How long do vocal cord polyps need voice rest?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 20, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition with various clinical symptoms, the most common being hoarseness. If the vocal cord polyps are significant, it is necessary to rest the voice, typically recommended for about one to two weeks. However, it is still essential to speak as little as possible in daily life because excessive use of the voice can potentially worsen the condition of the vocal cord polyps. If the polyps are large, and resting the voice alone does not yield good results, additional treatments such as oral medications and nebulizer therapy may be needed. Some patients may not respond well to conservative treatment and might require surgical removal. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the outcomes.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if my vocal cord polyps are inflamed?

Patients with vocal cord polyps often experience inflammation, typically caused by the polyps which make it difficult to speak, subsequently leading to edema in the laryngeal mucosa and causing acute laryngitis. In such cases, it is essential to first rest the voice and avoid excessive vocalization. At the same time, oral administration of throat-clearing medicine and antibiotics is necessary to reduce inflammation. Patients diagnosed with vocal cord polyps should undergo support laryngoscopy surgery to remove the polyp tissue once contraindications have been ruled out, thus restoring normal vocal function. Post-surgery, it is crucial to strictly rest the voice for three to four weeks, while also avoiding spicy, irritating foods, and cold beverages to prevent exacerbating local inflammation.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What should be noted after vocal cord polyp surgery?

The most important thing to pay attention to after vocal cord polyp surgery is to speak as little as possible, which means vocal rest. Typically, vocal rest should last between two to four weeks. The better you adhere to vocal rest, the better your voice will recover after the surgery. Once recovered, continue to minimize speaking and ensure correct pronunciation to prevent recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Another important consideration is avoiding environments with tobacco smoke; do not smoke and try to stay away from places where others are smoking. Diet should be light, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Also, manage your emotions in daily life; do not rush or shout, as this can affect your recovery. Even if you do not yell when anxious, it can still lead to a less than optimal post-operative recovery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be examined by B-ultrasound?

Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions of the vocal cords, mainly appearing as polypoid protrusions on the surface of the free edge of the vocal cords, sometimes with a thin stalk, and sometimes with a broad base. In clinical practice, vocal cord polyps are primarily examined using a laryngoscope, and can also be assessed via CT and MRI. However, ultrasound is not used to examine vocal cord polyps, as ultrasound produces many artifacts and the neck’s muscles and soft tissues are very rich, preventing ultrasound from correctly or fully displaying the condition of the vocal cord polyps. In summary, ultrasound is not used clinically to examine vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one talk?

Vocal cord polyps are benign, space-occupying lesions located on our vocal cords. Treatment for vocal cord polyps involves surgical removal. Surgery for vocal cord polyps does not mean that we are unable to speak or unable to speak normally. In fact, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, we can speak normally. Once the patient wakes from general anesthesia, they can speak normally. However, it is important to emphasize that we should speak less and speak normally. Do not use a falsetto voice, as this can more easily damage the vocal cords. Speak less and pay attention to using our resonance chambers and tongue, which assist the vocal organs. Avoid shouting, as this can prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Why do vocal cord polyps bleed?

Vocal cord polyps are a cold-natured and space-occupying lesion located on the vocal cords, usually occurring unilaterally. Clinically, they primarily present as hoarseness. Examination can reveal a polyp-like neoplasm protruding from the surface of one vocal cord. There are two reasons for bleeding in vocal cord polyps. One is intense coughing or other mechanical injuries that cause bleeding on the surface of the polyp, due to damage to the vocal cord mucosa, among other factors. The second is that these polyps are hemorrhagic, possessing a rich supply of blood vessels, referred to as hemorrhagic polyps, which are prone to bleeding. Another scenario is post-surgical bleeding due to mucosal damage, friction, or other factors following surgery for vocal cord polyps, primarily involving these three factors.