Can I smoke with vocal cord nodules?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 24, 2025
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Patients with vocal cord nodules are advised not to smoke, as cigarettes have a relatively strong irritant effect and directly stimulate the vocal cords. This may exacerbate the condition of vocal cord nodules and may also cause further hoarseness. Moreover, smokers are at a higher risk of developing cancerous changes in the vocal cords. Therefore, patients should not smoke or drink alcohol and should regularly visit an otolaryngologist for a laryngoscopy to monitor the changes in the vocal cord nodules. Most patients can achieve good control and relief of their condition through timely medication treatment and nebulization, with only a small number needing to consider surgical treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are a common and frequently occurring disease in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, so it is advisable to first visit the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery department when seeking medical treatment.In some hospitals, there are specialized departments such as the laryngology department or a sub-discipline specifically for laryngology, where one can opt to see a throat specialist or a laryngologist.Additionally, in some hospitals where the departments are not specifically divided, the ophthalmology and otolaryngology departments are combined and referred to as the department of otorhinolaryngology, so one can also visit this department.Vocal cord nodules are a common disease in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, therefore, one should primarily consult the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery department.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is surgery necessary for vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are benign lesions on the vocal cords, primarily characterized by bilateral symmetrical protrusions on the free edge of the vocal cords. These protrusions are small and nodular. The majority of vocal cord nodules do not require surgical intervention and are mainly treated with medication. For those vocal cord nodules that do not improve with medication or voice correction, they may gradually progress to vocal cord polyps or other lesions. Only after an assessment deems surgery appropriate, is surgery considered. Overall, vocal cord nodules do not require surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if vocal cord nodules recur?

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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Is the surgery for vocal cord nodules uncomfortable?

Surgery for vocal cord nodules is not particularly uncomfortable, and as of now, it is not the first-choice treatment option. In fact, most patients can consider conservative treatment. This generally involves oral medications and nebulization therapy, and voice rehabilitation training can also be considered. Most patients can effectively control and alleviate their condition after standardized conservative treatment. If the effects of standardized conservative treatment are not satisfactory, surgery may be considered. The current surgical options include microlaryngoscopic surgery or vocal cord nodule excision under fiberoptic laryngoscopy, both of which are minimally invasive and cause minor damage. General anesthesia can also be considered; during the surgery, patients do not feel particularly uncomfortable. After the surgery, it mainly requires voice rest and continuing with nebulization therapy.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What nebulization is used for vocal cord nodules?

Nebulized inhalation is very effective in treating vocal cord nodules. It requires the use of corticosteroids, as corticosteroids can reduce congestion and edema on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, which is helpful for the recovery of vocal cord nodules. Vocal cord nodules are caused by improper or excessive use of the voice over a long period, loud and strenuous talking, and irritation from gastric acid reflux, leading to congestion, edema, and hyperplasia of the vocal cord surface mucosa. Patients may experience persistent hoarseness that progressively worsens. Vocal cord nodules are generally bilateral. Examination with a laryngoscope can reveal pale, granular neoplasms at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords. Conservative treatment, such as nebulized inhalation, can be very effective initially. Voice rest, or refraining from speaking, is also necessary. If conservative treatment is ineffective, local surgical excision may be required for a cure.