If you have been following my blog for awhile you know that my voice is important to me. With my trach and numerous tracheal dilation surgeries you know that I have lost my voice for periods of time. That is why when one afternoon I saw a great program on voice health on Dr. Oz
, I knew that I had to watch his show, but also to do my own research and write about it. Taking care of your vocal folds not only promotes having a stronger voice, but also allows you to use your voice for a long time. It is miserable to not be able to communicate your needs, wants, thoughts, opinions, or just to tell your loved ones that you love them. Our voice is one thing that we all take for granted and we shouldn’t.
I have seen my vocal folds work, it is so interesting how fast and how efficiently they work together. It is amazing to me to think of how intricate the vocal folds are and that this simple opening and closing mechanism makes my voice. I have also seen and experienced the dangers of the vocal folds when they spasm. I have had my vocal fold spasm twice during surgery and I had to have a certain medication injected to make them relax. When they clamp shut, you can’t breathe. Even though, I know these things about our vocal folds I have never thought about how to take care of them or even to exercise them. It never clicked in my mind until I watched the Dr. Oz show and did my own research.
Because I know everyone doesn’t have Subglottic Stenosis also known as tracheal stenosis that thinking about voice health won’t be on your mind. Here are some signs that you have some voice issues going on and need to see an ENT.
- You have hoarseness
- Raspy voice
- You start sounding deeper
- Your throat aches
- Or you feel you have to strain to talk or breathe
- You have to repeatedly clear your throat.
Voice issues can happen for a number of different reasons, not just because you have an autoimmune disorder like I do. If you have upper respiratory infections a lot, your voice can have issues. If you have Gerd or acid reflux your vocal folds will be affected. You can misuse your voice or overuse, singers and speakers do this quite often. Even going through a psychological trauma can affect your voice. Who would have thought? That is why having the mindset of properly taking care of your vocal folds, which is a muscle like you do any other muscle of the body is important. Think about it, we promote moving our bodies and strength training because we don’t want our muscles to become atrophied so why don’t we move the vocal muscle too and take care of it. There are some awesome Youtube videos and tips to help you take care of your vocal folds. The first tip is from me, don’t be afraid to request seeing an ENT if you are having trouble with any of the symptoms above. There is no shame in seeing a doctor and it isn’t in your imagination either. Health is vital, even vocal health.
Here are other tips:
- Drink plenty of water. Water keeps the vocal folds moist and moving fluidly.
- Don’t smoke
- Use a humidifier in your home, especially in your bedroom at night, all year around. Also keep the humidifier clean because you don’t want to breathe in bacteria that can came in the water reservoir. I clean mine out every time I have to add water.
- Avoid allergy medication. The reason why is because it dries out your vocal cords and therefore can cause scarring and damage. I suggest looking at essential oils or an alternative way of helping with allergies.
- Avoid eating spicy foods.
- Eat well.
- Get plenty of rest
- If you are a speaker or a singer practice warming up your vocal folds before a big performance or speech. There are some great Youtube videos that can help you with it.
I value my voice. I bet you do too. I aim to take care of my vocal folds, how about you?
Be well my friends!
Here is where I got my information:
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