What is reinke’s edema?
Reinke’s edema is the progressive formation of irritation and edema in the form of a gelatinous sac on the vocal folds (in the Reinke’s space). These problems in the vocal cords cause long-lasting dysphonia, throat clearing and, sometimes, a choking sensation. It is more common in men than in women.
What are the symptoms?
Reinke’s edema presents as progressive dysphonia with hoarseness and lower pitch, lower voices and less vocal power, with a tendency to fatigue in severe cases.
Reinke’s edema presents as progressive dysphonia with hoarseness and lower pitch.
Causes of reinke’s edema
Normally, this pathology affects people who misuse or abuse the voice, and smokers (90% of patients are smokers). It may also appear in cases of hypothyroidism and be associated with gastroesophageal reflux.
Can it be prevented?
This pathology can be improved by avoiding the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and by modifying bad vocal habits, such as not forcing the voice excessively. In addition, it is advisable to avoid toxic vapors and fumes, and to treat gastro-esophageal reflux and any otorhinolaryngological infection, since they can be responsible for edema in the vocal cords.
What is the treatment?
In most cases the treatment is based on rehabilitation therapy with a speech therapist, total tobacco suppression and vocal rest. However, some patients with long-standing reinke’s edema must undergo laryngeal microsurgery as a definitive treatment for the elimination or absorption of the edema. In these cases, preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation therapy will also be required.