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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Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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What are the symptoms of vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps refer to inflammatory neoplasms located at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the vocal cords, caused by excessive or improper voice use. They may be pink, smooth, or grayish-white. Their bases are relatively wide, and some even have a pedicle because a neoplasm arises in the front middle third of the vocal cords. Therefore, patients with this condition often have difficulty closing the glottis while speaking, and hoarseness is a main symptom of vocal cord polyps. As the condition worsens, the glottis closes poorly. Speaking requires a great deal of effort to produce sound, thus making speaking laborious is another primary symptom of vocal cord polyps.

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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
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How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one eat normally?

Vocal cord polyps are mucous-like formations on the vocal cords. Clinically, vocal cord polyps are primarily removed through surgery. These polyps are benign lesions located in the vocal fold area, not in the digestive tract or the pharynx, therefore, they do not affect eating or swallowing. After surgery for vocal cord polyps, a patient can normally eat four to six hours after waking from general anesthesia. However, care must be taken not to cough violently while eating, and spicy or irritating foods should be consumed less or avoided altogether. This does not mean that one cannot eat normally after surgery for vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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The difference between vocal cord polyps and pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is primarily a nonspecific inflammation of the throat, which can be divided into acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis. Acute pharyngitis is mainly caused by bacterial infections affecting the mucous membrane and submucosal tissues of the throat, leading to symptoms such as dry throat, burning sensation, sore throat, and pain when swallowing. The main pathogens involved are often streptococcus and staphylococcus, among others. Patients with chronic pharyngitis mainly experience a foreign body sensation in the throat, along with dryness and itchiness. In contrast, patients with vocal cord polyps, which mainly differ from pharyngitis, exhibit hoarseness. Typically, pharyngitis patients do not exhibit obvious hoarseness. Differentiation between the two can be achieved through an examination with a laryngoscope, which can determine the presence of obvious polyp growth on the vocal cords, thereby distinguishing between vocal cord polyps and pharyngitis.

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Causes of vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are a common condition in otolaryngology, with the main causes as follows: First, talking a lot. Here, talking a lot refers to normal speaking due to work or lifestyle reasons. Being in a work environment that requires extended periods of talking can lead to the development of vocal cord polyps over time. Second, improper voicing. Some people speak very hurriedly and tend to shout loudly; such habits over a prolonged period can lead to swelling of the vocal cord mucosa, which further develops into vocal cord polyps. Third, smoking. Patients who smoke heavily and for long periods can also develop vocal cord polyps, often compounded by speaking a lot while smoking, making it one of the most common causes of vocal cord polyps. Fourth, working or living in environments with significant pollution, drinking less water, and exposure to lots of dust are also common reasons.