Summary about Disease
Vocal cord hemorrhage is a condition where blood vessels within the vocal cords rupture and bleed into the vocal cord tissue. This can lead to sudden voice changes and is often related to vocal strain or trauma. It's not an infection, but rather a physical injury to the vocal cords.
Symptoms
Sudden hoarseness
Loss of voice or significantly weakened voice
Pain or discomfort in the throat (less common)
Possible sensation of something in the throat
Change in vocal range
Voice fatigue
Causes
Vocal Abuse/Strain: Excessive yelling, singing, shouting, or speaking loudly for prolonged periods.
Trauma: Injury to the throat area (e.g., blunt force, intubation).
Forceful Coughing/Sneezing: Can sometimes cause enough pressure to rupture a vessel.
Medications: Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) may increase the risk.
Vocal Cord Lesions: Pre-existing polyps or nodules may make the vocal cords more susceptible to hemorrhage.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine to directly "cure" a vocal cord hemorrhage. Treatment focuses on allowing the vocal cords to heal. Medications might include:
Voice Rest: This is the primary treatment.
Corticosteroids: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, but this is not a standard treatment and is not typically used.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can be used for any throat discomfort.
Vocal Therapy: Speech therapy may be recommended after the acute phase to improve vocal technique and prevent future hemorrhages.
Is Communicable
No. Vocal cord hemorrhage is not communicable. It is a physical injury, not an infectious disease.
Precautions
Proper Vocal Technique: Learn and use proper vocal techniques for singing or speaking to avoid strain.
Avoid Vocal Abuse: Limit yelling, shouting, and excessive talking.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to keep vocal cords lubricated.
Rest Your Voice: Take regular voice breaks during prolonged speaking or singing.
Manage Coughing: Address underlying causes of chronic coughing.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking irritates the vocal cords.
Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can dehydrate the vocal cords.
How long does an outbreak last?
A vocal cord hemorrhage is not an "outbreak." Healing time varies depending on the severity of the hemorrhage and adherence to voice rest. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the voice to fully recover. Severe cases, or those where voice rest is not followed, may take longer or even require surgery.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical History: Doctor will ask about voice use, symptoms, and any potential causes.
Laryngoscopy: A procedure where a doctor uses a flexible or rigid scope with a camera to visualize the vocal cords. This allows them to see the hemorrhage directly.
Stroboscopy: A special type of laryngoscopy that uses a strobe light to assess vocal cord vibration.
Timeline of Symptoms
Onset: Symptoms typically appear suddenly.
Initial Phase: Sudden hoarseness or voice loss is the primary symptom.
Acute Phase: Hoarseness persists or worsens over the next few days if the voice is not rested.
Recovery Phase: With proper voice rest, the voice gradually improves over days to weeks. The timeline depends on the severity of the hemorrhage.
Potential Complications: If voice rest is not followed, symptoms can persist longer, and further damage can occur.
Important Considerations
Voice Rest is Crucial: Strict voice rest is the cornerstone of treatment. Avoid talking, whispering, singing, and even clearing your throat.
See a Specialist: If you suspect a vocal cord hemorrhage, see an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) or a voice specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Underlying Causes: Identify and address any underlying causes of vocal strain or trauma.
Prevention: Focus on proper vocal hygiene to prevent future hemorrhages.
Professional Voice Users: Singers, actors, and speakers should seek expert guidance to ensure proper vocal technique and prevent recurrence.