Reinke’s edema, what is it?

Reinke’s edema is an inflammatory process of larynx, which can affect one or both vocal strings.

It is produced by a fluid accumulation (edema) gelatinous or serous in the Reinke space, a layer located just below the superficial epithelium of the vocal strings, causing their thickening.

It is a benign lesionbut it must be treated to avoid complications and improve the quality of the voice.

What are your symptoms?

The symptoms depend on the size and time of evolution of the lesions. Generally the injuries are bilateral and quite symmetrical.

• Dysphonia (hoarse or rough voice) with periods of intermittent rumor, and vocal fatigue when speaking or singing.

• Changes in voice tone (more serious voice, especially in women).

• Strange body sensation or Frequent carraspeo.

• In severe cases, Difficulty breathing by decreased light at the glotis level (part of the larynx where the vocal cords are located).

Depending on the extension of thickening and the commitment of the vocal cords, three degrees are defined in the re -ke edema: I (mild), II (moderate), III (severe).

Causes

• Chronic smoking (main risk factor).

• Chronic larynx irritation by:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux

  • Exposure to irritants (chemicals, dust …)

  • Excessive use of the voice, shout, talk a lot or strong

• Hypothyroidism

What is the diagnosis?

The dysphonia are evaluated by the medical specialist in otolaryngology. It must be consulted with any dysphonia that lasts from 2 to 3 weeks, before any sudden or severe change in the voice without clear cause, especially if the patient is smoker or there are associated symptoms (pain when speaking or swallowing, persistent or blood, sensation of foreign body, respiratory distress, weight loss).

The Mapfre Health insurance has hundreds of specialists throughout the national territory, which will allow you to get out of doubt if you have a disease of this type and be able to undergo adequate treatment as soon as possible.

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Reinke’s edema diagnosis is performed by laryngoscopy with the direct visualization of vocal strings, which have a swollen and translucent appearance. In some cases, vocal function or image studies (magnetic resonance or computerized tomography) are performed

What treatment is the most appropriate?

• Quit smoking (fundamental), eliminate alcohol and irritating.

• Reflux treatment or any underlying cause.

• Vocal rest.

• Voice therapy with a phoniatra or speech therapist who can teach vocal techniques to reduce tension in vocal cords.

• Surgery in case of:

• • Absence of improvement with conservative treatment.

  • Severe or bilateral edema.

  • Important affectation of voice or difficulty breathing.

It consists of a laryngeal microcirgey using a laryngoscope under general anesthesia.

The liquid of the Reinke space is drained and the shape of the vocal rope is restored preserving the structure to maintain a good function.

What you should know …

• Its main symptoms are persistent dysphonia, severe voice and rum and, in severe cases, respiratory distress; The diagnosis is performed by laryngoscopy.

• The treatment includes quit smoking, vocal rest, phoniatric therapy And, in severe cases, surgery to drain the liquid and preserve the vocal function.