Voice Disorders - How can you avoid them?

Many people having issues with their voice and are not able to speak clearly normally go to a general practitioner for treatment. Often your doctor may provide the right treatment, in most cases, he/she may recommend an appointment with an ENT doctor. An ENT doctor is a healthcare practitioner who has acquired training in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat problems, and is the perfect doctor to treat the underlying cause of your voice disorder.

As a voice problem can lead to immense repercussions, it is important to take the right preventive measures, and reduce your chances of developing them.

How can you prevent voice disorders from happening?

• Say no to alcohol or caffeine: These substances act as diuretics, which cause the body to lose water. According to leading ENT doctors, this loss of fluids can dry out the throat, and result in problems such as hoarseness, laryngitis and paralysis of the vocal cord.
• Increase consumption of fluids: It is suggested to consume at least eight glasses of water per day to prevent dehydration. One should also drink other healthy liquids such as fruit juices, milk shakes and soups. In many cases, dehydration has proved to be the main cause of a voice problem.
• No smoking: This includes inhaling second-hand smoke as well. Cancer of the vocal folds is a severe throat problem that manifests, most often, in individuals who smoke.
• Don't use mouthwash that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals, as these chemicals may irritate the throat.
• Practice good breathing techniques: When you are speaking or singing, it is important to support your voice with deep breaths from the diaphragm. This form of breath control helps lessens the strain on one's voice, and reduces voice problems.
• Cut down on spicy foods: Foods with too much spice may cause stomach acid to travel into the throat or oesophagus (reflux), resulting in a variety of symptoms. This may include hoarseness, throat pain or swallowing problems.
• Humidifier can be a handy tool: It is advised to have at least thirty percent humidity in homes or offices. This is particularly important in winter or in areas with a dry climate. If your surroundings are not humid enough, you should consider purchasing a humidifier to increase the humidity level.
• Stay away from noisy places: Talking loudly in noisy places can have an impact on your voice. If you really need to speak in front of a noisy crowd, consider using a microphone to amplify your voice.