The Three Most Common Diseases Of The Vocal Cords

Most of us have suffered from at least one of the most common diseases of the vocal cords. We have all lost our voices at some point or know someone who has recently had dysphonia. Do you want to know more about it?

The vocal cords create the vibrations that enable us to communicate through language. Some vocal cord disorders are more common, while others are less common. Yet they all have an impact on the voice.

The vocal cords are located in the larynx. In fact, they are small muscles attached to the top of the larynx. Above them are creases that are not made up of muscles and are known as the “false vocal cords”. Although they do not perform the same function, they are also involved in language.

In today’s article we want to take a closer look at the most common diseases of the vocal cords.

The three most common disorders of the vocal cords

The most common diseases of the vocal cords can be counted on one hand. These are the main speech disorders that people suffer from.

There are some people for whom an increased risk of such diseases is. For example, a teacher, because in this job the voice is used particularly intensely. In addition, people who work outdoors in cold weather are also prone to dysphonia.

Some conditions are infectious in origin, while others are due to overuse of the vocal cords. This occurs when anatomical changes occur due to the friction between the two vocal cords. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to diagnose the disease when symptoms are just developing.

The most common diseases of the vocal cords are:

• Vocal cord nodules
• laryngitis
• Polyps

We will take a closer look at these three diseases in the following article.

1. Vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules are benign thickenings on the vocal cords. They are located at their ends, blocking the space that the air should pass through. Hence the voice is affected too.

Often times, the first sign of these nodules is a change in your voice. Usually, those affected notice that they can no longer speak as before, or can no longer speak with the same intensity and tone.

The primary cause of vocal cord nodules is voice overuse. Therefore, experts rate this as an occupational disease typical of teachers or singers who use their voice for long periods of time.

However, other people can also be affected. Certain risk factors can make this disease more likely. For example, smokers are more likely to develop vocal cord nodules because nicotine irritates the vocal cords. In addition, gastroesophageal reflux is also a condition that can damage the vocal cords. The stomach acid gets into the airways and erodes the mucous membranes there.

Fortunately , these nodules are always benign. That means they cannot develop into a malignant disease like throat cancer. Therefore, at the beginning of treatment, a conservative approach with anti-inflammatory drugs is possible. In addition, the patient receives voice training therapy from a speech therapist.

However, if the nodules are relatively large and not responding to conservative treatments, or if improvement is unlikely, surgery may also be required. The patients then need appropriate rehabilitation.

2. Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx (from various causes) is called laryngitis. Although the term refers to the accumulation of inflammatory fluid throughout the structure of the organ, it is always the vocal cords that are most affected.

Therefore, dysphonia is also the most common symptom when the voice becomes hoarse or disappears completely. When you have no voice at all, this condition is known as aphonia. In addition, this condition is much more persistent than pharyngitis and can last up to three weeks in total.

In addition to the change in voice, there is usually a dry, irritating cough caused by the lack of glands in the larynx. Because this area cannot be moistened, the body does not produce mucus. However, this would be necessary in order to remove the irritant (for example a microorganism or an inert foreign body).

The causes are almost always infectious and viruses are usually responsible. Many people are prone to upper respiratory diseases, especially in winter.

Since these are viral infections, antibiotics are not usually prescribed unless there is a bacterial superinfection or the cause is a microbe, which these drugs are effective against. In addition, simple symptomatic treatment is then carried out.

Typically, your doctor will recommend that you conserve your voice and take anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the build-up of fluid in the larynx tissue. Inhalations also help make the mucus more fluid. Usually no smear is taken. This only happens if your doctor suspects a bacterial cause.

3. Polyps of the vocal cords

Then there are polyps. Although they are very similar to the vocal cord nodules, there are still differences. Generally, these are protuberances on the vocal cords that protrude and block the area through which air normally flows.

It is a commonly diagnosed vocal cord disorder when a patient with voice problems visits a doctor’s office. If you lose your voice or the tone of your voice changes, these are clear indications that you should be examined by a doctor.

In addition, polyps can also result from voice overuse, which explains why they are often referred to as “degenerate polyposis”. This suggests that the underlying process is a change in the tissue of the vocal cords. Because these bulge out unusually strongly in the form of polyps.

In addition to the physical examination , the attending physician can also perform a laryngoscopy to confirm the presence of the polyps. This exam is performed with a flexible device that is inserted through the nose. With the help of the very small light and the camera, the doctor can examine the current condition of the vocal cords.

What should you do if you have vocal cord disease?

If you suspect you have vocal cord nodules or polyps, it is best to see an ENT doctor. This specialist has all the expertise to carry out the examinations necessary for diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to help you with winter laryngitis with persistent dysphonia.

However, you should definitely see a doctor for a professional diagnosis before you start self-medication.