Vocal chord inflammation
Inflammation of the vocal chords can have various causes. Inflammation caused by viruses is distinguished from inflammation caused by repeated irritation or misuse (incorrect singing or walking technique). The symptoms of an inflammation of the vocal cords are manifold.
Often vocal chord inflammation leads to hoarseness or to a compulsion to clear the throat. Speaking can sometimes also cause pain and discomfort. Vocal chord inflammation is usually treated in the same way as a cold, for example with inhalations, onion juice, sage and the wearing of scarves.
Antibiotic therapy should only be considered in cases of bacterial infestation. For prevention, breathing and voice exercises are useful. Warming up the voice before singing is also an effective prevention.
Vocal cord irritation
Irritation of the vocal chords can have various causes. As a rule, acute irritation is distinguished from chronic irritation. The former can, for example, be caused by an infection or an inhalation trauma (inhalation of hot air in a fire).
Chronic irritation is more likely to occur on the floor in the event of repeated contact with harmful substances such as chemicals or nicotine. Vocal cord irritation often leads to a foreign body sensation as well as to a compulsion to clear one’s throat. Hoarseness can also occur.
Chronic irritation of the vocal cords can lead to inflammation or to vocal cord leukoplakia. The latter is the preliminary stage of cancer. The therapy of choice is to avoid contact with the pollutant or to fight the cause of the irritation.
Torn vocal cord
Tears of the vocal cords are often caused by previous damage to the vocal cords and acute stress. If the vocal cords are stressed intensively and without previous warming up, small tears can occur up to a complete tear. The vocal cords are stressed by intensive screams (so-called “scream”) or a wrong singing technique.
To prevent tears, it is recommended to warm up the voice before singing and to take regular singing breaks. Learning to sing correctly can also protect against damage. Smoking also damages the structure of the vocal chords.
If the vocal chords are torn, pain, hoarseness and vocal changes occur. Depending on the degree of injury, a rupture of the vocal chords can lead to dumbness. It is possible to surgically reattach the vocal cords to prevent complete dumbness.