Vocal cord nodules are small lumps that develop on the vocal cords. They happen when the vocal cords are strained repeatedly, often from yelling, talking, or singing a lot. 

Vocal cord nodules don't hurt, but they can make kids sound hoarse or have a rough, scratchy, or breathy voice. They usually go away on their own or with speech therapy.

Follow your health care provider's advice for:

• Resting the voice
• Going to any specialists (such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor or a speech therapist)
• Taking any medicines for conditions that may irritate the vocal cords, such as allergies or acid reflux (where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus) 
• When to follow up

To help your child's vocal cords heal and prevent more irritation:

• Teach your child to speak at a medium volume. They shouldn't yell or whisper since both can irritate the vocal cords. 
• Encourage your child to rest the voice before and after any activity where they will be talking or singing more than usual.
• Instead of coughing or clearing the throat, encourage your child to try swallowing or taking a sip of water.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. 
• Help your child avoid drinks with bubbles (such as soda) or caffeine (such as coffee, tea, chocolate drinks, and cola). 
• Make your home and car smoke and vapor free. Smoking/vaping and being around smoke/vapor can irritate the vocal cords and cause many health problems. For help quitting, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov.

Your child's voice:

• Doesn't return to normal after following your health care provider's instructions
• Gets worse

What activities strain the vocal cords? Vocal cord strain can happen from:

• Lots of screaming, shouting, singing, or loud talking
• Coughing or clearing the throat a lot
• Speaking or singing in a higher or lower voice than is comfortable

Do some conditions make a person more likely to get vocal cord nodules? Yes, kids are more likely to get vocal cord nodules if they: 

• Have allergies 
• Have nasal congestion and clear their throat a lot
• Have acid reflux 
• Smoke, vape, or live with someone who smokes or vapes

How are vocal cord nodules treated? Since vocal cord nodules often go away as a child grows, sometimes health care providers just wait to see how a child does over time. If treatment is needed, kids can go to a speech therapist for voice therapy. Getting treatment for acid reflux or allergies also can help the vocal cords heal. Rarely, kids need surgery to remove nodules.