Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The vocal cords are extremely important to anyone who uses their voice to sing, speak, or perform other voice-related activities.
One of the problems that can occur when the vocal cords are put under too much strain are singing nodules, also called vocal nodules. In this article, we will look at what nodules on the vocal cords are, their symptoms, types, methods of diagnosis and treatment, and how you can prevent their formation.
Singing nodules – what are they and how are they formed?
Singer nodules, also called vocal nodules, are small growths or lesions on the vocal cords. They are usually the result of chronic overuse of the vocal cords. People who use their voice professionally, such as singers, actors and teachers, are more susceptible to developing singing nodules. Nodules are caused by excessive strain on the vocal cords, which may result from excessive shouting, frequent use of a high pitched voice, or poor singing technique.
Vocal nodules – symptoms
The symptoms of singing nodules may vary and their severity may vary depending on the stage of the disease. The most common symptoms are:
- Hoarseness or weakness of the voice,
- Difficulty speaking or singing
- feeling of vocal fatigue after a short vocal effort,
- Pain or discomfort when speaking or singing
- Sometimes a cough or feeling of a lump in the throat.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is worth consulting an ENT or phoniatrician as they may indicate the presence of nodules on the vocal cords.
Singers’ nodules (screamers) on the vocal cords – types
There are several types of singing nodules you may encounter:
- Epithelial nodules – form on the surface of the vocal cords,
- Muscle nodules – arise in the deeper layers of the vocal cords,
- Mixed nodules – contain both epithelial and muscular elements.
The type of lumps can affect treatment, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial.
Diagnosis and treatment of vocal nodules
Diagnosis of singing nodules is performed by a specialist who may use tools such as laryngoscopy or voice testing. After making a diagnosis, the doctor decides on the best course of treatment. This may include:
- Speech therapy that helps improve voice technique,
- Drug treatment for inflammation,
- Surgical removal of lumps if necessary.
In the case of vocal nodules, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help avoid more serious complications and restore a healthy voice.
How to prevent singing nodules from forming?
To prevent the formation of singing nodules, it is worth paying attention to your vocal technique and taking care of your vocal cords. Here are some tips that may help:
- Learning the correct singing or speaking technique under the supervision of a professional teacher,
- Avoiding excessive shouting or speaking in high pitched tones,
- Voice rest if you feel tired,
- Regularly moisturize your vocal cords by drinking enough water,
- Avoiding smoking and contact with irritating substances.
Following these rules can help keep your vocal cords healthy and avoid problems associated with singing nodules.
Your suggestions
If you have any suggestions or experiences related to singing nodules, we would love to hear them. Share them in the comments or contact us directly.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in the topic of voice health and vocal cords, we recommend that you read our other articles on this topic. You can find a lot of valuable information about taking care of your voice and avoiding problems related to it.
To sum up, singing nodules (screamers) are a serious problem for people who use their voice professionally. However, with proper diagnosis, treatment and prevention, you can effectively manage this condition and enjoy a healthy voice for many years.