Can you still sing with vocal cord nodules?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on June 29, 2025
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Vocal cord nodules are best left unsung. Vocal cord nodules result from improper use of the voice over a long period, overexertion, shouting loudly, and irritation from acid reflux. This bilateral vocal cord lesion can cause persistent worsening hoarseness in patients. If a patient experiences prolonged hoarseness, an examination with an endoscopic laryngoscope at the hospital can reveal a symmetrical, smooth-surfaced neoplasm located at the anterior middle third of both vocal cords. This leads to incomplete closure of the glottis, thereby causing hoarseness. In terms of treatment, the vocal cord nodules require the surgical removal under a supported laryngoscope. The surgery requires hospitalization under general anesthesia, and antibiotics are used postoperatively to avoid local infections. Recovery and hospital discharge can typically occur about a week later. Additionally, patients need to follow a bland diet, abstain from smoking and alcohol, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and importantly, refrain from singing.

Other Voices

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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord nodules be treated with medication?

Vocal cord nodules are small, dot-like or nodular protrusions occurring on the free edges of both vocal cords. These protrusions are quite small, and are primarily diagnosed using an electronic laryngoscope in clinical settings. For the treatment of vocal cord nodules, we can use certain medications, such as Huang's Resonant Voice Pills and Qingyin Sanjie Pills, which generally have relatively good effects. However, in clinical practice, we cannot rely solely on medication to treat vocal cord nodules. It is fundamental in the treatment of vocal cord nodules to avoid misuse of the voice. Attention must be paid to the training of correct pronunciation methods. Only through such measures can vocal cord nodules be fully treated, preventing recurrence or further development into vocal cord polyps.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if the vocal cord nodules become fibrotic?

Vocal cord nodules fibrosis is relatively common. Firstly, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology department for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. If the symptoms of hoarseness are not very pronounced and the vocal cord nodules are small, it is recommended to rest the voice and avoid excessive use of the voice, with regular follow-ups. If the vocal cord nodules are larger and accompanied by hoarseness, it may be necessary to consider oral medication and nebulization treatment. During the treatment process, laryngoscopy should be repeatedly done to monitor changes in the nodules. A small number of patients may require surgical removal if conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if conservative treatment for vocal cord nodules is not effective?

Vocal cord nodules are nodular lesions located at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords, primarily caused by excessive speaking and incorrect pronunciation, commonly seen in individuals who overuse their voice. The main treatment approach begins with conservative management, which crucially requires voice rest as a fundamental condition, supplemented by medication. Common medications include nebulized inhalation therapy and some traditional Chinese medicines. If conservative treatment fails to achieve satisfactory results after six months, surgical intervention should be proactively considered rather than continuing observation. Prolonged vocal cord nodules, if not effectively managed conservatively, could potentially develop into vocal cord polyps, exacerbating the condition, thus necessitating surgical treatment. Therefore, if conservative treatment proves ineffective over six months, it is advisable to opt for early surgical intervention, which involves less trauma and yields better recovery.