Vocal Cord Nodules in Children

Vocal cord nodules are small bumps -- between the size of a pinhead and a pea -- that may form on a child's vocal cords. Nodules prevent the vocal cords from closing completely and therefore make the voice sound breathy and hoarse.

Symptoms

• The main symptom of vocal cord nodules is a hoarseness in the voice. There is no pain associated with the development of nodules; if you child's throat is painful seek medical advice.

Causes

• Vocal cord nodules can be caused by your child misusing her voice, from excessive neck-muscle tension, by shouting, screaming or talking loudly. Allergies, infections of the upper respiratory tract and exposure to cigarette smoke are also known causes of vocal cord nodules.

Treatment

• Vocal cord nodules can be removed surgically, although surgery alone is unlikely to address the problem in the long term. Your child will also need speech therapy to learn proper use of the voice to prevent recurrence of the nodules. Vocal cord nodules can be treated by speech therapy alone in some cases.