Our voice is the sound we produce when speaking, singing or performing any other type of vocal communication. It’s generated in the larynx, specifically through the voluntary movement of the vocal cords as the air passes in expiration from the lungs.
It’s an extremely valuable resource and its importance lies in its usefulness for communicating with each other and even for survival.
It’s estimated that 5% of the population suffers from a voice disorder that requires specialist attention.
The voice is altered when different pathologies appear in the vocal cords, or for neurological and/or psychiatric reasons. Pathologies are diagnosed and treated by an otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) using laryngeal fibroscopy and/or stroboscopy, methods that allow an accurate view of the vocal cords and assessment of their mobility and vibration in phonation. Using these methods we can diagnose:
- Nodules, which improve especially well with rehabilitation.
- Polyps, which are usually resolved with surgical methods.
- Acute or chronic laryngitis, caused by infections and frequently by gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn).
- Vocal cord paralysis, the result of previous surgery on the thyroid gland, heart or due to idiopathic causes (several possible causes), etc.
In the case of neurological or psychiatric problems, the vocal cords are normal but their functionality is affected.
Similarly, people who tend to use their voice a lot for work or other reasons are more predisposed to suffer problems derived from misuse or overuse.
All these problems can be treated, when there is no other remedy, through speech therapy, medication in case of gastroesophageal reflux or infectious laryngitis, surgery in cases of polyps or paralysis, etc. It’s especially important that each individual does their part to help in their own healing and prevent their voice from getting worse.
How can you take care of your voice?
Hydration: Drink enough water, at least 1.5 litres a day. Keeping your vocal cords hydrated is critical.
Avoid irritants: Eliminate or reduce the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and tobacco, as they contribute to dehydrating the voice.
Vocal warm-ups: Before long efforts, a long talk or singing, perform vocal warm-up exercises.
Rest: Allow the voice to rest, especially if it has been used intensively.
Posture: Maintain good posture when speaking or singing to facilitate breathing and voice projection.
Diet: It’s important to prioritise foods as part of an anti-reflux diet, especially if you already have a hiatus hernia, gastritis, etc.
To sum up, take care of your voice, eat a healthy diet and exercise to maintain a healthy mind. All this will go a long way towards helping prevent vocal cord problems and will also take care of your physical and mental health at the same time.
Dr. Laura Gañan
Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT)
La Rueda Medical Centre
