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POLYPOID CORDITIS

Men's Health, Women's Health / By

POLYPOID CORDITIS

Polypoid corditis is a condition characterized by the development of diffuse polyps in the vocal cords, making them get very weighty.

  • It can also be described as a condition in which the vocal cords become inflamed or swollen due to fluid (edema) collected in the Reinke’s space.
  • Polypoid corditis is also referred to as Reinke’s edema or smoker’s polyps.
  • The Reinke’s space is a gelatinous layer underlying the surface of the vocal cords, mostly responsible for normal sound production.
  • The Reinke’s space vibrates when a person speaks to allow for sound to be produced.
  • As a result of the inflammation, the Reinke’s space vibrates more slowly during speech, resulting in a raspy lower-pitched
  • In most cases, the condition is bilateral- effecting both vocal cords.
  • If left untreated, the condition can lead to long-term complications such as dysphonia, airway obstruction caused by severe inflammation of the vocal cords.
  • 97% of people with polypoid corditis are smokers.
  • The lower voice changes that occur make the condition more noticeable in women than in men.

CAUSES

  • Prolong exposure to smoking is the common cause of Reinke’s edema. Polypoid corditis is not fatal unless the tissue becomes precancerous. This may happen if smoking is involved.
  • Chronic overuse of the voice such as is common in teachers, singers, and radio hosts.
  • Acid or gastroesophageal reflux
  • Hypothyroidism

SYMPTOMS

  • Abnormally low pitched voice with hoarseness
  • Shortness of breath
  • “Sac-like” appearance of the vocal cords
  • Difficulty speaking

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

The condition is diagnosed by an examination of the vocal cords carried out by an otolaryngologist or an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.

The doctor will first review the medical history of the patient.

The doctor then reviews symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking and reduced vocal range.

The doctor will need to know the smoking habit of the patient since the condition is linked heavily to smoking.

Laryngoscopy technique is used for vocal cord examination. In this technique, a flexible tube equipped with a lens (endoscope) is passed down the larynx through the nose. This allows for visualization of the vocal cords.

TREATMENT

Treatment includes eliminating or controlling the risk factors that are causing the condition.

This may include using antacids and/or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) for controlling the acid reflux.

For habitual smokers, smoking cessation is highly important and strongly advised. This will not resolve or improve the condition but may stop its progression

Activities that cause vocal distress is also advise to be discontinued

Voice therapy may be initiated for people experiencing hoarseness to help improve the voice’s quality and range.

If the mechanism for controlling or eliminating the risk factors is not enough to improve the symptoms, surgery may be required.

The most used surgical procedure performed for polypoid corditis is called surgical microlaryngoscopy.

Surgical correction of this condition can result in improvement of the vocal pitch as long as smoking cessation is maintained. If not, the symptoms will reoccur.

To restore the voice’s strength, post-operative voice therapy is also advised.