The organ of voice formation is one of the most important structural elements of the human body, the function of which is to protect the lungs and bronchi from the ingress of foreign substances, water and food into them. As the main part of the middle pharynx, the vocal cords are located on either side of the larynx.
A large number of muscles are involved in the work of elastic formations. Air falling on them causes vibrations and vibrations, due to which a person can make various sounds and form words. During a cold, the space between the ligaments is significantly reduced. Unpleasant sensations appear in the throat, which makes it difficult to speak, leads to hoarseness or a complete loss of voice.
When talking, they approach the larynx, straining and vibrating until all the air is released. The height of the sounds formed depends on the degree of their tension. But in order to see the full picture of the work of this organ and understand its correct functioning, it is necessary to have an idea of the complex structure of which the vocal cords are a part.
Larynx structure
The upper part of the windpipe is located between the trachea and the pharynx. The latter is an elongated canal that connects the oral cavity and sinuses to the larynx and esophagus. Its size may vary depending on the age of the person. Consisting of the epiglottis, thyroid and cricoid cartilage, vocal cords and trachea, the organ is covered with a membrane inside, which performs protective, nutritional and other functions. The outer part of the cartilaginous skeleton of the larynx is covered with muscles and fiber, separating it from nearby formations.
The inner surface of the organ consists of fibrous and fibrous-muscular folds. And if the former are not sufficiently developed and do not participate in the formation of sounds, then the latter are direct participants in this process.
Ligament pathologies
The elastic formations responsible for voice and speech are susceptible to various diseases. Let's give an example of some of them.
- Granuloma. Inflammation resulting from injury to the larynx, as well as when it is irritated. The voice becomes hoarse, in the organ there is a feeling of the presence of a foreign body, from which you want to get rid of. In this case, the pain radiates to the auricle. The ulcers formed by the disease are pale pink in color and can grow. In these cases, conservative treatment is carried out, and if it is ineffective, an operation is performed. However, if you do not irritate the granuloma, it can dissolve on its own.
- Overloading the ligaments can lead to the formation of benign growths. In this case, seals are formed, which grow over time. A pronounced symptom here is hoarseness. Such a chronic disease requires constant monitoring by a doctor. To reduce the swelling of the folds of the larynx, treatment with steroid drugs is prescribed. Neoplasms are removed using a laser or cryosurgical method.
- Polyps. They arise in the middle of the vocal folds as a result of injury. As in previous cases, the pathology is accompanied by hoarseness and a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the throat. The size of polyps varies. If voice therapy is ineffective, the problem is solved surgically.
- Spastic dysphonia is a disorder caused by the movement of folds. The causes of pathology are mental disorders, stress. It is expressed in the unnaturalness of the voice and its tightness. To alleviate the painful condition, the patient is prescribed injections. It is impossible to completely cure the disease.
- Phonasthenia. It slows down the process of closing the folds and is a consequence of overloading the ligaments or the nervous system. The chronic course of the disease can completely deprive the patient of the voice. When treating inflammation, the patient is not advised to talk.
Cancer of the vocal cords. The cause of a terrible ailment can be smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, as well as a number of various diseases, the neglect of which leads to malignant formations. Eliminate the tumor with surgery, as well as with the help of radiation.- The ingestion of foreign bodies into the organ during inhalation and when swallowing causes swelling of the larynx, makes breathing difficult. Removal of a foreign body is carried out using a bronchoscope.
- The pathologies of the vocal cords include diphtheria and false croup.
- Laryngitis. It is accompanied by discomfort in the throat and dry cough. It occurs as a result of allergies, viral diseases, hypothermia, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor ecology.
Cancer of the vocal cords. The cause of a terrible ailment can be smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, as well as a number of various diseases, the neglect of which leads to malignant formations. Eliminate the tumor with surgery, as well as with the help of radiation.Cause of pain in the vocal cords
There are also many other serious pathologies that are extremely rare. These include:
- various injuries;
- poisonous substances that enter the larynx during inhalation;
- tuberculosis, which is extremely dangerous.
Diagnosis of diseases of the larynx
In order to establish the cause of the inflammation, it is necessary to consult a specialist and undergo a thorough examination, which includes the following medical measures:
- examination of the throat;
- palpation of the neck;
- x-ray;
- biopsy.
Most often, diseases of the vocal cords are affected by people whose profession is directly related to the speech apparatus. These include singers, theater actors, circus performers, teachers and others. In order not to put yourself at risk, you need to constantly monitor the manifestations of the body and take care of the strings of your voice.
