Introduction

Imagine you are a voice artist whose job depends on their vocal cords alone. You can be a singer, actor, or public speaker, and your voice is as valuable as your life. You are very excited about the opening night of your much-anticipated singing show. As you step onto the stage, the lights go down, the audience goes silent, and you are prepared to deliver a captivating performance. But instead of the powerful voice expected, a mere croak emerges. You feel helpless as you realise that you have laryngitis and have to keep the show going.

So, just like any other professional (athlete, swimmer), voice professionals who live and breathe through their voices must take precautions to protect their most valuable instrument. But what exactly can be done to prevent laryngitis?

This article will talk about the important things voice actors can do to avoid getting laryngitis and make sure their voices stay strong and healthy for every performance. But first, let us have a brief understanding of the terms larynx and laryngitis.

What is laryngitis?

The larynx, also known as the "voice box," is the area that connects the throat to the windpipe. It plays an important role in our speech. The larynx is located roughly halfway down our neck.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx that may be acute or chronic. Acute laryngitis is typically a mild condition that resolves on its own and typically lasts between 3 to 7 days. It is called chronic laryngitis if the condition lasts for more than three weeks.^1,2,3

What are the causes of laryngitis?

• Acute infectious laryngitis in adults most commonly begins with viral invasion in the body
• Acute non-infectious laryngitis can be caused by vocal trauma, abuse, or misuse, an allergy, gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma, environmental pollution, smoking, inhalational injuries, or functional/conversion disorders
• Inhaled chemicals can cause laryngitis in asthmatics, and chronic steroid inhaler use can cause fungal laryngitis, particularly in non-drinkers
• Environmental factors like seasonal allergies or air pollution can irritate the vocal cords and cause acute laryngeal symptoms
• Noxious substances that are breathed in, whether from smoking or other drug use or by accident, can irritate the larynx and lead to voice problems and swollen vocal folds^4,5

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms that are typically present include the following:

•  Voice changes like hoarseness or a "raspy" voice
•  Early vocal fatigue in singers and voice professionals
•  Dry cough⁵

Importance of vocal health for voice professionals

To be successful as a singer for a long time, vocal health is important for all musicians. It is essential for musicians who perform, sing, and either rehearse or instruct others to have a fundamental understanding of how to care for their voices due to the fact that they are constantly using their voices. Performing, practicing, and rehearsing music all require a significant amount of physical effort, due to which musicians are susceptible to numerous vocal disorders. However, with proper preventive measures, many vocal disorders and conditions can be avoided.³

Overview of preventive measures

Hydration

It simply means keeping your vocal cords moist. Most of the time, we are dehydrated without even knowing it. There could be several contributing factors.  For example, excessive caffeine intake, drugs that cause dryness, sweating without fluid replacement, and smoking can all contribute to dehydration.

So to avoid this, staying hydrated becomes really essential. Some of the key steps we can opt for to stay hydrated are:

•  Always carry a water bottle with you and try to drink water frequently
•  Ideally, men should drink 3 litres of water per day, while women should drink 2.2 litres
•  Replace caffeinated beverages and alcohol with water

Vocal Care and Technique

 Warm-up exercises are performed prior to any physical activity, such as gym, running, or swimming. Similarly, it is important to warm up the muscles that are used when we practice or train our voices. Professional voice actors warm up by doing the following:

Breathing exercises

Practice abdominal breathing. You can comfortably sit or stand with your palm on the abdomen. Take a deep breath through your nose and let your stomach stretch. Exhale slowly through your mouth. You should feel a contraction in your stomach as you do this. Repeat this a few times before beginning your sessions.

Lip trill

Breathe in, then exhale through closed lips, producing a vibrating sound. Alternately move the pitch of the sound up and down. Repeat the process several times.

Humming

Start humming at a pitch that is comfortable for you. Make your way up and down the scale in a gradual manner.

Glide and scales

• Glide from lowest to highest pitch (and back down) in a smooth, siren-like motion
• Practice singing high and low scales
• Practice sustained and vowel sounds

E.g., ssssssssssssss, zah-zah-zah-zeeee

Warm down

It helps restore muscles to their resting tone. Warm-downs are beneficial because they help to loosen muscles and restore the voice box to its resting position. Give your voice a break, especially after extensive use.

Environmental Factors

While at work, voice artists are exposed to different environmental factors, such as artificial climates, air conditioning, altered humidity, dryness, and extreme temperatures. These can be detrimental to their voice health. To prevent this:

• Use room humidifiers to maintain optimal indoor humidity in cases of extreme dryness
• Carry portable steamers ( in case of dry areas)
• Minimise your exposure to smoke and pollutants

Lifestyle Choices

We can improve our vocal health and quality by incorporating healthy changes into our lifestyle and diet. It is important to adopt the following changes or modifications in your daily schedule:

Avoid Smoking and Spicy Foods

Refrain from smoking and eating spicy foods. Spicy foods can cause stomach acid to flow into the throat or esophagus, resulting in heartburn or GERD.

Focus on a Balanced Diet

Incorporate plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your diet. These foods contain the vitamins A, E, and C. They also help to keep the mucus membranes that line the throat in good condition.

Other lifestyle choices are:

•  Maintain a regular exercise schedule. Exercise builds stamina and muscle tone 
•  Do not use mouthwash or gargles that have alcohol or chemicals that irritate the mouth^2,6

Professional Support

It is important to seek professional assistance, such as going to the doctor for checkups on a regular basis, keeping an eye on the health of the voice, and addressing any issues as soon as they appear.

In case you are experiencing persistent problems with your voice, you should seek the advice of a medical professional.

Summary

Voice professionals can avoid laryngitis and other voice-related issues by taking a few preventive measures. It is important to stay hydrated because drinking enough water keeps the vocal cords moist and in a functional state. Doing regular vocal warm-ups before speaking or singing helps get the voice ready and reduces strain. Additionally, incorporating vocal rest into their routine allows for recovery after extensive use. Avoiding irritants like smoking, alcohol, and polluted environments improves vocal health. Limiting spicy foods can help relieve throat discomfort. By adopting these practices, voice professionals can safeguard their voices as well as reduce the risk of laryngitis and can excel in their field.

FAQs

What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the vocal cords, often resulting in hoarseness, loss of voice, or a scratchy throat. It can be caused by overuse, irritants, or infections.

How can staying hydrated help prevent laryngitis?

Drinking plenty of water keeps the vocal cords lubricated, reducing the risk of irritation and strain during use.

Why are vocal warm-ups important?

Vocal warm-ups prepare the vocal cords for use, increasing flexibility and reducing the likelihood of strain or injury.

How often should I rest my voice?

Regular vocal rest should be incorporated, especially after heavy use or when feeling fatigued. Aim for short breaks during long speaking or singing sessions.

What types of irritants should be avoided?

Voice professionals should avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, and environments with dust, strong chemicals, or allergens, as these can irritate the throat and vocal cords.

How can I manage allergies to protect my voice?

Treating allergies promptly with appropriate medications can help reduce throat irritation, minimizing the risk of laryngitis.

What are some good vocal techniques to practice?

Proper posture, diaphragmatic breathing, and controlled volume can help prevent vocal strain and ensure healthier voice use.

Are there foods that can harm vocal health?

Yes, spicy foods and excessive caffeine can irritate the throat or lead to dehydration, so it’s best to limit these before performances.

How can I tell if I’m overusing my voice?

Signs of overuse include hoarseness, a tired feeling in the throat, or difficulty hitting certain notes. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to rest your voice.

What should I do if I start to feel symptoms of laryngitis?

If you notice symptoms, stop using your voice, stay hydrated, and consider consulting a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment options.