Can vocal cord nodules be treated with acupuncture?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 31, 2025
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Vocal cord nodules are bilateral symmetrical benign protrusions that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords, and these protrusions are very small. Clinically, treatment is mainly through medication and primarily through vocal rest, which means speaking less. Thus, vocal cord nodules generally do not require treatment with acupuncture, as acupuncture does not have a significant effect on vocal cord nodules. However, if the vocal cord nodules are accompanied by other factors, the acupuncture treatment is for those other factors and not an indication for the vocal cord nodules. In summary, vocal cord nodules do not need acupuncture treatment, and acupuncture does not have much effect on vocal cord nodules.

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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 people with vocal cord nodules eat hot pot?

People with vocal cord nodules can eat hot pot, but it is important to avoid excessive use of the voice and not to eat particularly spicy foods, as both overuse of the voice and spicy foods can directly irritate the throat. Frequent consumption of spicy foods may trigger pharyngitis, and in severe cases, it can lead to hoarseness and further aggravation. Overall, vocal cord nodules do not significantly impact diet, but what is more important is voice rest, especially for those who frequently strain their voices. Vocal cord nodules tend to increase the likelihood of hoarseness, and regular check-ups to monitor changes are necessary. Also, if the symptoms are relatively noticeable, consideration should be given to oral medication and nebulization treatment. After treatment, regular laryngoscopic examinations should be continued to observe specific changes.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord nodules cause a sore throat?

Vocal cord nodules do not cause sore throats. The symptoms of vocal cord nodules mainly manifest as hoarseness. Some patients experience episodic hoarseness, while others have persistent hoarseness. Moreover, the symptoms of hoarseness become more noticeable after excessive voice use. Some patients may also have laryngitis, which could lead to throat pain. Therefore, upon detecting vocal cord nodules, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology clinic. An examination using a laryngoscope and routine blood tests can be conducted to assess the severity of the condition. Most patients can consider conservative treatment with medications; commonly used treatments include oral traditional Chinese medicine, combined with nebulization, and concurrent vocal rehabilitation training. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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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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Will there be a change in voice after vocal cord nodule surgery?

Vocal cord nodules commonly develop symmetrically at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords. After the surgery for this condition, the hoarseness in the voice might initially worsen compared to before the surgery, particularly during the recovery period. After the surgery, it's crucial to rest the voice, meaning speaking less. Voice rest also includes proper phonation, which entails speaking correctly or not at all. It is advised to limit speaking to no more than five sentences per day. Moreover, during recovery, the voice may initially sound more hoarse than before the surgery but it should return to a state similar to that before the surgery once fully recovered. If after the surgery and subsequent recovery, the voice does not vary significantly from its pre-surgery state, this is generally the expected outcome. However, it isn't guaranteed 100%, as variations can occur depending on whether adequate voice rest was taken and whether proper phonation techniques were employed post-surgery.