What should not be eaten with vocal cord polyps?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 24, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological ailment. In terms of diet, it is advised not to consume spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, and black pepper, as well as foods that are likely to cause allergies. These foods can directly irritate the throat and vocal cords, potentially exacerbating symptoms such as hoarseness and possibly causing throat pain and a sensation of a foreign object in the throat. Patients with vocal cord polyps should visit an otolaryngology clinic after symptoms appear. Routine blood tests and laryngoscopy can help determine the specific cause and extent of the condition, which then facilitates targeted treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common type of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disease. Some cases require surgical treatment, while others can be managed conservatively. If the vocal cord polyp is small and the clinical symptoms are not particularly obvious, conservative treatment with medication is generally recommended. Common treatments include oral medication and nebulizer therapy; if conditions permit, voice training can also be considered. Additionally, it is necessary to have regular check-ups to monitor changes in the vocal cord polyp. If the polyp is large and does not respond well to conservative medical treatment, surgical treatment might be considered, but regular post-operative check-ups are also necessary. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are an occupying lesion in the throat area, taking the form of relatively larger polypoid formations. Vocal cord polyps typically require surgical removal, mainly performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. In the early stages of vocal cord polyps or when the polyps are small, some doctors may use medications, such as corticosteroid hormones or certain traditional Chinese medicines that clear the voice and benefit the throat. However, as vocal cord polyps tend to grow larger, reaching the extent of polyp development, it is difficult to treat them with medications alone and eliminate them pharmacologically. Thus, the prevailing recommendation for vocal cord polyps is surgical removal.

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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What to eat after vocal cord polyp surgery

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, typically affecting one side. Clinically, the removal of vocal cord polyps is usually done under a microscope-supported laryngoscopy. Post-operative dietary guidelines include: 1. Eating can generally resume six hours after anesthesia has fully worn off, with a requirement for a bland diet. Consuming spicy and stimulating foods, such as tobacco, alcohol, and chili peppers, must be avoided. 2. Since hospital stays for vocal cord polyp surgery are relatively short, after discharge, one can use proprietary Chinese medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice, or use corticosteroid medications concurrently. These medications can help prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps and reduce post-operative congestion and swelling of the vocal cord mucosa. 3. After surgery, a normal diet can be resumed, so long as it remains bland. However, care should be taken sometimes to avoid foods like fish, shrimp, and other seafood, which can cause allergies, as well as certain fruits like mangoes. It is advisable to minimize consumption of allergy-prone foods.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take to recover normally after vocal cord polyp surgery?

Vocal cord polyp surgery usually involves the use of general anesthesia and a supported laryngoscope for the removal of the polyps. This type of surgery is relatively minimally invasive, so the general recovery time for vocal cord polyp surgery is about two to four weeks. During this two to four week period, it is crucial to rest, which means vocal rest and speaking as little as possible to aid the healing of the mucous membrane after the polyp removal and to prevent mucosal edema due to excessive phonation, which is detrimental to recovery. Post-surgery phonation is a very important factor in determining the pace of recovery. If phonation is inaccurate post-surgery, or if there is excessive talking, the recovery time may be extended. If proper vocal rest is maintained and phonation is correct and careful, recovery can be quicker. Therefore, some people may recover in two weeks, while others may take more than four weeks or even longer. In addition to vocal rest post-surgery, it is essential to ensure accurate phonation. It is crucial not to speak in a subdued voice; speak normally when necessary, or do not speak at all.