How You Can Tell if You Have Vocal Cord Nodules, or Nodes

When the vocal cords have been abused, blisters or calluses may form on the vocal folds. The term used for this condition is called vocal nodules and vocal polyps.  This occurrence is mostly found in those who use their voices for teaching, acting, communications, sales, singing and public speakers. Children may also develop vocal nodes.

Polyps are usually larger than nodules and may be called by other names, such as polypoid degeneration or Reinke's edema. The difference between nodules and polyps is a nodule is more like a callous and a polyp like a blister.  Polyps appear on either one or both of the vocal cords and become larger the longer the vocal abuse continues. 

In most cases, the number one cause of vocal strain, leading to nodules and polyps is abusing the voice in the form of screaming or yelling.

The number two cause is lack of good vocal technique. Singers should warm up the voice for a minimum of 20 minutes (with proper warm up exercises) before singing. A complete knowledge of breath management is crucial for safe singing and to avoid vocal strain and abuse. Always avoid singing too loud which forces the tone. Trying to sing higher than is absolutely easy and comfortable will cause the vocal cords to stress and restrict.

The third reason for vocal abuse is smoking.

Smoking can seriously harm your voice and is a definite no-no for those who rely on their voice for their job. Not only will the tissues of the larynx become red, inflamed and dry, but may thicken too which can significantly alter the sound of the voice and its ability to perform.

There are some things we can do to ensure good vocal health. Here is a checklist to follow:

• Keep your voice well hydrated. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. The vocal cords need moisture to perform well. The more speaking and singing you do, the more water you need to drink. Drinking water helps keep mucus thin.
• Dairy products can produce mucus so go easy on milk, cheese, icecream and such.
• Alcohol is drying to the throat and so is caffiene. Increase your intake of water when using these products.
• Certain medications contain agents that dehydrate mucus membranes. While this may alleviate some of your cold symptoms, they also may dehydrate the vocal folds. Use these medications carefully and drink more water.
• When a viral bug get you down, your vocal folds become swollen. You may notice this will make your voice deeper, huskier or hoarse. It is important to treat your voice with some extra care when these illnesses occur.
• Steam is great for the vocal cords. Inhale gently when in the shower to bring moisture to the throat or boil water in a pot, remove from the stove and taking care not to burn your face, inhale the steam.
• Do not clear your throat which can damage the vocal tissue. Either drink water or swallow a few times.
• Learn abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing.
• Rest your voice until your symptons are gone.

Always seek the help of a professional physician if you suspect vocal nodules or polyps.

Preventiative care is the best method for protecting yourself from straining your voice which can cause vocal polyps or vocal nodes.

The voice is meant to last us a lifetime. By following a program of good vocal health and following the above steps - it will.

Sing with joy.

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