Myths and facts about how to take care of your voice
Clearing your throat, whispering or resorting to home remedies are all common practices when dysphonia appears, although they are not always helpful. Is there any truth in such tips?
Our voice is one of the most personal signs of identity we have and our main means of communication. Our voice enables us to speak, laugh, shout, sing and, ultimately, express ourselves. However, although we use it daily, we don’t always use it properly or take care of it correctly.
During the day we constantly strain the vocal cords. We breathe incorrectly, speak in noisy environments, and clear our throats without taking into account the wear and tear on the larynx. "In the same way that we take care of our heart or our diet, vocal health is also part of a healthy lifestyle," explains María José Lavilla, a specialist in otolaryngology at the HLA Centro Médico Zaragoza.
In some professions, our voice is the main work tool, so maintaining healthy habits and regular preventive check-ups are the norm. On the other hand, in everyday life, vocal problems tend to be considered normal, and folk remedies are often used without a prior professional assessment.
The most frequent vocal problems
The quality of our voice depends on the balance of a complex system formed by our vocal cords, muscles, nerves and airways. When any of those is affected, that can cause anything from mild dysphonia to total loss of voice.
According to data from the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Pathology, approximately 5% of the Spanish population suffers from a voice disorder that requires the intervention of a specialist.
The most common conditions are functional dysphonia, vocal cord nodules, and chronic laryngitis. These conditions are usually related to vocal overexertion, stress or poor breathing technique. Likewise, some studies indicate that smokers tend to develop a persistent chronic cough and hoarseness due to the irritation caused by the smoke. "Tobacco, and in fact, particularly when associated with alcohol, is the main risk factor for laryngeal cancer," says the specialist.
Myths and facts about voice care
Take care of your habits
Lifestyle generally has an important role in preventing aphonia and dysphonia. Dr. María José Lavilla suggests maintaining healthy habits such as:
- Avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol.
- Maintaining good hydration.
- Avoiding shouting or competing with ambient noise.
- Allowing your vocal cords to rest.
- Not self-medicating using corticosteroids or antibiotics.
- Treating reflux if it appears.
Most vocal problems are benign and can be easily treated. Ignoring warning signs such as prolonged aphonia or dysphonia can trigger more serious disorders. "Prevention, hydration and consultation with a specialist are still the best tools to safeguard our voice."
