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Reinke's edema (Latin: oedema Reinke) is a bilateral swelling of the vocal folds resulting from mechanical irritation. Smokers and people who work with their voice are particularly at risk. What are the symptoms of Reinke's edema and how is it treated?

Reinke's edema(Latinoedema Reinke ) occurs, as the name suggests, in Reinke space. It is a closed, slit-like space within the larynx, under the epithelium of the vocal cord. It is devoid of glands and lymph vessels. Women and men are equally affected by the disease. It should be emphasized that there is a close relationship between smoking and the occurrence of Reinke's edema. As many as 97% of patients are heavy smokers. Tobacco smoke causes swelling by irritating the vocal cords. It is more common in middle and elderly people.

Reinke's edema: causes

  • harmful substances in the workplace
  • allergy leading to sinusitis
  • nicotine abuse
  • straining the voice, especially related to the profession, e.g. teachers, journalists, singers, lecturers

Reinke's edema: symptoms

  • grunting
  • dysphonia - mature rattling voice
  • foreign body feeling
  • difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
  • snoring

Patients often ignore these symptoms, especially hoarseness. Especially long-term symptoms should be worrying. In extreme cases, the swelling can even result in suffocation.

Reinke's edema: research

A suitable specialist is an otolaryngologist or phoniatrician. He or she collects a detailed interview, especially concerning the profession, smoking or allergies. He performs an ENT examination, during which laryngoscopy reveals a cushion-like, pendulous, wobbling swelling of the vocal folds and a narrowing of the glottis. In individual cases, it is helpful to perform coronal computed tomography, allergic tests, stroboscopy, phoniatric examination.

Reinke's edema: differential diagnosis

Similar symptoms may also result from:

  • lumps on the vocal cords
  • laryngeal cancer
  • myxedema
  • toxic or allergic swelling of the vocal folds
  • gastroesophageal reflux
  • thyroid disease
  • complications after neck surgery
  • allergy

Reinke's Edema: Treatment

In the initial phase, when the swelling is not severe, conservative treatment can be attempted: removal of harmful substances (cigarettes), change of profession, ENT treatment of the voice, psychotherapy.

Strong Reinke's edema, which hinders normal functioning, is an indication for surgery. Microlaryngoscopy and vocal fold stripping are performed, either conventionally or with a surgical laser. Optionally, two steps are performed to avoid adhesions of the anterior commissure. Due to the possibility of dysplasia, a histological examination with horizontal incisions should always be performed. Unfortunately, despite treatment, relapses are possible.

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Category:

Respiratory system