Vocal Cord Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Vocal cord inflammation is an inflammatory disease of the vocal cords or vocal folds. This usually occurs as a result of overuse or an infection and manifests itself in hoarseness, frequent throat clearing and significant effort when speaking. In addition to radical sparing of the voice, the inflammation can also be treated with medication.

What is vocal cord inflammation?

By vocal cord inflammation, physicians mean a noticeable and audible inflammation of the vocal cords. The vocal cords are located in the larynx and are part of the vocal fold. They are made up of muscles and a layer of mucous membrane, and we can open or close them by breathing in and out, speaking, singing or shouting. As a result, they are constantly in motion and are under great strain. Especially in occupational groups, which naturally speak or sing a lot, vocal cord infections occur frequently. But cold viruses can also contribute to an unpleasant inflammation. It manifests itself as a permanent “lump in the throat” and hoarseness. If the voice is spared and, if necessary, supported with appropriate medication, the vocal cords can regenerate and soon be used again as usual. However, if it remains under heavy strain, nodules can form on the vocal cords, which can lead to chronic hoarseness.

Causes

The causes of vocal cord inflammation can be varied; however, in most cases, it can be attributed to two main causes. One of the most common causes of troublesome hoarseness is flu-like infections, which initially cause a sore throat. Coughing and the additional formation of mucus or pus put a strain on the vocal cords and can lead to swelling and irritation, which eventually results in inflammation. Since the voice also changes with even the slightest changes in the vocal fold, it is immediately clearly audible if the vocal cords have been affected. Diseases that require treatment, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, as well as measles and diphtheria, also often cause vocal cord inflammation. The second main reason for inflammatory changes in the vocal fold is constant overwork from speaking, singing or shouting. Occupational groups such as call center agents, singers, teachers or speakers are thus predestined for this. If cigarette consumption is added, the risk of vocal cord inflammation increases significantly once again. Vocal cord inflammation is primarily manifested by hoarseness, which can occur to varying degrees. It can range from a slightly rough voice to a complete loss of voice. In addition, there is the feeling of a constant foreign body in the throat (“lump”), which leads to frequent throat clearing. The voice is noticeably softer than usual, and speaking is generally difficult. There may also be sore throat and fever. If the vocal cord inflammation is underlying another infectious disease, shortness of breath and coughing up purulent mucus or even blood may also occur.

Symptoms, complaints, and signs

If vocal cord inflammation is suspected, the treating physician can confirm or refute it with the help of laryngoscopy and/or nasal endoscopy. The clearly audible hoarseness also helps the physician to make a definite diagnosis. In principle, an inflammation of the vocal cords usually subsides on its own if the voice is spared and, if necessary, the underlying infection is treated. However, if the voice continues to be strained or the disease spreads, the inflammation can become chronic. This may mean a permanent loss of the usual speaking voice and chronic hoarseness that cannot be reversed. In addition, nodules can form on the vocal cords in this context.

Diagnosis and course of the disease

Inflammation of the vocal cords does not always necessarily have to be treated by a doctor. If the symptoms occur as part of a flu-like infection, it is often sufficient to rest the voice and treat any sore throat and difficulty swallowing with home remedies and over-the-counter throat tablets until the symptoms subside. These include, for example, healing inhalations with essential oils. Cigarettes and spicy food, on the other hand, should be avoided. However, an inflamed vocal fold can take several weeks to heal completely – so patience is required in any case.Under no circumstances should whispering be allowed, as this does not spare the voice but puts additional strain on it. As far as possible, patients should refrain from speaking and otherwise try to speak as normally as possible regardless of the hoarseness.

Complications

Usually, vocal cord inflammation is harmless and resolves after no more than two to three weeks without prolonged consequences. Sometimes, however, complications such as shortness of breath, pain, or high fever can occur. In the short term, inflammation of the vocal cords often leads to complete loss of voice. This can be a considerable psychological burden for those affected, which can develop into a depressive mood if the illness is prolonged. Vocal cord inflammation can also change the color of the voice under certain circumstances and can also frequently be accompanied by psychological problems. In a severe course, there may be painful coughing up blood and mucus, often followed by severe chronic pneumonia or laryngitis. Whooping cough, bronchitis, or diphtheria may also occur. Very rarely, inflammation of the vocal cords can develop a condition called vocal fold leukoplakia. This in turn can lead to vocal cord or laryngeal cancer. Complications can also arise during treatment of vocal cord inflammation. For example, medications such as antibiotics or painkillers can cause various side effects and interactions and sometimes also trigger allergies and intolerances. Home remedies can exacerbate symptoms if used incorrectly or trigger further symptoms and complications.

When should you see a doctor?

If there are changes in the usual vocal environment or pronunciation, there is cause for concern. If the impairments disappear after a restful night’s sleep, it is usually a temporary phenomenon that does not need to be followed up. However, if the complaints persist or increase in intensity, a doctor is needed. Persistent hoarseness, a scratchy throat or a change in voice color should be discussed with a doctor. If unwanted side noises occur when speaking, this is a sign of impaired health. If the affected person can no longer sufficiently control the vibration of the voice at will when speaking, he or she should consult a doctor. Sore throat, swelling around the throat, or redness of the throat are also indications that should be presented to a physician. In case of fever, a mucous or bloody sputum as well as shortness of breath, immediate action is required. In these cases, the disease is already advanced. In order not to trigger long-term impairments, consultation with a physician should take place as soon as possible. If no colds are present, impairment of the vocal environment is a sign of inflammation. If left untreated, germs and pathogens can spread and multiply in the organism. Therefore, in these cases, consultation with a physician should be sought to prevent deterioration of the health condition at an early stage.

Treatment and therapy

If the symptoms last more than three weeks and are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and sputum, the inflammation can be treated with antibiotics, for example, depending on the specific trigger. If the vocal cord inflammation is already chronic, there is not much even the doctor can do. If nodules have formed, they can be surgically removed to prevent further tissue changes. However, this will not cure the permanent hoarseness that has developed as a result. Treatment by a speech or voice therapist may be additionally useful in this case.

Prevention

To avoid vocal cord infection, it is advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle and support your own defenses. Consumption of cigarettes or other smoking products should be avoided to prevent irritation. Constant talking or shouting should also be limited. If occupational overuse of the vocal fold leads to multiple inflammations, a change of occupation may have to be considered to avoid a chronic course. In principle, it is advisable to consult a physician for clarification in the event of vocal cord inflammation in order to rule out a severe course.

Aftercare

Affected persons should take it easy. At the same time, you should keep talking to a minimum. Whispering as well as shouting should be completely avoided.Warmth is good in any case and has been proven to promote healing. Sufferers should not only wear a scarf, but also drink hot beverages such as chamomile tea at the same time. Various herbs, for example sage, thyme as well as chives, are said to have a healing effect. Over-the-counter medicines to fight colds can also contribute to recovery. Self-treatment for vocal cord inflammation does not appear to be advisable in every case. Those who work in a so-called speaking profession should consult a doctor right at the beginning of the illness: Since in this group of people the voice represents an existential factor for the exercise of the profession, any risk should be avoided here from the beginning. If shortness of breath or even fever occurs, a doctor should also be consulted. As a rule, inflammation of the vocal cords takes a gentle course – it should heal after about two weeks. If you are still suffering from the characteristic symptoms after this period, you will need to see a doctor. There is definitely a risk of chronic formation of the disease. A healthy lifestyle appears to be the best aftercare in the long run – this includes abstaining from the consumption of cigarettes.

What you can do yourself

Acute vocal cord inflammation can be cured well with home remedies. A visit to the doctor is usually not necessary. Affected persons should above all take it easy. They should limit speaking to a minimum. Whispering and shouting should be avoided completely. Otherwise, there are no significant differences compared to the treatment of a cold. Warmth has been shown to promote healing. Sick people should wear a scarf and consume hot drinks such as chamomile tea. Certain herbs such as sage, thyme and chives are said to have a healing effect. Over-the-counter medications for a cold also contribute to recovery. Self-treatment is not always advisable for vocal cord inflammation. Individuals in a speaking profession should consult a physician from the beginning. Since their voice is essential to their job, they should not take any chances. If shortness of breath or fever occurs, a physician should also be consulted. Vocal cord inflammation usually takes a gentle course and heals after about two weeks. Anyone who still suffers from the typical complaints should definitely consult a doctor. There is a risk that the disease will develop chronically.