Question
The child suddenly developed a hoarse voice, initially thought to be a common cold, and was given medication. However, after one week, the symptoms had not improved. Anxious, the child was taken to the hospital for a laryngoscopy, which confirmed bilateral vocal nodules (i.e., pediatric vocal nodules).
Answer
Vocal nodules are a condition usually caused by overuse of the vocal cords before they are fully prepared. Mild cases may present with vocal cord congestion, while severe cases can lead to vocal cord tears. If the vocal cords continue to be overused, the tears may not heal, and over time, polyps may form, leading to vocal nodules. Once diagnosed with vocal nodules, immediate treatment should be sought. Timely treatment helps in recovery; delaying treatment may result in loss of voice or inability to restore the original voice quality. Therefore, it is important to protect the vocal cords daily and avoid overuse.