Definition of vocal cords

The vocal chords are structures located in the larynx that are intended to allow the voice, the main differentiating element of man with respect to the rest of the species of the kingdom animal.

The vocal cords do not have a rope shape, it is more about two folds of mucosa located in the larynx, the space between these folds is what is known as the glottis. In the kids the voice is high-pitched due to the short length of these folds, in adulthood the larynx grows and the vocal cords lengthen and thicken, producing a low-pitched voice. Over the age of 60 the voice becomes hoarse and shaky due to aging cartilage and loss of elasticity of the ligaments and muscles of the larynx.

The voice is produced by the passage of air through the space between the vocal cords, which makes them vibrate producing sounds. Under normal conditions the strings remain separate during the breathing to allow the entry and exit of air, in rest condition they are together.

Misuse of the voice can affect the vocal cords

Continual use of the voice, or repeatedly shouting with force, can cause lesions or microtrauma of the free edges of the vocal cords, if these occur in repeatedly it is possible that the healing process of origin to the formation of known bumps What nodules on the vocal cords.

The nodules affect the ability of the vocal cords to vibrate, causing the voice to have a tendency to be hoarse, sometimes tiredness when speaking and a sore throat can occur.

The vocal cords may also be subjected to polyps or bleeding after overuse, it can even develop malignant lesions after the affectation chronicle from reflux or from tobacco use.

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common cause of vocal cord injuries

The reflux of stomach contents into the airway is a more frequent condition than is thought, it is characterized by the passage of the acid content of the stomach towards the pharynx and from there to the larynx from where it reaches the vocal cords producing irritation and disturbances in their mobilization.

People affected by this type of reflux, which is now called pharyngolaryngeal reflux, usually present attacks of coughing without an apparent cause, shortness of breath and dysphonia. These patients generally take a few years between the onset of symptoms and achieving a diagnosis definitive since only 1 in 4 of them have symptoms of reflux such as heartburn or sensation of burning that rises to the throat.

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