| Caring for your Voice |
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Most people take their voices for granted. As is the case with other things in life, it is only when someone's voice falters or malfunctions that the great impact that the larynx plays in one's life becomes apparent. Loss of a reliable voice can impact one's job and one's daily interactions with people. Impairment of swallowing and breathing problems from laryngeal disorders can lead to weight loss, pneumonia and even death. Prevention of disorders, and early diagnosis and treatment of disorders, often make a huge difference in the success of a given treatment.
Prevention of voice problems first and foremost involves caring for your overall health in general. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Avoid smoking and avoid excessive alcohol intake. These are basic tenets of both good healthcare and good voice care.
More specific care for your voice includes drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day to help keep the vocal cords well lubricated. Caffeine tends to dry the throat and thicken secretions so minimizing caffeine intake is imperative. Caffeine also can increase reflux of stomach acid into the throat and cause irritation. Rest your body and rest your voice periodically. Speak in your natural tone and pitch. Avoid clearing your throat, excessive coughing and whispering. Avoid excessive yelling or screaming at sporting events, concerts, or loud bars/clubs.
If hoarseness persists for more than 1 week without improvement or for more than 2 weeks total, see your doctor. If hoarseness is associated with shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing, see your doctor immediately. Recognizing a problem early can often decrease the severity of a disease process and lessen the severity of the treatment.
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3633 West Lake Avenue |
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