Dietary precautions for vocal cord nodules

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, are most commonly seen in professions such as teachers, singers, and speakers. These professions generally involve extensive use of the voice, which can lead to the development of bilateral symmetrical nodules on the vocal cords, primarily causing the patient to have a hoarse voice and difficulty continuing with their work. Treatment generally requires surgery, although milder cases may be treated with medication. During and after the treatment, whether surgical or medicinal, attention must be paid to certain lifestyle and dietary practices. Dietary precautions mainly involve avoiding spicy and irritating foods, as well as reducing smoking and alcohol consumption. In terms of lifestyle, it is important to minimize voice use as much as possible within the first month after surgery to avoid further strain on the vocal cords.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if the vocal cord nodules become fibrotic?

Vocal cord nodules fibrosis is relatively common. Firstly, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology department for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. If the symptoms of hoarseness are not very pronounced and the vocal cord nodules are small, it is recommended to rest the voice and avoid excessive use of the voice, with regular follow-ups. If the vocal cord nodules are larger and accompanied by hoarseness, it may be necessary to consider oral medication and nebulization treatment. During the treatment process, laryngoscopy should be repeatedly done to monitor changes in the nodules. A small number of patients may require surgical removal if conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What nebulization is used for vocal cord nodules?

Nebulized inhalation is very effective in treating vocal cord nodules. It requires the use of corticosteroids, as corticosteroids can reduce congestion and edema on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, which is helpful for the recovery of vocal cord nodules. Vocal cord nodules are caused by improper or excessive use of the voice over a long period, loud and strenuous talking, and irritation from gastric acid reflux, leading to congestion, edema, and hyperplasia of the vocal cord surface mucosa. Patients may experience persistent hoarseness that progressively worsens. Vocal cord nodules are generally bilateral. Examination with a laryngoscope can reveal pale, granular neoplasms at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords. Conservative treatment, such as nebulized inhalation, can be very effective initially. Voice rest, or refraining from speaking, is also necessary. If conservative treatment is ineffective, local surgical excision may be required for a cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink honey with vocal cord nodules?

Patients with vocal cord nodules can drink honey. Honey is a common food that does not exacerbate the condition of vocal cord nodules, nor does it affect the treatment outcome of vocal cord nodules. However, long-term consumption of honey is not recommended due to its high sugar content, which may lead to excessive sugar intake and impact overall health. For patients with vocal cord nodules, it is necessary to visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department after the onset of symptoms for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment may include oral medications combined with nebulization therapy. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are needed to monitor the effects of the treatment. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How to treat vocal cord nodules?

The main symptom of vocal cord nodules is a hoarse voice, and some people often experience coughing. The cause of vocal cord nodules is related to excessive talking or improper use of the voice, such as in occupations like teachers, salespeople, and singers. Besides voice therapy, another treatment option is nebulizer inhalation, which is used to alleviate symptoms. Commonly used medications include corticosteroids, such as budesonide for nebulizer inhalation treatment, twice a day, one dose each time, but voice therapy is a prerequisite. Without voice therapy and correct voice usage, treatment with medication alone through nebulizer inhalation will not be effective, and the symptoms will not improve significantly. Some patients with vocal cord nodules do not need medication and can fully recover their normal voice and have the nodules disappear just by proper voice therapy and resting the voice for a period. Therefore, voice therapy is the best treatment for this condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to effectively treat vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, it initially requires a laryngoscopic examination to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, conservative treatment is considered, commonly involving oral traditional Chinese medicine and nebulization therapy. Alongside medication, it's important to avoid excessive use of the voice and to engage in vocal rehabilitation training. Most patients will see gradual improvement in symptoms of hoarseness through these conservative treatments, and nodules may also gradually diminish in some cases. If standardized conservative treatments are ineffective and the symptoms of hoarseness are particularly severe, a small number of patients may consider surgical intervention.