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Vocal cord nodules
Do vocal cord nodules require hospitalization?
Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition, generally not requiring hospitalization. Initially, it is recommended to visit an ENT outpatient clinic for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. Treatment usually involves outpatient medication, commonly using nebulization therapy, in combination with oral traditional Chinese medicine and vocal rehabilitation training. With these treatments, the condition gradually improves. For a small portion of patients with severe vocal cord nodules and significant hoarseness, if conservative treatment does not relieve symptoms, hospitalization and surgery may be considered.
Symptoms of cancerous changes in vocal cord nodules
The possibility of malignant transformation of vocal cord nodules is very small. If cancerous transformation occurs, the patient will experience persistent hoarseness, as well as symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, persistent cough, and blood in the sputum. Vocal cord nodules are caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting, or long-term irritation of the vocal cords by acid reflux. If patients do not undergo surgical treatment, the vocal cord nodules may continue to enlarge and undergo cellular mutations, leading to malignancy. At this point, patients may find cauliflower-like neoplasms or ulcers on the surface of the vocal cords. They will experience hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing. At this stage, it is necessary to perform a local biopsy. If a malignant tumor is confirmed, localized surgical treatment can lead to improvement.
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.
Can vocal cord nodules be treated without surgery?
Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In treatment, most patients may not require surgery. Generally, it is recommended to first visit an otolaryngologist for a laryngoscopic examination to assess the severity of the vocal cord nodules. If the nodules are small and the symptoms of hoarseness are not particularly severe, treatment usually involves conservative medication, commonly oral medications and nebulization therapy. In addition, voice rehabilitation training can be conducted. Many patients experience gradual improvement in voice hoarseness and reduction of the vocal cord nodules through this treatment. Some patients may even see the nodules disappear, but regular follow-up visits are necessary as there is a possibility of recurrence.
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.
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.)
Can you eat fish with vocal cord nodules?
Patients with vocal cord nodules can eat fish, as fish is a common food and it does not have direct side effects or exacerbate existing symptoms related to vocal cord nodules, nor does it conflict with medications used to treat vocal cord nodules. It is recommended that patients with vocal cord nodules adopt a lighter diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and it is advised not to smoke or drink alcohol. Regular check-ups at an otolaryngology department are also recommended. If symptoms like hoarseness occur, it is necessary to combine treatment with traditional Chinese medicine taken orally and nebulization therapy. During the treatment process, regular check-ups are required to observe the treatment effects, and a small number of patients may need surgical treatment. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician regarding medication usage.)
Vocal cord nodules voice repair how many days
Vocal cord nodules must be completely silenced for one week. Vocal cord nodules are caused by long-term improper use of voice, loud fatigue, and excessive shouting, leading to vocal cord lesions. Usually, it involves both vocal cords. This condition causes persistent hoarseness in the patient. An examination with an electronic laryngoscope can reveal a symmetrical, smooth-surfaced neoplasm at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords, causing persistent hoarseness in the patient. In terms of treatment, the patient needs to undergo vocal cord nodule removal surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires inpatient general anesthesia, postoperative use of antibiotics, and complete voice rest for a week to prevent recurrence after surgery. Postoperatively, the patient also needs to follow a light diet, abstain from smoking and drinking, and avoid spicy and irritating foods. If hoarseness is noticed, an electronic laryngoscopy check is mandatory at the hospital. If there is a recurrence, further local surgical treatment is needed.
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.
Vocal cord nodules atomization effect
Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. The primary clinical symptoms are hoarseness. In terms of treatment, nebulization can be considered. Most patients respond well to nebulization, which can significantly improve hoarseness. Some patients may experience a gradual reduction in the nodules, but individual differences exist. For some patients, nebulization alone may not be effective, and they may need to combine it with oral medication. Regular laryngoscopic check-ups are necessary during the treatment process to monitor changes in the nodules. A small number of patients, who do not respond well to conservative treatments, might require surgical removal, but there is still a possibility of recurrence after surgery. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician for medication use.)