Inflammation - information

Viruses, fungus and bacteria can affect the vocal cords in several different ways.

When the issue is strictly inflammation, the vocal cords swell and become stiffer. The person will note that their vocal pitch becomes deeper from the swelling and if the vocal cords become stiff enough, they may stop vibrating and the person loses their voice. This is primarily from the inflammatory response of the body against the offending virus, fungus or bacteria.

Some types of viruses, fungus and bacteria can physically grow on the surface of the vocal cord and then they act like a tumor. The growth can act as a weight on a vocal cord, act to stiffen the vibrating surface of the vocal cords or create an irregularity on a vocal cord.

Treatment may involve medication or at times surgical excision.