TIM eMagazine Vol.4 Issue 2
• Talk to your doctor on ways to manage persistent heartburn or GERD
• Eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These foods contain vitamins
A, E, and C. They also help keep the mucus membranes that line the
throat healthy.
DON’TS
• Avoid too much spicy foods. Spicy foods may cause stomach acid to move up
the esophagus and throat, causing heartburn or GERD.
• Avoid mouthwash or gargles that contain alcohol or strong chemical
ingredients. If you still wish to use a mouthwash that contains alcohol,
limit your use to oral rinsing. When you need to gargle, using a salt water
solution is recommended.
• Don’t use mouthwash to treat persistent bad breath. Halitosis (bad breath) may
be caused by infections in the nose, sinuses, tonsils, gums, or lungs, as well as
from gastric acid reflux from the stomach. These problems require different
solutions that your doctor can provide.
• Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Smoking irritates the vocal cords and
is often the cause of cancer in the throat area.
• Don’t drink too much alcohol and caffeinated drinks. These may cause the body to
lose water and dry the vocal cords and larynx. Alcohol may irritate the mucous
membranes that line the throat.
How do you conserve your voice?
o Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse or when you are
vocally-tired.
o Avoid extreme uses of your voice, such as screaming or whispering. Talking
too loudly or too softly can put stress on your larynx.
o Avoid cradling the phone when talking. When you place your phone between
the head and shoulder for extended periods of time, you run the risk of causing
muscle tension in your neck.
o Use a microphone when addressing crowds. Why strain your voice just to be
heard when a microphone and a proper sound system can help you deliver your message?
o Avoid speaking in loud, noisy places. We tend to raise our voices in these
situations which can cause unnecessary strain on our throats.
o Rest your voice when you are sick, especially when your respiratory system is
affected. Notice how your voice changes when you have colds or when you’re down
with the flu?
o Practice good breathing techniques to help with your singing or speaking.
Here’s a simple exercise to get you started:
• Take deep breaths from the chest before you speak or sing a line. The idea is not to rely on your
throat alone because talking from the throat, without supporting breath, can put a strain on your voice.
o If possible, consult with professionals who specialize in voice therapy. An experienced
speech-language pathologist can guide you on how to use your voice in a healthy way.
https://themedicalcity.com/
How can The Medical City help you?
We are home to many world-class physicians who can assess, diagnose, and treat
problems of the voice. The Medical City’s Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Institute has
the facilities and expertise to nurse your voice back to health.
For more information, you may contact:
(632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 local 6251
(632) 689-8201 (direct line)
Open daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM except Sundays and Holidays
All procedures are by appointment only.
References:
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice#1
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/what-is-voice-speech-language
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_voice
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5412481/
Disclaimer: This information is not intended
to be used as a substitute for professional
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If
you or someone you know have any of the
symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable
to seek professional help.
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