The symptoms of Reinkes edema are considered to be chronic symptoms because they develop gradually over time and depend on how long the individual is exposed to the risk factor. In the case of smoking, as long as the individual continues the habit of smoking, the Reinkes edema will continue to progress. This is true for other risk factors as well, such as untreated gastric reflux and overuse of the voice, which is common to professions such as singers and radio announcers. Causes
Smoking is the number one cause of Reinkes edema. Other factors include gastroesophageal reflux, hypothyroidism and chronic overuse of the voice. Smoking and reflux are the only risk factors that may lead to cancer. Additionally, the combination of several risk factors increase the likelihood of an individual developing Reinkes edema. For example, an individual who smokes and also has gastric reflux would have an increased susceptibility for developing Reinkes edema over time.Reinkes edema is commonly diagnosed in middle-aged females with a history of smoking (aged 50 years or older). Because males have lower pitched voices than females, males are less likely to observe a significant changes in the voice, and are therefore less likely to seek treatment. Females also report more physical discomfort due to Reinkes edema. The risk of Reinkes edema increases with age and also with prolonged exposure to smoking.
Reinkes edema is the swelling of the vocal cords due to fluid (edema) collected within the Reinkes space. First identified by the German anatomist Friedrich B. Reinke in 1895, the Reinkes space is a gelatinous layer of the vocal cord located underneath the outer cells of the vocal cord. When a person speaks, the Reinkes space vibrates to allow for sound to be produced (phonation). The Reinkes space is sometimes referred to as the superficial lamina propria.Reinkes edema is characterized by the "sac-like" appearance of the fluid-filled vocal cords. The swelling of the vocal folds causes the voice to become deep and hoarse. Therefore, the major symptom of Reinkes edema is a hoarseness similar to laryngitis. The major cause associated with Reinkes edema is smoking. In fact, 97% of patients diagnosed with Reinkes edema are habitual smokers. Other identified risk factors include overuse of the vocal cords, gastroesophageal reflux, and hypothyroidism. The disease is more often cited in women than in men, because lower voice changes are more noticeable in women.The first cases of Reinkes edema were recorded in 1891 by M. Hajek, followed by F. Reinke in 1895. In his investigations, Reinke injected a stained glue into the superficial lamina propria (Reinkes space) to mimic edema. Reinkes edema is considered to be a benign (non-cancercous) polyp (protrusion) that represents 10% of all benign laryngeal pathologies. Treatment of Reinkes edema starts with the elimination of associated risk factors, such as smoking, gastric reflux, and hypothyroidism.