Dietary precautions for vocal cord nodules

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, are most commonly seen in professions such as teachers, singers, and speakers. These professions generally involve extensive use of the voice, which can lead to the development of bilateral symmetrical nodules on the vocal cords, primarily causing the patient to have a hoarse voice and difficulty continuing with their work. Treatment generally requires surgery, although milder cases may be treated with medication. During and after the treatment, whether surgical or medicinal, attention must be paid to certain lifestyle and dietary practices. Dietary precautions mainly involve avoiding spicy and irritating foods, as well as reducing smoking and alcohol consumption. In terms of lifestyle, it is important to minimize voice use as much as possible within the first month after surgery to avoid further strain on the vocal cords.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat fish with vocal cord nodules?

Patients with vocal cord nodules can eat fish, as fish is a common food and it does not have direct side effects or exacerbate existing symptoms related to vocal cord nodules, nor does it conflict with medications used to treat vocal cord nodules. It is recommended that patients with vocal cord nodules adopt a lighter diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and it is advised not to smoke or drink alcohol. Regular check-ups at an otolaryngology department are also recommended. If symptoms like hoarseness occur, it is necessary to combine treatment with traditional Chinese medicine taken orally and nebulization therapy. During the treatment process, regular check-ups are required to observe the treatment effects, and a small number of patients may need surgical treatment. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician regarding medication usage.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord nodules require surgery?

Vocal cord nodules refer to symmetrical nodular elevations that appear on the free edges of both vocal cords. These nodules are mostly grain-like or granular protrusions. Vocal cord nodules are often caused by incorrect pronunciation, overuse of the voice, or screaming loudly, which are inappropriate vocal habits. Generally, most vocal cord nodules will disappear on their own after resting the voice, speaking less, and using the voice correctly. Therefore, as explained above, vocal cord nodules do not require surgical treatment. Surgery is only necessary if the vocal cord nodules continue to develop uncontrollably, evolving into vocal cord polyps or other pathological changes.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to treat vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, are typically located at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds of both vocal cords, featuring symmetrical nodular protrusions. They are more commonly found in individuals who use their voices professionally, such as singers, teachers, or other vocations that involve frequent shouting, as well as in children. Prolonged or improper use of the voice is a major cause of this condition. Therefore, during treatment, voice rest is primarily advised. Early stage vocal cord nodules can spontaneously resolve with sufficient vocal rest, and nodules in children often disappear naturally during puberty. Additionally, medication can be used for treatment, such as traditional Chinese medicines, including Jin Sang San Jie Wan and Kai Yin Pills. If conservative treatment fails, surgical removal of the vocal cord nodules under fiberoptic laryngoscopy can be performed, followed by a two-week voice rest period. Post-surgery, it is recommended to inhale medicated vapors, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, avoid staying up late, and refrain from excessive voice use or shouting.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat fish with vocal cord nodules?

Patients with vocal cord nodules who do not have an allergic constitution can eat fish. Vocal cord nodules are benign growths on the surface of the vocal cords, typically occurring bilaterally and symmetrically, mainly characterized by hoarseness. Their development is primarily associated with improper voice usage or long-term vocal abuse. For vocal cord nodules, patients are advised to talk less and maintain a light diet. Patients with vocal cord nodules can eat fish, but we must prevent some patients from doing so because some of them have an allergic constitution. Fish is a high-protein food, and consuming it may trigger allergic reactions in these patients. The onset of an allergic reaction can also lead to congestion and swelling of the vocal cord mucosa, further worsening the hoarseness and aggravating the condition of the vocal cord nodules. Therefore, it is best for these patients to avoid eating fish.

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

Vocal cord nodules are benign occupying lesions occurring on the free edge of our bilateral vocal cords, and they mainly manifest clinically as progressive hoarseness. Clinically, treatment primarily involves medication. The main treatments are some traditional Chinese medicines that clear the throat, such as Huang's Resounding Pills, and some corticosteroid medications can also be used. In addition to medication, clinical treatment of vocal cord nodules also involves attention to proper vocalization techniques and avoiding the misuse of the voice. With a combination of these methods, the vast majority of cases can be cured, meaning that through medication and proper vocal techniques, most can be healed.