Scraping therapy is effective for vocal cord nodules

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 29, 2024
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Vocal cord nodules are ineffective with scraping therapy. Vocal cord nodules are bilateral vocal fold lesions caused by improper voice use over long periods, excessive strain, loud yelling, or irritation from gastric acid reflux. They can cause persistent hoarseness in the patient, progressively worsening over time. If a patient experiences long-term hoarseness without improvement, it is essential to undergo an examination with an electronic laryngoscope at a hospital. This can reveal a symmetrical, smooth-surfaced, protein-based abnormal growth at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords, leading to incomplete closure of the vocal folds, which results in hoarseness. Treatment requires surgical intervention, as scraping therapy is ineffective. The procedure involves the removal of the vocal cord nodules under general anesthesia with a surgical laryngoscope. Post-surgery, antibiotics are used to prevent local infection and recovery is typically within about a week for hospital discharge.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I pay attention to for vocal cord nodules usually?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disorder, and there are several aspects to be mindful of in daily life. The first aspect is to avoid excessive use of the voice. Frequent overuse can exacerbate symptoms of hoarseness and potentially worsen the condition of the vocal cord nodules. The second aspect concerns diet; it is advisable to eat lightly and avoid spicy and irritant foods. The third aspect pertains to lifestyle habits; do not smoke or drink alcohol. Both tobacco and alcohol are strong irritants to the mucous membranes and vocal cords, and they can potentially lead to a worsening of the vocal cord nodules.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord nodules are caused by what?

Vocal cord nodules are mainly caused by improper speaking, excessive speaking, emotional excitement, and shouting. The most common symptom of vocal cord nodules is a hoarse voice. This condition is often seen in people who speak a lot, such as teachers, salespeople, and singers. These include individuals who tend to shout, are impatient, and speak improperly. Such cases are commonly seen in clinics, especially among children. For example, children who shout and speak carelessly at school during the semester may develop vocal cord nodules with hoarseness as a symptom. Additionally, emotionally excitable and impatient people can develop nodules. Some grandparents, who often yell at their children at home, also tend to develop vocal cord nodules. In summary, those who speak too much, shout, mispronounce sounds, or are emotionally excitable are at risk of developing vocal cord nodules.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord nodules hurt?

Vocal cord nodules are symmetric, benign protrusions that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Clinically, the main symptoms of vocal cord nodules include a hoarse voice and fatigue after prolonged speaking, typically without any sensation of pain or causing any pain. Treatment primarily involves medication, voice therapy, and for some vocal cord nodules that appear after an acute upper respiratory infection, hormonal treatment may be required, or combined with some antibiotics. In summary, vocal cord nodules do not cause painful symptoms, and treatment focuses mainly on voice training and rest for the vocal cords.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to effectively treat vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, it initially requires a laryngoscopic examination to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, conservative treatment is considered, commonly involving oral traditional Chinese medicine and nebulization therapy. Alongside medication, it's important to avoid excessive use of the voice and to engage in vocal rehabilitation training. Most patients will see gradual improvement in symptoms of hoarseness through these conservative treatments, and nodules may also gradually diminish in some cases. If standardized conservative treatments are ineffective and the symptoms of hoarseness are particularly severe, a small number of patients may consider surgical intervention.

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

Vocal cord nodules are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, usually occurring bilaterally and symmetrically. The main clinical symptom is hoarseness. Individuals with vocal cord nodules should avoid alcohol, as drinking can cause the vocal cord mucosa to become congested and swollen, exacerbating vocal cord nodules or chronic inflammation, and worsening the condition. Additionally, alcohol can directly irritate the vocal cords because it is a spicy and irritating substance. Therefore, it is advised not to drink alcohol when you have vocal cord nodules. It is also important to avoid abusing the voice, which includes refraining from long periods of speaking and not screaming loudly. These precautions need to be adhered to.