Home remedies
Hot drinks and keeping the neck warm with scarves or shawls have proven to be effective household remedies against swollen vocal chords.In general, sufficient fluid intake is highly recommended to protect the mucous membranes from drying out. The addition of lemon to hot drinks such as tea is somewhat critical, as the acid can additionally irritate an inflamed mucous membrane in the mouth and throat area. However, the type of tea should also be chosen with care due to its acidity.
Low acid and anti-inflammatory varieties such as sage or chamomile tea are recommended. A simple alternative to lemon is the addition of honey. But sucking candy is also good for moistening the mucous membrane by stimulating saliva production. Home-made onion juice can also bring about an improvement, but it is not superior to other household remedies and is rarely drunk because of its strong taste. The onion juice itself has a slight anti-inflammatory effect.
Chronic swollen vocal cords
Chronically swollen vocal cords are usually caused by incorrect loading of the voice-forming structures in the larynx. Frequently affected professional groups are educators, teachers or singers, but in principle it can occur in anyone. The reason for the swollen vocal cords can be incorrect speaking, too much shouting or incorrect breathing while speaking.
In frequent cases the cause is an unconscious taking of another pitch, which is more stressful for the vocal chords due to a stronger tension. The vocal muscles are also overstrained by the permanent tension. As a result, the tissue layer on the vocal chords and the mucous membranes of the larynx can become inflamed.
If the inflammation lasts longer than a few weeks, there is a risk of scarring remodelling processes that can permanently affect the voice. This is because they limit the ability of the vocal cords to vibrate by replacing elastic fibers with rigid, rigid fibers. For example, the affected person might permanently retain a thin voice.
In addition to or as an alternative to the inflammation, so-called cry nodules can also form directly on the vocal cords. Their formation is caused by the increased friction of the vocal chords against each other, for example, by singing in unusually high pitches. The nodules then rub against the other vocal cord and swirl the air for voice formation, which results in a changed voice.
Those affected should consult an ENT physician about possible therapies. In most cases, they require speech therapy treatment by a speech therapist and in individual cases minor surgery on the vocal cords. Malignant processes on the vocal cords are very rare, but should of course be clarified by a doctor if the hoarseness lasts for weeks.
