Tips to Prevent Voice Problems
and DONOT use alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol also irritates the mucous membranes that line the throat.
and Drink plenty of warm water. Six to eight glasses a day is recommended.
and Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Cancer of the vocal folds is seen most often in individuals who smoke.
and 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.
and Avoid eating spicy foods. Spicy foods can cause stomach acid to move into the throat or esophagus (GERD)
and Use a humidifier in your home or take steam inhalations. This is especially important in winter or in dry climates.
and Try not to overuse your voice. Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse.
and 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.
and Exercise regularly. Exercise increases stamina and muscle tone. This helps provide good posture and breathing, which are necessary for proper speaking.
and Get enough rest. Physical fatigue has a negative effect on voice.
and Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise causes strain on the voice.
and 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.
and 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.
and 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.
and 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
and Tonsillitis
and Sinusitis
and Laryngitis
and Nasal allergy
and Reflux of acid from stomach (GERD)
and Asthma and bronchitis
and Rarely polyps and tumors in the upper airway passage
If you are having problems , consult an ENT surgeon for advice.
