It is not possible to generalize how long vocal fold edema lasts before it heals. In general, patients with acute vocal fold edema can be cured after 2 weeks with aggressive treatment, while patients with chronic vocal fold edema may not be cured for years. Vocal fold edema includes both acute and chronic edema. Acute respiratory infections can cause acute vocal fold edema, which may manifest as foreign body sensation and hoarseness, and may even reach the level of voice loss. Symptomatic treatment, such as nebulized inhalation, along with oral or intravenous hormonal medications, is usually given and patients can recover within 2 weeks. If vocal fold edema persists for a long time, it can lead to vocal fold hypertrophy and even transform into vocal fold polyps or vocal fold nodules, i.e. chronic vocal fold edema, which is more difficult to treat and may result in patients not healing for a long time. Patients with vocal cord edema are advised to keep the room at the right temperature and humidity, and to eat a light diet with refreshing, tender and juicy foods, drink more water, and abstain from spicy and stimulating foods.