What should I do if my vocal cord polyps are inflamed?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 12, 2024
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps minimally invasive surgery, how long until discharge?

Vocal cord polyps are benign tumor-like lesions that occur on the vocal cords. Clinically, they are primarily treated through surgery, which involves the removal of the polyps. Currently, minimally invasive surgery for vocal cord polyps is mainly performed under a surgical microscope with the support of a laryngoscope. Typically, hospitalization for this surgery lasts about three to five days, although a stay of around three days may also be sufficient, and it is treated as an emergency procedure. There is a growing trend for treating vocal cord polyps as day surgery in outpatient clinics, with approximately one day of hospitalization. This means that the surgery can be performed and the patient can be discharged on the same day. Day surgery requires a certain level of medical expertise and is possible in some high-level hospitals that can support this type of outpatient procedure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps recur?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the vocal cords. Often, they are treated through surgical removal. After the removal of vocal cord polyps, there is a certain rate of recurrence. This is because the inflammation in the vocal cord area has not been fully controlled after the surgery. Recurrent and frequent upper respiratory infections stimulate the vocal cords. Also, inappropriate use of the voice, such as frequent vocalization and loud screaming, can damage the vocal cords and lead to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Other factors, such as diet, spicy and irritating foods, alcohol, and chili stimulation, can cause congestion and edema of the vocal cords to persist, leading to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of these aspects after surgery for vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps eat eggs?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms, the most common being hoarseness. If the vocal cord polyps are small, conservative treatment can be considered. If the polyps are large and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical removal may be necessary. Regarding diet, eggs can be consumed. Eggs do not worsen the condition of vocal cord polyps nor do they affect the treatment outcomes. Overall, it is recommended to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. After treatment, it is also necessary to regularly re-examine the larynx to monitor changes in the condition.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can people with vocal cord polyps drink alcohol?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of our vocal cords. People with vocal cord polyps should not drink alcohol for several main reasons: Firstly, alcohol directly irritates the vocal cords, which is a stimulatory effect. Secondly, after drinking alcohol, blood vessels dilate. The dilation of blood vessels in the vocal cord mucosa leads to vocal cord congestion and aggravated vocal cord edema, which further exacerbates inflammation. Thirdly, some patients may be allergic to alcohol. An allergic reaction can also cause congestion and increased edema of the vocal cord mucosa, worsening the condition of vocal cord polyps. Therefore, considering the aforementioned reasons, patients with vocal cord polyps cannot drink alcohol.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How long do vocal cord polyps need voice rest?

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.