If a hoarse voice persists for more than two weeks, it is necessary to suspect the presence of something on the vocal cords. It could be a voice disorder caused by nodules or polyps forming on the vocal cords. Although it commonly occurs in professions that heavily use their voice, such as singers and teachers, it can also result from vocal overuse, such as shouting high notes at karaoke. Since treatment methods vary depending on the condition, such as vocal cord nodules or polyps, accurate diagnosis is important.

◇Continuously producing high-pitched sounds increases the risk of vocal cord nodules, and improper use of the voice can lead to vocal polyps.

Vocal cord nodules are calluses that form on the throat. If excessive force is applied to the voice to produce high notes continuously, calluses develop on the vocal cords. To eliminate the calluses, several days of vocal rest are necessary, but if this process is not followed, the nodules gradually worsen, leading to more severe hoarseness. Typically, there are more female patients than male patients.

Vocal cord polyps are benign growths caused by improper vocalization. When intense vocalization damages small blood vessels or tissues in the vocal cords, resulting in cyst formation, it can lead to hoarseness similar to vocal nodules. Professor Kim Su-il of the Department of Otolaryngology at Gangdong Kyunghee University Hospital explains, "Vocal cord polyps can develop even if you do not frequently use your throat, but after shouting loudly or persistent coughing, the vocal cords become irritated, leading to this condition." He further states, "In contrast, vocal nodules are more likely to develop with continuous use of the voice, and because many professions involve frequent voice use, they tend to have a higher number of patients."

The vocal cords are difficult to observe with the naked eye. When diagnosing voice disorders in detail, a laryngoscope is used through the mouth or nose. To diagnose vocal cord nodules more accurately, devices such as a 'stroboscope' are used to observe the continuous movement of the vocal cords, allowing detailed examination of the vocal cord mucosa. Usually, vocal cord nodules occur on both vocal cords, while vocal polyps are more often found on one side.

◇Voice correction needed for treatment… Most children require voice therapy

Vocal cord nodules and polyps are often caused by incorrect vocalization techniques, making voice correction the most important treatment. First, voice therapy is conducted, including speech therapy and correction of vocal habits. Professor Kim Su-il stated, "Since the vocal cords of children are continuously growing, surgery on the vocal cord mucosa should be performed to minimize damage, and most cases tend to improve through voice therapy and vocal rest," and added, "Laryngoscopic microsurgery is only performed for lesions that cannot be improved through voice therapy."

Laryngeal microsurgery is a procedure performed under general anesthesia, where a laryngoscope is inserted into the mouth to observe the vocal cords while a microscope is used to remove the lesion. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the underlying condition, but most procedures take less than 30 minutes. After the surgery, it is advisable to refrain from voice use for about a week if possible, and to avoid alcohol, smoking, and coffee to ensure the surgical site heals cleanly. Additionally, care should be taken with voice use for 1 to 2 weeks afterward.

The fundamental cause of voice disorders is irritation to the vocal cord mucosa. The most common reason is vocal overuse. Therefore, it is best to avoid habits that may strain the vocal cords as much as possible. If you feel your voice becoming hoarse after talking for a long time, it is advisable to rest immediately. Professor Kim Su-il said, "If your throat frequently feels sore, it is necessary to check your vocal habits," and added, "Habitual coughing, shouting loudly or screaming, producing extreme high or low pitches are typical examples."

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If a hoarse voice lasts for 1-2 weeks

I should go to the hospital right away.

On tired days, I do feel a bit that way in the afternoon.

They come back immediately.