If the symptoms of hoarseness or difficulty speaking persists for more than 2 weeks, ‘vocal nodules’ should be suspected. In particular, if the symptoms are more sensitive when singing than when talking, it is most likely a vocal nodule. Vocal nodule is a disease that causes nodules in the vocal cords due to repeated high-pitched and high-pitched voices. Learn more regarding the symptoms and management methods of vocal nodules with Hidak experts.
Q. I am curious regarding the causes and symptoms of vocal cord nodules.
The vocal cords are composed of an epithelial cell layer, a connective tissue layer, and a muscle layer. This is the organ that allows us to breathe and make sounds. Nodules in the vocal cords often occur in people who use their neck a lot. Vocal nodules are one of the vocal diseases, and most of them are basically caused by problems with vocalization or weak vocal cord function. It is a disease that can appear mainly due to incorrect use of the vocal cords, such as △speaking loudly, △screaming, △using the neck severely for a long time. There are many.
– Hidak Otolaryngology Consultant Ahn Cheol-min (Pranai Otolaryngology Department)
Q. In what cases and how is treatment performed?
A hoarse voice is the most common symptom when there is an abnormality in the vocal cords, the core organ that produces the voice. Usually, mild hoarseness improves within 2 weeks with plenty of rest and plenty of water. However, if symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, it becomes difficult to expect a natural recovery.
Vocal nodules are diagnosed by inserting a laryngoscope into the neck and directly observing the condition of the neck. Usually, if you combine voice therapy with medication, you can recover your voice more quickly. If surgery is unavoidable, please note that there are surgeries that can preserve the original voice by accurately acting only on the affected area without damaging the surface of the vocal cords.
– Hidak Otolaryngology Consultant Ju Hyung-ro (Hana Otolaryngology Hospital)
Q. How to manage vocal nodules?
First of all, you need a voice break. Talk as little as possible and avoid loud or whispering sounds. Drink plenty of water to keep your vocal cords from drying out, and avoid caffeine, soda, alcohol, and smoking as they dry out your vocal cords. Acid reflux also causes the vocal cords to swell and has an adverse effect, so do not lie down immediately following eating and it is recommended to sit for regarding 2 hours. If there is no improvement despite these efforts and it is repeated, the best way is to receive voice therapy.
– Hidak Otolaryngology Consulting Doctor Oh-Jin Kwon (Ping ENT Clinic)
Q. Is it mandatory to quit smoking on Vocal Node Day?
Because smoking absolutely adversely affects the vocal cords, quitting smoking is essential for all vocal cord diseases. If you smoke, the vocal cords become very dry, and the dry vocal cords become easily swollen and inflamed. Then, even if you speak a little or shout aloud, your voice will easily rest. Therefore, if you have vocal cord disease, you should absolutely quit smoking. The same goes for e-cigarettes.
– Hidak Otolaryngology Consulting Doctor Oh-Jin Kwon (Ping ENT Clinic)
*This article has been reconstructed from a Hidak expert’s answer.
Help = Hidak Consultant Ahn Cheol-min (Pranai Otolaryngology Specialist), Hidak Consultant Joo Hyung-ro (Hana Otolaryngology Hospital otolaryngology specialist), Hidak Consultant Kwon Oh-jin (Ping otolaryngology and otolaryngology specialist)