Foods to avoid with vocal cord polyps

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 11, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms of the vocal cords, clinically primarily polyps at the anterior end of the vocal cords, mainly manifesting as hoarseness. The treatment mainly involves the removal of the vocal cord polyps under a microscope or endoscope. After surgery, we need to pay attention to certain dietary aspects. First, some spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers and alcohol, should be avoided. Second, it is important to regulate the temperature of foods; overly cold items, such as popsicles, or overly hot items, such as hot pot, should be consumed with caution. The third point is to avoid certain foods that can cause allergies, such as mangoes, especially if the patient has an allergic constitution; these should be avoided or minimized in the diet.

Other Voices

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking Chinese medicine?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms on the free edge of our vocal cords. Once vocal cord polyps form, they are difficult to eliminate through medication and are generally removed surgically, as they are usually relatively large. In terms of using Chinese medicine, clinically, we mainly use Chinese patent medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice. However, these can only serve as an adjunctive treatment and cannot eliminate vocal cord polyps. Therefore, in clinical treatment, surgery is primarily used. Chinese medicine cannot eliminate vocal cord polyps, and this is something we must understand.

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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What does it feel like to have vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps generally do not cause any special sensations by themselves, but some patients may experience pain, stiffness, and fatigue. The main symptom is a hoarse voice, meaning the voice becomes raspier than before, making it difficult to articulate, especially when trying to sing or speak in high tones. In addition to hoarseness, other symptoms can include a feeling of vocal fatigue, throat pain, and an irritating cough. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person, with hoarseness being the primary manifestation.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take for vocal cord polyps to go away with medication?

Vocal cord polyps do not respond to medical treatment. The majority of vocal cord polyps are caused by improper or excessive use of the voice, such as prolonged speaking, overexertion, and shouting, leading to vocal cord lesions. The disease typically affects one vocal cord, causing the patient to have persistent and progressively worsening hoarseness. During an examination with a laryngoscope, a smooth, pale white or pale red neoplasm with a thin stalk can be seen at the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The vocal cord moves well but does not close completely. In terms of treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord nodules and polyps. The patient needs to undergo a vocal cord polypectomy under a support laryngoscopy. This surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative use of antibiotics to prevent local infection. Recovery and discharge can typically occur about a week post-operation. After recovery, patients are advised to speak softly and minimally, and avoid exhaustion to prevent recurrence. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should be noted for vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions on our vocal cords. It is important to note that vocal cord polyps should be surgically removed promptly since once formed, they are unlikely to completely disappear with medication alone. Secondly, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, it is crucial to rest your voice, avoid talking too much, and refrain from shouting loudly, among other activities. Thirdly, diet should be nutritionally rich and light, easily digestible. Avoid using substances that are spicy and irritating, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and chili peppers. Additionally, if there are any pulmonary diseases, like gastroesophageal reflux disease, they should be actively treated.