Definition
The vocal cords, the colloquial term for vocal folds, are elastic ligaments that form part of the larynx (entrance to the windpipe). They consist of the glottis, the actual vocal cord (ligamentum vocale) and a muscle (musculus vocalis). They are important in the formation of the voice: The incoming air causes them to vibrate, sounds are produced and speech formation is possible.
The inflammation of the vocal cords can be divided into an acute and a chronic form. Inflammation is considered chronic if it lasts longer than 3 weeks. The inflammation of the vocal chords is also called laryngitis.
Symptoms
There is pain in the area of the larynx as well as a scratching in the throat with irritation of cough and difficulty swallowing. There is also hoarseness with a rough voice and even speechlessness (aphonia). Occasionally a fever can also occur.
In the chronic form, the symptoms persist for at least 3 weeks to months. If a reflux is the cause, it comes to irritable cough, which occurs mainly at night, and heartburn. With the pseud croup a similar symptomatology is seen, whereby additionally a barking cough and shortness of breath due to narrowed airways up to the fear of suffocation occur.
An inflammation of the vocal cords can spread to the entire larynx. The symptoms worsen and the severe swelling of the laryngeal mucosa can, in very rare cases, lead to breathing problems. The larynx forms the entrance to the windpipe, which is why swelling in this area can cut off the air supply and lead to breathing difficulties. This is a potentially life-threatening complication that must be treated immediately by a doctor.
Causes
The acute form is usually a descending infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose or throat), which spreads to the vocal cords. In most cases, viruses are the cause, but infection by bacteria is also possible. The most common pathogens are cold viruses (rhino- or adenoviruses), influenza viruses (Haemophilus influenzae) or pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae).
Furthermore, strong vocal stress can also lead to irritation of the vocal cords. If an acute vocal chord inflammation is only insufficiently treated, a chronic vocal chord inflammation can be the result. Furthermore, smoking, a dusty environment, the wrong vocal technique or the overloading of the voice (e.g. in singers or teachers) as well as chronic inflammation of neighboring organs can also lead to chronic inflammation.
The backflow of gastric juice into the esophagus (reflux) can also be the cause of a special form of laryngitis. One form of laryngitis that occurs mainly in small children is pseudocroup (laryngitis subglottica). This is an inflammation that can lead to severe swelling of the vocal cords. The cause is a viral infection with additional infection by bacteria.
