The nodule or callus in the vocal cords is an injury that can be caused by the excessive use of the most frequent voice in teachers, speakers and singers, especially in women due to the anatomy of the female larynx.
This alteration usually appears after months or years of misuse of the voice and can be diagnosed by the otorhinolaryngologist by observing the symptoms presented by the individual and confirmed through imaging tests such as upper digestive endoscopy, where it is possible to observe the appearance of the larynx and the vocal chords.
What causes callus in the vocal cords
Symptoms of callus in the vocal cords are hoarse or faulty voice, difficulty in speaking, frequent dry cough, throat irritation and loss of voice volume. All of this can arise in the event of:
- People who need to talk a lot, such as teachers, singers, actors, speakers, salespeople or telephone operators, for example; Speak or sing very loud often; Speak in a lower voice than usual; Speak too fast; Speak too low, forcing more the throat, projecting less the voice.
If the symptoms mentioned above last for more than 15 days a medical consultation is recommended.
The people most likely to develop callus on the vocal cords are those who have professions that need to use their voices a lot, but women are usually more affected. There seems to be no relationship between smoking and having a callus, but in any case it is recommended not to smoke because the passage of smoke in the throat causes irritation, clearing the throat and increases the risk of cancer. Children can also develop callus on the vocal cords, especially boys, probably due to shouting habits during group games, such as football.
How to avoid callus in the vocal cords
To prevent another callus from forming, it is important to know how to use your voice correctly, using techniques that can be indicated by the otorhinolaryngologist and speech therapist, such as:
- Take small sips of water: always keeping your throat properly hydrated, whenever you are teaching or in a place where you cannot use a microphone to amplify the height of your voice; Eat 1 apple before using your voice a lot, like before giving a class or lecture, because it clears your throat and vocal cords; Do not shout, using other ways to get attention; Do not force your voice to speak louder, but master the art of putting your voice well, with vocal exercises; Do not try to change the tone of voice, to more serious or acute, without guidance from the speech therapist; Keep breathing through your nose, don't breathe through your mouth, so as not to dry out your throat; Avoid eating chocolate before having to use your voice a lot because it makes the saliva thicker and impairs your voice; Prefer foods at room temperature, because too hot or too cold also impair your voice.
The treatment can be done with the voice rest and the practice of vocal fold exercises to warm up and cool down the voice taught by the speech therapist. In the most severe cases when the callus becomes large or very rigid, surgery may be used to remove it, but by following these tips it may be possible to improve vocal health and prevent the appearance of new calluses on the vocal cords.
