Overview and Facts about Vocal Cord Hemorrhage
A vocal cord hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in the vocal cord ruptures and leaks blood underneath the lining of the vocal cord.
Essentially, the process is the same as getting a bruise anywhere on your body – blood vessels break and leak blood into the skin. The condition is not uncommon in singers, and it occurs most frequently among especially strong singers.
Symptoms and Signs of Vocal Cord Hemorrhage
The main sign of a vocal cord hemorrhage is losing your voice suddenly after strenuous use and straining. Instead of completely losing your voice, your voice may simply become hoarse or reduced in range.
This usually does not cause pain or create problems with swallowing or breathing. It mainly just affects the condition of the voice.
Tests and Diagnosis of Vocal Cord Hemorrhage
The diagnosis for vocal fold hemorrhage is made by an otolaryngology specialist, otherwise known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, and could include the following tests:
- 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.
- 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 Vocal Cord Hemorrhage
The primary cause for vocal cord hemorrhage is straining your vocal cords by screaming or singing forcefully for an extended period of time.
Vocal cord hemorrhages disrupt the vibrations in the vocal cord and may cause dysphonia, a severe disorder of the voice. If a vocal fold hemorrhage goes unidentified, you may have an increased risk for vocal scarring.
Scars on the vocal cord can lead to permanent hoarseness and loss of vocal range.
Treatment and Care for Vocal Cord Hemorrhage
The main course of treatment for vocal cord hemorrhage is a resting of the voice with a follow-up laryngoscopy to ensure the collection of blood goes away.
For some patients, voice and singing therapy will be required. This type of patient-centered treatment method attempts to modify behaviors and vocal techniques that contribute to abnormal voicing.
Voice exercises will vary depending on the specific pathology being treated. Treatments are generally four to six sessions weekly. Rarely surgery could be required to remove the blood when the amount of pooled blood is excessive.
