Vocal cord nodules physical therapy

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 15, 2025
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Vocal cord nodules are a common and frequent otolaryngological disorder, often found in professions that require excessive voice use, such as teachers, salespeople, and singers. These nodules typically grow symmetrically on the anterior-middle third of the vocal cords, with intermittent hoarseness as the main symptom. A definitive diagnosis can be made using a laryngoscope. Effective treatment for vocal cord nodules includes voice rest, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, as well as cold drinks, and taking care to protect the voice in daily use. Oral medications that invigorate blood circulation and remove blood stasis can be used to improve symptoms. For patients whose nodules do not resolve, surgery is usually required to remove the vocal cord nodules and restore the voice to normal. (Please use medications under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to treat vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, are typically located at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds of both vocal cords, featuring symmetrical nodular protrusions. They are more commonly found in individuals who use their voices professionally, such as singers, teachers, or other vocations that involve frequent shouting, as well as in children. Prolonged or improper use of the voice is a major cause of this condition. Therefore, during treatment, voice rest is primarily advised. Early stage vocal cord nodules can spontaneously resolve with sufficient vocal rest, and nodules in children often disappear naturally during puberty. Additionally, medication can be used for treatment, such as traditional Chinese medicines, including Jin Sang San Jie Wan and Kai Yin Pills. If conservative treatment fails, surgical removal of the vocal cord nodules under fiberoptic laryngoscopy can be performed, followed by a two-week voice rest period. Post-surgery, it is recommended to inhale medicated vapors, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, avoid staying up late, and refrain from excessive voice use or shouting.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are a common and frequently occurring disease in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, so it is advisable to first visit the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery department when seeking medical treatment.In some hospitals, there are specialized departments such as the laryngology department or a sub-discipline specifically for laryngology, where one can opt to see a throat specialist or a laryngologist.Additionally, in some hospitals where the departments are not specifically divided, the ophthalmology and otolaryngology departments are combined and referred to as the department of otorhinolaryngology, so one can also visit this department.Vocal cord nodules are a common disease in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, therefore, one should primarily consult the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery department.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to treat vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are caused by improper, prolonged use of the voice, excessive strain, or shouting loudly, resulting in bilateral vocal cord lesions. They can lead to persistent hoarseness in patients, with intermittent exacerbations. Vocal cord nodules cause incomplete closure of the glottis. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope reveals symmetrical, pale, nodular protrusions on the anterior middle third of both vocal cords. In terms of treatment, vocal cord nodules can initially be managed conservatively. This involves complete vocal rest for one week, combined with nebulized inhalations to reduce local congestion and edema. After one week, if there is no improvement and the nodules persist, the patient may require excision surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and patients typically recover and are discharged within a week after the operation.

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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 Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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The best treatment method for vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules are often caused by excessive talking, loud speaking, or overuse of the voice. They are commonly found in individuals who frequently use their voices in their professions, such as salespeople, teachers, and singers. The best treatment approach is to address the root cause, which involves speaking less and using proper vocal techniques. This is the optimal treatment plan. However, this method may not always be effective, as some people, due to their occupational needs, cannot fully achieve vocal rest. If vocal rest does not effectively treat the condition, surgical intervention may then be necessary. During the treatment period, after diagnosing vocal cord nodules, vocal rest is the preferred approach. If vocal rest is ineffective or does not fully resolve the nodules, surgery may be required as a follow-up treatment.