The vocal folds are the vocal cords along with the larynx or voice box are primarily responsible for the production of sound in humans. People who tend to strain their voice can develop vocal cord nodules. These nodules grow on the mucous membrane of the vocal cords.
Causes of Vocal Cord Nodules: People who stretch the limits of their voice or overly strain them or prone to develop these nodules. Teachers, singers, auctioneers, clergy members are usually the people who use their voices as part of their profession. Upon excessive usage, the voice would grow hoarse or breathy.
Vocal cord nodules may result in hoarseness, reduced vocal range, breaks in speech, and pain when speaking or singing. They appear on both sides of the vocal cords as symmetrical swellings and impact the vocal folds’ ability to rapidly change air pressure necessary to produce speech. Their cause is usually the result of strenuous vocal cord use, such as shouting, screaming, and coughing. People who must use their voices in loud settings are most susceptible to throat nodules. Singers, preachers, teachers, and drill instructors are at greatest risk for developing vocal cord nodules.
Tips for Voice Professionals
- Always warm up before a performance. This can include relaxation techniques and gentle exercise. Then warm up with singing exercises in the mid-range of the voice.
- Rest the voice between performances as much as possible, and avoid tension and stress.
- If you have not had formal voice training, learning vocal techniques from a singing coach or vocologist can protect and enhance your voice.
- Avoid smoky rooms, bars and places where the environment can negatively affect voice quality.
- Avoid pitching your voice at a lower or unnatural level.
- Use alcohol moderately, if at all.
- Keep the voice hydrated by drinking lots of water — at least eight to ten glasses each day, or more for those who are heavier.
- If your throat is dry, try sleeping with a humidifier.
- Practice a healthy lifestyle that includes aerobic exercise and a nutritious diet.
Diagnosis
These developments in the vocal folds would definitely affect the voice, but as such have no general health effects. But, it is important that this problem is corrected, for your profession might be at a stake, especially if you are a professional singer or teacher. Fibre Optic Laryngoscopy is often suggested by many physicians to detect the mucous growth in the voice box.
Treatment:
Treatment of vocal cord nodules often involves speech therapy and vocal training. Removal of the nodules is sometimes done surgically and is considered a relatively safe procedure. On occasion, it is necessary to address the psychological consequences of throat nodules, particularly in the case of singers and actors.