Major symptoms of vocal cord lesions and their treatment

Major Symptoms of Vocal Cord Lesions and Their Treatment

A voice disorder may be caused by different factors, physical ailments and diseases. The majority of voice problems is not caused by life threatening factors and can be treated easily.

Almost every disorder related to the larynx can be caused by more than one symptom, Like hoarseness, limitations in loudness, increased vocal effort and shortness of breath may be a sign of larynx disorder.

The seriousness of the voice symptom does not necessarily correspond to any serious underlying disease. The only way to find out this problem can be evaluated by a laryngologist.

Vocal fold lesions are one of the most common causes of the voice problems.

Generally, a lesion is an infected area. There are mainly three types of lesions named as nodules, polyps and cysts.

Vocal Fold Nodules- Also known as singer's or screamer nodes, it appears on the both sides of the vocal cords. These lesions also disappear by the time when you stop misusing your voice.

Vocal Fold polyp- It usually occurs only on one side of the vocal cord in different shapes and sizes. Mainly, a polyp is an extra piece of tissue that grows inside your body.

Vocal Fold Cyst- A cyst is a firm mass of tissue or fluid collection inside the vocal cord.

Causes or Contributing FactorsThe exact reason for the Vocal Cord Lesions is undefined, but there is an evidence that they occur after overuse of the voice. Speaking in a proper pitch, yelling, too much talk or talking when you are sick.

Signs and SymptomsHoarseness or a change in your voice quality is the first signs of these vocal problems. You can experience different type of voice disorder and it will depend mainly on the condition of the polyp, nodule or cyst.

Some other typical symptoms include:             

Unreliable voice Vocal fatigue Hoarse and rough voice quality Low, gravelly voice Low pitch Voice breaks in the beginning of sentences Airy or breathy voice Delayed voice initiation Inability to sing in high, soft voice Extra force needed for voice Need increased effort to speak or sing Frequent throat clearing Voice is “hard to find”

Diagnosis: At the medical centers, your health experts will ask for your complete history of the problem, evaluate your speaking method and will also examine your vocal cords to find out the exact reason. They will also examine to evaluate the extent to which these conditions are affecting your voice like Acid reflux disease, allergies, side effects of medications, hormonal imbalances and treatment.

However, the surgery is also performed that is called laryngoscope. But, it is a rare condition. Most of the laryngitis is treated through non-surgical treatment options like voice rest, voice therapy, singing voice therapy and ayurvedic medicines.