Tips to Prevent Voice Problems
• DONOT use alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol also irritates the mucous membranes that line the throat.
• Drink plenty of warm water. Six to eight glasses a day is recommended.
• Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Cancer of the vocal folds is seen most often in individuals who smoke.
• Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking. It is important to support your voice with deep breaths from the diaphragm, the wall that separates your chest and abdomen. Singers and speakers are often taught exercises that improve this breath control. Talking from the throat, without supporting breath, puts a great strain on the voice.
• Avoid eating spicy foods. Spicy foods can cause stomach acid to move into the throat or esophagus (GERD)
• Use a humidifier in your home or take steam inhalations. This is especially important in winter or in dry climates.
• Try not to overuse your voice. Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse.
• Include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain vitamins A, E, and C. They also help keep the mucus membranes that line the throat healthy.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise increases stamina and muscle tone. This helps provide good posture and breathing, which are necessary for proper speaking.
• Get enough rest. Physical fatigue has a negative effect on voice.
• Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise causes strain on the voice.
• Avoid mouthwash or gargles that contain alcohol or irritating chemicals. If you still wish to use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, limit your use to oral rinsing. If gargling is necessary, use a salt water solution.
• Avoid using mouthwash to treat persistent bad breath. Halitosis (bad breath) may be the result of a problem that mouthwash can’t cure, such as low grade infections in the nose, sinuses, tonsils, gums, or lungs, as well as from gastric reflux from the stomach.
• Consider using a microphone. In relatively static environments such as exhibit areas, classrooms, or exercise rooms, a lightweight microphone and an amplifier-speaker system can be of great help.
• Consider voice therapy. A speech-language pathologist who is experienced in treating voice problems can provide education on healthy use of the voice and instruction in proper voice techniques.
Common causes of Voice changes and fatigue
• Tonsillitis
• Sinusitis
• Laryngitis
• Nasal allergy
• Reflux of acid from stomach (GERD)
• Asthma and bronchitis
• Rarely polyps and tumors in the upper airway passage
If you are having problems , consult an ENT surgeon for advice.
Dr Paulose is an ENT Consultant Plastic and Laser Surgeon with over 32 years of experience covering in Ear, Nose and Throat procedures, specializing in Laser Surgery and conventional medicine across India, U.K. and Middle East. He is currently engaged with the SUT Hospital, in Kerala, India. You can contact him today for help.