What Are the Causes of Vocal Nodules?

Most people know that the human voice is made possible when the vocal cords vibrate and make sound. When vocal cord nodules, swollen growths that eventually harden, occur, the result is a condition that will not go away unless treated. Nodules can make the voice breathy and hoarse. There are several factors that cause vocal cord nodules. Avoiding them may reduce your chances of getting nodules.

Vocal Cord Abuse

• Nodules can form on the vocal cords when the voice is abused from a single event or from continual events. This means that an event such as screaming and yelling at a football game, for instance, can traumatize the vocal cords and create nodules. It also means that continual abuse like smoking, singing, talking or yelling at work on a daily basis or even exposing the vocal cords to alcohol or caffeine on a daily basis can make nodules form.

Diseases and Conditions

• There are several diseases or conditions that can cause the growth of nodules on the vocal cords. Hypothyroidism is a disease where the thyroid does not produce enough hormone and since the thyroid is close to the vocal cords, the disease can irritate the cords. Severe or sustained allergies can affect the vocal cords and cause inflammation that will lead to nodule formation. Acid reflux, where stomach acid rises up into the throat, can also irritate the vocal cords and form nodules.

Airborne Irritants

• Exposure to environmental airborne particulate matter such as smoke, chemicals, pesticides, dust or other fumes can lead to the vocal cords becoming swollen and irritated. This can cause the epithelium layer of cells that cover the mucous membrane to harden into a nodule.