What should I do if my vocal cord polyps are inflamed?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 12, 2024
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Patients with vocal cord polyps often experience inflammation, typically caused by the polyps which make it difficult to speak, subsequently leading to edema in the laryngeal mucosa and causing acute laryngitis. In such cases, it is essential to first rest the voice and avoid excessive vocalization. At the same time, oral administration of throat-clearing medicine and antibiotics is necessary to reduce inflammation. Patients diagnosed with vocal cord polyps should undergo support laryngoscopy surgery to remove the polyp tissue once contraindications have been ruled out, thus restoring normal vocal function. Post-surgery, it is crucial to strictly rest the voice for three to four weeks, while also avoiding spicy, irritating foods, and cold beverages to prevent exacerbating local inflammation.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps become cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps are proliferative protrusions located on the surface of the vocal cords, typically occurring on the anterior middle third of both vocal cords. The main causes of this condition are consuming spicy and irritating foods and harmful habits such as smoking and drinking, excessive use of the voice, and occupational factors. Vocal cord polyps are usually characterized by squamous proliferation on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, and cancerous changes are rare. If the surface of the vocal cords is uneven and the voice is notably hoarse, a biopsy treatment should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative Precautions for Vocal Cord Polyps

Vocal cord polyps are a common and frequent condition in otolaryngology, and the following precautions should be noted after surgery for vocal cord polyps: First, do not consume spicy, irritating food and cold drinks to avoid postoperative bleeding or poor recovery of the voice. Second, it is important to maintain silence, preferably for 2-4 weeks, to help the rapid recovery of the vocal cord mucous membrane. Third, in daily life, it is necessary to reduce vocal strain, avoid shouting, to prevent acute congestion and inflammation of the vocal cord mucous membrane, and prevent postoperative recurrence.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps cause difficulty breathing?

Vocal cord polyps rarely cause breathing difficulties, but for some patients with large vocal cord polyps, there is a possibility of gradually developing breathing difficulties. Vocal cord polyps are often due to patients overusing their voice, or from physical and chemical factors such as irritations from smoking and alcohol, which then lead to edema of the vocal cord mucosa. Prolonged irritation can gradually form vocal cord polyps, and the main symptoms include a hoarse voice, throat pain, and difficulty breathing. Once vocal cord polyps are discovered, they generally need to be treated surgically. Smaller vocal cord polyps can also be treated with medication. If medication is ineffective, surgical treatment can also be considered.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How to detect vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are common and frequently occurring diseases in otolaryngology. How to examine vocal cord polyps primarily involves assessing the patient's symptoms. For instance, if a patient develops vocal cord polyps, they will first exhibit symptoms of hoarseness. If the hoarseness persists and cannot be alleviated, an electronic laryngoscopy should be conducted initially. By using an electronic laryngoscope, the movement of the vocal cords and the condition of the vocal cord mucosa can be observed on a display screen, thereby identifying the presence of vocal cord polyps. For patients with vocal cord polyps, it is important in daily life to reduce voice use, avoid excessive vocalization, and lessen harmful habits such as smoking and drinking to prevent the occurrence of vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common type of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disease. Some cases require surgical treatment, while others can be managed conservatively. If the vocal cord polyp is small and the clinical symptoms are not particularly obvious, conservative treatment with medication is generally recommended. Common treatments include oral medication and nebulizer therapy; if conditions permit, voice training can also be considered. Additionally, it is necessary to have regular check-ups to monitor changes in the vocal cord polyp. If the polyp is large and does not respond well to conservative medical treatment, surgical treatment might be considered, but regular post-operative check-ups are also necessary. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)