Vocal Cord Inflammation: Symptoms, Recovery, and Treatment Options

Laryngitis

Hello Doctor: I am a civil servant and often take phone calls as part of my job.
I typically give lectures 1-2 times a month, with each session lasting about 1-3 hours, and I have been doing this for about two years.
My voice has always been relatively deep, but in the past month or two, after speaking for about 40-50 minutes during a lecture, I feel like my voice is about to give out, and I have noticed that when I speak softly, my voice seems to fail.
However, resting for a while helps me recover somewhat.
Recently (on August 19), after giving a lecture for one hour, I felt that speaking became laborious and somewhat uncomfortable.
Afterward, I chatted with a vendor for about an hour.
When I got home, I felt something was off; I rested for three days and spoke very little during that time, but I still felt a swelling sensation in my throat.
Therefore, on August 22, I visited an ENT specialist.
The doctor performed an examination (holding my tongue and asking me to say "1").
The doctor said there were no nodules on my vocal cords, but there was inflammation, so they prescribed prednisolone (a steroid) to be taken four times a day: two pills after each meal and one pill before bed.
Since I still have to take some phone calls for work, I have been on the medication for two days.
As of the evening of August 24 (about five days later), I still feel swelling in my vocal cords and have some difficulty with phonation.
I would like to ask: 1.
Based on my description, is it indeed vocal cord inflammation? How long does it typically take to heal? 2.
Will the inability to produce sound when speaking softly resolve after the vocal cord inflammation subsides? 3.
Can a regular examination (holding my tongue and asking me to say "1") adequately assess the condition of the vocal cords, or is an endoscopy necessary? The doctor who treated me did not mention this and only stated that there were no nodules but that there was inflammation.
Thank you, doctor, for patiently reading my questions, and I appreciate your assistance!

A Yan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/24

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello,
1.
The most common condition is laryngitis, which may take several days to weeks to recover.

2.
Most individuals will regain their voice after the inflammation of the vocal cords subsides.

3.
If there is no improvement, you may consider visiting a hospital for an endoscopic examination to observe more subtle changes.

Wishing you peace and health,
Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi,
Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/08/24

More Info

Vocal cord inflammation, also known as laryngitis, is a common condition that can significantly impact your voice and overall vocal health, especially for individuals whose jobs require frequent speaking, such as public servants or teachers. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing symptoms consistent with vocal cord inflammation, which can manifest as hoarseness, difficulty speaking, and a sensation of swelling in the throat.

1. Diagnosis of Vocal Cord Inflammation: Given your symptoms—difficulty speaking, a feeling of swelling in the throat, and the fact that your doctor noted inflammation without nodules—it is reasonable to conclude that you are indeed experiencing vocal cord inflammation. This condition can arise from various factors, including overuse of the voice, infections, allergies, or irritants like smoke. The duration of recovery can vary; typically, mild cases may resolve within a few days to a week with proper care, while more severe cases may take several weeks. Since you have already been prescribed prednisolone, a corticosteroid, it suggests that your doctor is addressing the inflammation aggressively, which is appropriate.

2. Recovery of Voice Function: As for your concern about the inability to produce sound when speaking softly, this is often a direct consequence of inflammation. When the vocal cords are swollen, they cannot vibrate effectively, leading to hoarseness or a complete inability to produce sound. Fortunately, once the inflammation subsides, most individuals experience a return to normal vocal function. It is crucial to rest your voice as much as possible during this recovery period, as continued strain can prolong inflammation and delay healing.

3. Examination Methods: Regarding the examination you underwent, the method of having you say "1" while the doctor held your tongue is a basic assessment of vocal cord function. While this can provide some insight, it is not as comprehensive as a laryngoscopy, which allows for a direct view of the vocal cords and surrounding structures. If your symptoms persist despite treatment, it may be beneficial to request a laryngoscopy. This procedure can help identify any underlying issues that may not be visible through a standard examination, such as polyps, cysts, or other abnormalities.

In addition to medication, consider implementing some lifestyle changes to support your vocal health:
- Voice Rest: Limit speaking and avoid whispering, which can strain the vocal cords even more than normal speech.

- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist. Warm teas with honey can be soothing.

- Humidification: Using a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, which is beneficial for your throat and vocal cords.

- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can exacerbate inflammation.

- Warm-Up Exercises: Once you start feeling better, gentle vocal warm-ups can help prepare your voice for use.

In conclusion, vocal cord inflammation can be a frustrating condition, particularly for those who rely on their voice for work. With appropriate treatment and care, most individuals can expect a full recovery. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Vocal Cord Issues: Recovery and Treatment Options for Athletes

Hello, Doctor: As an athlete, I injured my vocal cords during training a few years ago. I consulted different doctors at that time, and they diagnosed me with vocal cord inflammation. One doctor suggested that I should use corticosteroids for a quicker recovery, but corticosteroi...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Madam, regarding your issue, it is best to visit an outpatient clinic for a laryngoscopy to understand your condition in detail. It is important to take good care of your vocal cords on a daily basis by drinking plenty of water (especially while speaking), avoiding loud and force...

Understanding Mild Tonsil Swelling and Vocal Cord Edema: Treatment and Care

Mild swelling of the tonsils and slight edema of the vocal cords can cause a strange voice when speaking. Given that you have performances and competitions in the next few days, how long it will take to fully recover depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment methods m...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The recovery time may vary. It is recommended to avoid spicy foods and to drink plenty of water. If the results are not satisfactory, it is advisable to seek medical treatment. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolar...

Can Swollen Vocal Cords Be Recovered? Understanding Treatment Options

Hello, Doctor: I currently have vocal cord edema, along with hoarseness, gastroesophageal reflux, gastric ulcers, and esophageal ulcers. I would like to ask if my vocal cords can be recovered? Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, vocal cord edema is related to gastroesophageal reflux or other chronic irritants such as smoking and spicy foods. If the gastroesophageal reflux and other chronic irritants improve, the vocal cord edema should also improve. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr...

Understanding Vocal Cord Ulcers: Treatment Options and Dietary Tips

Hello doctor, I have a friend who has developed vocal cord ulcers, which has resulted in the inability to produce sound. It has been over a month since this started. Initially, he has been on medication for more than a month, and the doctor performed an endoscopy and prescribed m...

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If what you say is true, it is a rare case of vocal cord ulceration. The first consideration should be whether there is an issue with the systemic immune system. Additionally, certain fungal infections can also cause this, and occupational hazards should be considered, suc...