Foods to avoid with vocal cord polyps

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 11, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms of the vocal cords, clinically primarily polyps at the anterior end of the vocal cords, mainly manifesting as hoarseness. The treatment mainly involves the removal of the vocal cord polyps under a microscope or endoscope. After surgery, we need to pay attention to certain dietary aspects. First, some spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers and alcohol, should be avoided. Second, it is important to regulate the temperature of foods; overly cold items, such as popsicles, or overly hot items, such as hot pot, should be consumed with caution. The third point is to avoid certain foods that can cause allergies, such as mangoes, especially if the patient has an allergic constitution; these should be avoided or minimized in the diet.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to effectively treat vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are neoplasms that occur in the anterior middle third of the vocal cords due to excessive voice use. The mucous membrane of the polyp is relatively smooth, and the base may be broad or pedunculated. During phonation, the shape of the glottis changes, thus patients with vocal cord polyps experience a hoarse voice and find speaking strenuous. If treatment with medications aimed at clearing blockages and dispersing accumulations is ineffective, surgery is generally considered. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with direct vision through a supported laryngoscope. Postoperatively, patients should avoid speaking and overusing their voice to reduce the risk of recurrence, and consume more foods that are cooling and reduce heat. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking Jinsang Sanjie Pills?

Patients with vocal cord polyps may find that medications such as Sanjie pills, which promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, have a certain therapeutic effect. The occurrence of vocal cord polyps is associated with factors such as long-term excessive use of the voice and exposure to cold, leading to polyp proliferation, and patients will experience a noticeable hoarseness in their voice. In the early stages of vocal cord polyps, medication can be used for treatment, and some patients may be cured. However, if the polyps have been proliferating for a long time, medication usually becomes ineffective, and surgical treatment is required. A common surgical method is the excision of vocal cord polyps under laryngoscopic support. After surgery, patients should be careful to rest their voice, avoid excessive voice use, and also avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Why does vocal cord polyp surgery require general anesthesia?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common type of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disorder. For larger polyps where conservative treatment with medication is ineffective, surgical treatment should be considered. Currently, the main surgical procedure is the excision of vocal cord polyps under a supported laryngoscope, which requires general anesthesia. This is because the procedure is difficult for patients to endure without general anesthesia, as the supported laryngoscope is a type of metal tube that needs to be inserted through the mouth into the pharynx. Local anesthesia would be insufficient as patients might struggle to cooperate and tolerate the pain or nausea, hence general anesthesia is necessary for the surgery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps should be seen by the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department.

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Therefore, they are primarily treated in the otolaryngology departments of clinics. In larger comprehensive hospitals, where specialties are more detailed, one might see an expert in the pharyngology or laryngology departments. In traditional Chinese medicine hospitals, patients might visit the department of otorhinolaryngology, which is included within the broader five senses (otorhinolaryngology) department. In general, the treatment of vocal cord polyps is predominantly managed by otolaryngologists, with the main treatment method being surgical removal of the polyps. After surgery, it is recommended to speak less to avoid the recurrence of the polyps.