Can you smoke with vocal cord polyps?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 06, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. It is advised not to smoke in daily life, as cigarettes contain many chemical substances that have direct irritative effects on the mucous membranes and vocal cords, potentially worsening the condition of vocal cord polyps and possibly leading to further hoarseness. Moreover, long-term smoking may also lead to cancerous changes in the vocal cords and cause laryngeal cancer. Therefore, for such patients, it is recommended to abstain from smoking and drinking, and to regularly visit an otolaryngologist for a laryngoscopic examination to check the status of the vocal cord polyps. Some patients may also require surgical removal of the polyps.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps cause coughing?

Vocal cord polyps generally do not cause coughing in patients. Vocal cord polyps are vocal cord lesions caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting loudly, excessive yelling, or irritation of the vocal cords by acid reflux. They primarily cause the patient's voice to be hoarse and progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally occur on one side. When examined with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth-surfaced, light red or pale white abnormal growth can be found on the anterior middle third of one vocal cord. The glottis moves well, but closure is incomplete, causing persistent hoarseness in the patient. In terms of treatment, conservative treatment for vocal cord polyps is ineffective, and patients need to undergo surgical treatment. The surgery can be performed with a support laryngoscope to remove the vocal cord polyp. Hospitalization is required for the surgery, and recovery with discharge is possible within about a week.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Why does vocal cord polyp surgery require general anesthesia?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common type of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disorder. For larger polyps where conservative treatment with medication is ineffective, surgical treatment should be considered. Currently, the main surgical procedure is the excision of vocal cord polyps under a supported laryngoscope, which requires general anesthesia. This is because the procedure is difficult for patients to endure without general anesthesia, as the supported laryngoscope is a type of metal tube that needs to be inserted through the mouth into the pharynx. Local anesthesia would be insufficient as patients might struggle to cooperate and tolerate the pain or nausea, hence general anesthesia is necessary for the surgery.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative Precautions for Vocal Cord Polyps

Vocal cord polyps are a common and frequent condition in otolaryngology, and the following precautions should be noted after surgery for vocal cord polyps: First, do not consume spicy, irritating food and cold drinks to avoid postoperative bleeding or poor recovery of the voice. Second, it is important to maintain silence, preferably for 2-4 weeks, to help the rapid recovery of the vocal cord mucous membrane. Third, in daily life, it is necessary to reduce vocal strain, avoid shouting, to prevent acute congestion and inflammation of the vocal cord mucous membrane, and prevent postoperative recurrence.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How many days before you can speak with vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, primarily presenting clinically as hoarseness. The formation of vocal cord polyps involves various factors, among which the most significant is the misuse of the voice. Clinically, the main treatment for vocal cord polyps is surgical removal. After the surgery for vocal cord polyps, it is important to speak less and speak normally. In fact, after the surgery for vocal cord polyps, one can speak upon waking up, but should not misuse the voice. It is crucial to speak less and avoid using a falsetto voice, as speaking in falsetto can further damage the vocal cords. Therefore, the rule to follow is to speak normally and speak less.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps fear oil smoke?

Polyps on the vocal cords are a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms. The most common symptom is hoarseness. Some patients may also feel like there is a foreign body in their throat or experience throat pain. It is recommended to avoid exposure to cooking fumes as much as possible, as they are quite irritating and can directly stimulate the mucous membrane of the throat. Such exposure can also cause coughing and thus irritate the vocal cords. Frequent contact with cooking fumes can potentially worsen hoarseness. Of course, it is even more important to receive timely treatment. Most patients can consider medication therapy, although a small number may need to undergo surgery to remove the vocal cord polyps. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)