Inflamed Vocal Cords: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Options

Inflammation of the vocal cords causes pain and an altered voice. It could be an infection or voice strain. How can you treat inflamed vocal cords? Find out more about this topic today.

Inflamed vocal cords  can be recognized by a changed voice and pain in the neck area. In winter, cold temperatures or changes in temperature are often responsible for this, but it can also be an occupational disease.

The vocal cords are a part of the vocal folds that, together with a layer of muscle and a mucous membrane, form the vocal apparatus that  enables us to produce sounds. The vocal muscle can contract the vocal cords to varying degrees, thereby opening or closing the glottis. As a result, the sound that is produced changes. The vocal folds vibrate when you speak. The faster they move, the higher the resulting sound.

Today you can find out interesting facts about the causes of inflammation of the vocal cords and what you can do about it.

Causes of inflamed vocal cords

The vocal cords can become completely or partially inflamed, and the  causes may or may not be infectious. 

Viruses and bacteria often cause inflammation of the vocal cords. Pharyngitis, which also affects the vocal cords, occurs particularly often in autumn and winter, when the temperatures drop and encourage the spread of viruses or other pathogens.

To defend itself,  the immune system activates the white blood cells and immunoglobulins in the affected area. This improves the blood flow, which can lead to a collapse because the vocal cords are very thin. They therefore no longer function normally during this process.

An infectious laryngitis (laryngitis) can last up to three weeks, even if the causative pathogen is no longer present. This is because the immune system is still active and the inflammation does not go away as quickly.

Non-infectious causes are  often to be found in the professional environment. Teachers, broadcasters, lecturers, or speakers are particularly at risk as they often overload their voices, which can also lead to lumps or polyps.

If it is an occupational disease, forensic medicine is responsible for the study. A lack of prevention in the workplace, especially in schools, is often responsible for this.

Overloading the voice for long periods of time, lack of hydration, and speaking loudly, fluid builds up in the small muscles in the throat as they rub against each other. If it happens repeatedly, a chronic disease can develop.

Inflamed vocal cords: symptoms

The first sign of an inflamed vocal cord or larynx is an altered voice. But there are other symptoms that indicate this.

In some people, the voice becomes quieter and so they try to speak louder, which puts additional strain on the vocal cords. Others lose their voice completely, then one speaks of an afonie (voicelessness).

Furthermore, there is usually pain when swallowing, which can be mistaken for a sore throat. Pharyngitis is usually very painful and continuous. This can also have a negative impact on recovery and sleep. 

Snoring is also one of the symptoms of vocal cord inflammation. This is even more evident in overweight patients, because as soon as they lie down, the weight of the neck presses harder on the larynx and hinders breathing.

The worst form of inflammation is vocal cord palsy, or vocal cord paralysis. Since these are muscles, constant exertion can exhaust them. They can even lose their characteristic muscle tone.

Treatment of inflammation of the vocal cords

Treatment for this disease depends on the causes. A viral infection requires a different treatment than an occupational disease caused by overexertion. The treatment of chronic dysfonia is also different than if it is just a temporary infection that goes away in a few days.

The most common treatment options, taking into account different causes, are:

• Viral laryngitis:  It is the most common cause of inflamed vocal cords. However, there is no specific treatment in this case because antibiotics are useless. It is advisable to take care of your voice and give it time to recover. Sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs are needed to relieve the pain and liquefy the secretions. Cough suppressants are not recommended because they have no advantages in this case.

• Nodules and polyps:  These adhesions on the vocal cords require laryngoscopy for examination and simultaneous treatment. The device, which contains a camera and surgical tools, is inserted through the nose. Polyps can be removed if necessary. If this is not possible, a speech therapist can help in most cases.
• Larynx cancer:  In this case, oncological therapy is necessary, which depends on the severity of the disease and the patient’s condition. Possible forms of treatment are surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods.

When is a doctor’s visit necessary?

The vocal cords are delicate organs, so their care is very important. Because they are constantly in use so that we can communicate with other people. 

If you have hoarseness, sore throat or throat, you should always see a doctor to be on the safe side. If the larynx is viral, the doctor will prescribe conservative treatment and rest. However, if there is a suspicion of lumps or polyps, the ENT doctor will carry out invasive treatment. Trust your doctor!