Overview and Facts about Reinke's Edema
Reinke’s edema is a voice disorder that occurs when a jelly-like substance fills the space beneath the lining of the vocal fold, known as the “Reinke’s space.”
This layer has a key role in vocal fold vibration, which controls how your voice sounds. The swelling causes your voice to sound different. However, this condition develops slowly over time.
Symptoms and Signs of Reinke's Edema
Common signs and symptoms of Reinke’s edema include the following:
- Persistent hoarseness
- Rough voice
- Low voice
- Voice pitch that is below the typical range for age and/or gender
Over time, Reinke’s edema could contribute to difficulties with breathing, such as persistent shortness of breath. Contact your doctor right away if you are experiencing any trouble breathing.
Tests and Diagnosis of Reinke's Edema
An otolaryngology specialist, or ENT doctor, can test for and diagnose Reinke’s edema. Some of the tests your doctor may use to diagnosis reinke's edema include:
- Flexible laryngoscopy: A flexible scope is inserted through the nose to look at the throat, pharynx and larynx. This study gives basic information regarding the form and function of the throat structures. Additionally, doctors can use imaging tests to rule out any other potential causes for Reinke’s edema, such as a tumor placing pressure on the vocal fold.
- Videostroboscopy: A flexible scope with a camera is inserted through the nose and fed into the larynx to visualize the vocal cords. A strobe light makes the vocal cords appear in slow motion and the examination is recorded. This study diagnoses and evaluates in detail the anatomy, physiology and any pathology of the vocal cords.
- Acoustic Analysis: Computer evaluation of multiple features of your voice assists in the diagnosis and treatment of your voice disorder. These measurements also serve as a way to objectively evaluate the progress that is made during and after treatments
Causes and Risk Factors of Reinke's Edema
The cause of this condition is nearly always longtime smoking, and women are more likely than men to develop it. If you stop smoking, Reinke’s edema won’t go away, but it will stop getting worse.
Some doctors believe other factors could result in Reinke’s edema, including other diseases or conditions, such as a thyroid condition, hormonal changes, stomach acid reflux or overuse of voice.
Treatment and Care for Reinke's Edema
Reinke’s edema does not heal on its own. The first step of treatment for Reinke’s edema is to address whatever is causing the condition. If you smoke, your doctor will suggest stopping and if you have acid reflux, your doctor will prescribe medication to control it.
The next step of treatment could involve voice therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Surgery can comprise of performing an in-office laser procedure under local anesthesia or it can involve going to the operating room and using high magnification with small instruments and lasers to remove redundant material from the vocal fold.
