Vocal Cord Polyps

Symptoms:

• Hoarseness: The voice becomes unclear or deep, with reduced volume.
• Vocal Fatigue: Feeling tired when speaking or difficulty maintaining voice.
• Throat Discomfort: A sensation of itchiness, pain, or a foreign body feeling in the throat.
• Persistent Cough: Sometimes accompanied by the need to clear the throat.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Discomfort may occur while swallowing in some cases.
   

Causes:

• Vocal Overuse: Prolonged loud talking, singing, or shouting.
• Smoking: Chemicals in smoke can irritate the vocal cords.
• Environmental Factors: Such as dry air or exposure to irritants (chemicals, dust, etc.).
• Gastroesophageal Reflux: Stomach acid rising into the esophagus can irritate the vocal cords.
• Chronic Laryngitis: Long-term inflammation of the larynx can lead to changes in the vocal cords.
   

High-Risk Groups:

• Professionals Who Use Their Voice Extensively: Such as teachers, actors, singers, and public speakers.
• Smokers: Smoking can cause long-term damage to the vocal cords.
• Individuals with a History of Allergies or Respiratory Conditions: Such as asthma or allergic rhinitis.
• Older Adults: With age, the elasticity and health of the vocal cords may decline.