What should I do if vocal cord nodules recur?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 13, 2025
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Vocal cord nodules, if recurrent, must be treated surgically. The causes of vocal cord nodules are numerous and include improper or excessive use of the voice, shouting loudly, and irritation from acid reflux, leading to bilateral vocal cord lesions. This condition can cause the patient to have persistent hoarseness. If a patient experiences prolonged hoarseness, they must visit a hospital to undergo a laryngoscopic examination to determine the cause. Vocal cord nodules typically occur at the anterior middle third of both vocal cords, where patients may observe a pale white, symmetric, smooth-surfaced abnormal growth. In terms of treatment, surgery is necessary as medication is ineffective. The procedure involves the removal of the vocal cord nodules under a support laryngoscope, requiring hospitalization and general anesthesia. Post-surgery, antibiotics are used to prevent local infections, and patients can usually recover and be discharged within about a week.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord nodules require hospitalization?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition, generally not requiring hospitalization. Initially, it is recommended to visit an ENT outpatient clinic for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. Treatment usually involves outpatient medication, commonly using nebulization therapy, in combination with oral traditional Chinese medicine and vocal rehabilitation training. With these treatments, the condition gradually improves. For a small portion of patients with severe vocal cord nodules and significant hoarseness, if conservative treatment does not relieve symptoms, hospitalization and surgery may be considered.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord nodules be treated with acupuncture?

Vocal cord nodules are bilateral symmetrical benign protrusions that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords, and these protrusions are very small. Clinically, treatment is mainly through medication and primarily through vocal rest, which means speaking less. Thus, vocal cord nodules generally do not require treatment with acupuncture, as acupuncture does not have a significant effect on vocal cord nodules. However, if the vocal cord nodules are accompanied by other factors, the acupuncture treatment is for those other factors and not an indication for the vocal cord nodules. In summary, vocal cord nodules do not need acupuncture treatment, and acupuncture does not have much effect on vocal cord nodules.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord nodules voice repair how many days

Vocal cord nodules must be completely silenced for one week. Vocal cord nodules are caused by long-term improper use of voice, loud fatigue, and excessive shouting, leading to vocal cord lesions. Usually, it involves both vocal cords. This condition causes persistent hoarseness in the patient. An examination with an electronic laryngoscope can reveal a symmetrical, smooth-surfaced neoplasm at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords, causing persistent hoarseness in the patient. In terms of treatment, the patient needs to undergo vocal cord nodule removal surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires inpatient general anesthesia, postoperative use of antibiotics, and complete voice rest for a week to prevent recurrence after surgery. Postoperatively, the patient also needs to follow a light diet, abstain from smoking and drinking, and avoid spicy and irritating foods. If hoarseness is noticed, an electronic laryngoscopy check is mandatory at the hospital. If there is a recurrence, further local surgical treatment is needed.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink honey with vocal cord nodules?

Patients with vocal cord nodules can drink honey. Honey is a common food that does not exacerbate the condition of vocal cord nodules, nor does it affect the treatment outcome of vocal cord nodules. However, long-term consumption of honey is not recommended due to its high sugar content, which may lead to excessive sugar intake and impact overall health. For patients with vocal cord nodules, it is necessary to visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department after the onset of symptoms for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment may include oral medications combined with nebulization therapy. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are needed to monitor the effects of the treatment. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How should vocal cord nodules be treated?

The treatment of vocal cord nodules mainly prioritizes conservative management, focusing on pharmacotherapy and simultaneously recommending voice training. Regarding medications, oral traditional Chinese medicines are commonly used, along with inhaled corticosteroids, generally requiring one to two weeks of treatment. Additionally, voice training is necessary to avoid excessive voice use, as it can exacerbate symptoms of hoarseness and lead to recurrent vocal cord nodules. If standardized medication treatments fail and severe hoarseness prevails, a small proportion of patients might consider undergoing vocal cord nodule removal surgery under laryngoscopy. Overall, surgery is not the first option, but its results are relatively definitive.