, the most common treatment method is surgical removal of the polyps. Post-surgery, it is crucial to protect the voice and maintain silence to aid recovery. Generally, both vocal cord nodules and polyps can be cured.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps cause loss of voice?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the vocal cords. They protrude from the surface of the vocal cords. Generally, after the occurrence of vocal cord polyps, surgical treatment is performed to remove them, as vocal cord polyps can cause hoarseness, affecting our work, and impacting our career and life. Severe vocal cord polyps, if not treated, can lead to repeated friction between the vocal cords, which may even result in the potential malignancy. Of course, vocal cord polyps severely affect our voice quality, causing hoarseness and in severe cases lead to voice loss, causing a sensation of air leakage when we speak. In summary, vocal cord polyps can lead to loss of voice.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can someone with difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath undergo vocal cord polyp surgery?

Difficulty breathing and chest tightness are very common symptoms in clinical practice. Since there are many triggering factors that can cause these symptoms, it is generally not recommended for patients experiencing difficulty breathing and chest tightness to undergo vocal cord surgery. It is advisable for patients to identify the triggering factors causing these symptoms and effectively improve these symptoms before considering vocal cord surgery. This is important because anesthesia, which is necessary for vocal cord surgery, could be harmful if the patient has underlying cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that such patients find and eliminate the triggering factors, improve their current discomforting symptoms, and only consider vocal cord surgery after their symptoms have fully improved.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Will vocal cord polyps recur after they are removed?

Vocal cord polyps are polyp-like benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Vocal cord polyps generally require surgical treatment, as medication typically cannot eliminate the polyps. Post-surgery, there is a certain recurrence rate for vocal cord polyps. The recurrence of vocal cord polyps is often related to factors such as excessive voice use, gastroesophageal reflux, or frequent upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, it is important to avoid these factors to prevent recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one talk?

Vocal cord polyps are benign, space-occupying lesions located on our vocal cords. Treatment for vocal cord polyps involves surgical removal. Surgery for vocal cord polyps does not mean that we are unable to speak or unable to speak normally. In fact, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, we can speak normally. Once the patient wakes from general anesthesia, they can speak normally. However, it is important to emphasize that we should speak less and speak normally. Do not use a falsetto voice, as this can more easily damage the vocal cords. Speak less and pay attention to using our resonance chambers and tongue, which assist the vocal organs. Avoid shouting, as this can prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps.