Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
The vocal cords, the correct name of which are vocal folds, are located on the side of the larynx. They are structures made of connective tissue, they also contain ligaments, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Vibration of the vocal cords makes it possible to make sounds, although this is where air flow is the most important factor. How are the vocal cords built and what diseases can affect them?
The vocal cords – structure
The vocal folds are in the larynx, which is part of the upper respiratory tract. The larynx is about 6 cm long, made of a skeleton, the anatomical basis of which is cartilage. There are even and odd elements that are connected with each other by ligaments, muscles and joints. Just below the narrowest component of the larynx, the glottis, are the vocal cords. In turn, there is a glottis gap between them, which is directly involved in the process of creating sound. The vocal folds are actually an even structure that includes the ligaments and the vocal muscles, as well as the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The mucosa of the vocal cords has special glands whose secretory function is to moisturize and maintain the correct moisture of the vocal folds.
The vocal cords – how is sound produced?
Sound is created by drawing in air, which accumulates in the respiratory tract and causes the vocal cords to vibrate. Then there is a situation in which the glottis closes, which causes the vocal cords to fit tightly together. The increase in air pressure causes the glottis to open, allowing air to flow through. The answer to this process is to drop the pressure and close the glottis again. Sound is created when the described processes repeat alternately. This causes the vocal cords to vibrate, and the scale and voice emission are the resultant of the flexibility and structure of these elements of the larynx.
Inflammation of the vocal cords
Inflammation of the vocal cords is most often closely related to a viral or bacterial infection. The immediate cause may also be laryngitis or an overload of the vocal folds as a result of prolonged loud noises. It should be borne in mind that once the vocal cord inflammation occurs, it has a tendency to recur. Another problem is that when it comes to this type of ailment, recovery usually takes quite a long time, and treatment often turns out to be ineffective. If the inflammation of the vocal cords is bacterial, antibiotic therapy is used. Sometimes it is also recommended to administer steroids. However, if it is a virus-induced disease, then there is nothing else to do but take care of adequate rest and strengthen the immune system with home remedies, e.g. with onion syrup.
Regurgitation of the vocal cords
Manifested by atrophy of the voice, frequent hoarseness and states of silence, regurgitation of the vocal cords prevents the proper functioning of the larynx due to the impaired approach of the vocal folds. This ailment is usually caused by overloading the vocal cords, which affects some professional groups, e.g. teachers. However, the risk of vocal cord insufficiency may also increase with frequent laryngeal infections, development of polyps or nodules on the vocal folds. Treatment of regurgitation of the vocal cords consists in significantly reducing the overload of the larynx and rest. It is then also necessary to visit a phoniatrist who will make a decision regarding the therapy.
Lumps on the vocal cords
Frequently appearing infections within the larynx can cause the formation of nodules on the vocal cords. These types of changes are usually harmless and can be signaled by the following symptoms: periodic loss of voice (aphonia), hoarseness that increases during a long speech, and a dry cough and attacks of breathlessness. Then it is necessary to undertake ENT treatment, during which a specialist will perform laryngoscopy. The examination consists in a careful examination of the larynx using the so-called laryngeal mirrors. If there are nodules on the vocal cords, the ENT specialist may decide to undergo surgery to remove the lesions. The procedure is relatively minimally invasive and usually does not damage the delicate structure of the vocal cords.
How to support the therapy of the treatment of vocal cords?
In order to speed up the recovery of the vocal folds, first of all, you should rest a lot and save your voice. You should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and hot spices, as well as properly hydrate the body and perform inhalations to moisturize the upper respiratory tract.