What is vocal cord edema?

What is vocal cord edema?

The non-muscle part of the vocal cord, sometimes called the vocal fold, right under its surface, is called Reinke’s space. Swelling in this area is called Reinke’s edema. When the vocal cords are impacted by the swelling, they cannot vibrate in the usual way. That means the voice will sound different.

How do you treat vocal cord edema?

Treatment of Reinke’s edema involves

1. Control of acid reflux with diet modification and anti-reflux medication.
2. Smoking cessation is paramount for control of this disease process. Stopping smoking will not reverse changes in the vocal folds. However it may stop further polypoid changes from occurring.

What causes edema of the larynx?

Laryngeal edema is caused by several conditions, including a viral or bacterial infection known as acute epiglottitis,[1,2] allergic reactions such as angioedema or anaphylaxis in association with ingesting of foods or drugs, and trauma of the larynx.

Is Reinke’s edema permanent?

Reinke’s edema develops slowly. Reinke’s edema is usually identified in patients age 40 and 60 years. However, since Reinke’s edema is a gradual, progressive condition, newly diagnosed patients have actually been experiencing the build-up of gelatinous fluid within their vocal folds for many years.

What is laryngeal edema symptoms?

The clinical signs of laryngeal edema were dysphagia; the sensation of a lump in the throat; a feeling of tightness in the throat; voice changes, including hoarseness and roughness; and dyspnea. In patients with progressed laryngeal edema, mostly fear of asphyxiation and aphonia also occurred.

How can Reinke edema be prevented?

Early or mild cases of Reinke’s edema may improve with smoking cessation alone. Continued smoking makes recurrence likely following treatment, sometimes in a matter of weeks. For that reason, many laryngologists prefer that a patient stop smoking prior to operating on Reinke’s edema.

What does Reinke’s edema look like?

Reinke’s edema is characterized by a “sac-like” appearance of the vocal folds. The edema is a white translucent fluid that causes a bulging (distension) of the vocal cord. The most common clinical symptom associated with Reinke’s edema is an abnormally low pitched voice with hoarseness.

Can Reinke’s edema be cured?

If Reinke’s edema fails to improve sufficiently following smoking cessation, microlaryngoscopic surgery is the main treatment option. Surgery for Reinke’s edema has unique difficulties, because the superficial lamina propria must be reduced – but not excessively, in order to preserve vibration of the vocal fold.

How long does laryngeal edema last?

Late Effects. Laryngeal edema of varying degrees may persist after RT for larynx cancer. In patients irradiated for carcinoma of the glottis, the incidence of mild to moderate laryngeal edema persisting for more than 3 months after RT is about 10% to 25%.