What should not be eaten with vocal cord polyps?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 24, 2024
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you smoke with vocal cord polyps?

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.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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The difference between vocal cord polyps and laryngeal cancer

The difference between vocal cord polyps and laryngeal cancer is firstly notable in their nature. Vocal cord polyps are benign lesions, and their removal generally does not significantly affect the patient's quality of life or lifespan. Laryngeal cancer, as the name implies, is a malignant lesion that greatly affects both the patient's quality of life and lifespan. Location-wise, vocal cord polyps are found on the vocal cords, while laryngeal cancer can be located in one of three areas: on the vocal cords, known as glottic laryngeal cancer; below the vocal cords, known as subglottic laryngeal cancer; and above the vocal cords, known as supraglottic laryngeal cancer. The prognosis for vocal cord polyps is very good; after surgery, if the patient rests well, their future quality of life is generally unaffected. Laryngeal cancer is divided into three types: glottic, supraglottic, and subglottic, with glottic being the most common, accounting for about 80%. This type of laryngeal cancer usually presents early symptoms such as hoarseness, similar to vocal cord polyps. Therefore, glottic laryngeal cancer can often be detected early. With prompt and correct treatment, the postoperative results can be good. As it typically involves highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, if it is completely excised surgically and regularly reviewed postoperatively, it doesn't greatly impact lifespan or quality of life. In contrast, subglottic and supraglottic laryngeal cancers often show symptoms later, which means they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, usually at a mid to advanced stage. Supraglottic laryngeal cancer, in particular, is prone to cervical lymph node metastasis, thus usually having a poorer prognosis compared to glottic laryngeal cancer. There's also a higher likelihood of recurrence and metastasis, and the surgery may involve greater trauma. These are the main differences.

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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should be noted for vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions on our vocal cords. It is important to note that vocal cord polyps should be surgically removed promptly since once formed, they are unlikely to completely disappear with medication alone. Secondly, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, it is crucial to rest your voice, avoid talking too much, and refrain from shouting loudly, among other activities. Thirdly, diet should be nutritionally rich and light, easily digestible. Avoid using substances that are spicy and irritating, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and chili peppers. Additionally, if there are any pulmonary diseases, like gastroesophageal reflux disease, they should be actively treated.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What to eat after vocal cord polyp surgery

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, typically affecting one side. Clinically, the removal of vocal cord polyps is usually done under a microscope-supported laryngoscopy. Post-operative dietary guidelines include: 1. Eating can generally resume six hours after anesthesia has fully worn off, with a requirement for a bland diet. Consuming spicy and stimulating foods, such as tobacco, alcohol, and chili peppers, must be avoided. 2. Since hospital stays for vocal cord polyp surgery are relatively short, after discharge, one can use proprietary Chinese medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice, or use corticosteroid medications concurrently. These medications can help prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps and reduce post-operative congestion and swelling of the vocal cord mucosa. 3. After surgery, a normal diet can be resumed, so long as it remains bland. However, care should be taken sometimes to avoid foods like fish, shrimp, and other seafood, which can cause allergies, as well as certain fruits like mangoes. It is advisable to minimize consumption of allergy-prone foods.