Vocal Health
19th July 2010 by Depressed No CommentsVocal health for singers is very important when it comes to singing your best. Many things can affect the quality of your singing voice. It is a good idea to learn how to recognize potential problems so you can limit the chance for trouble when it comes time for you to sing. Here are a few common things to keep in mind when it comes to your vocal health:
Alcohol and your voice
Alcohol is not good for your vocal cords because it causes the blood vessels in them to dilate. When the vessels in your vocal cords dilate, the blood comes closer to the surface and this makes them more susceptible to hemorrhaging while you are singing. Do not drink alcohol on days when you will be singing, either performing or practicing, and on the days when you do drink alcoholic beverages, drink lots of water to counteract alcohol’s dehydrating effects.
Cigarette smoke affects your voice
Cigarette smoke causes the tissue in your throat to become irritated and inflamed and this makes it more difficult for you to sing well. Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke as best you can. It is best to avoid cigarette smoke for several days before you have a singing lesson or give a performance.
Throat clearing
If you frequently clear your throat, you should find out the cause so you can break the habit. Clearing your throat a lot can be a sign of a medical condition like postnasal drip or even acid reflux. Swallow instead of clearing your throat and talk with your doctor about the cause. For many singers, throat clearing is just an unconscious habit that results from trying to clear the vocal cords for singing. Singing with a little mucus on your vocal cords shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Food and your vocal health
You’ll discover that certain foods cause vocal irritation. Dairy products often cause mucus to build up, which causes you to clear your throat frequently. Some people may be affected by spicy foods while others are not. You’ll have to discover which foods bother you so you can avoid them for a few days prior to a big performance.
Pollen, dust and your vocal health
Sensitivities to allergens, such as pollen or dust, may cause the vocal folds and throat to swell. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help you overcome your allergy problems. In the meantime, take some basic precautions. Maintain a clean home so dust doesn’t have the chance to settle and cause your problems and select allergy-free bedding to sleep on at night. Pay attention to your local news and weather for pollen count updates. Most areas have higher pollen counts in the early morning or early evening. Restrict your outdoor activities to the middle of the day when you are less likely to run into problems with pollen.
How medication affects your vocal health
The problem with most over-the-counter drugs is that just about anything you can find to help you with the symptoms of a runny nose or watery eyes dries out your throat. If you have to take the medication, then drink lots of water before you sing so your throat won’t become too dry. If possible, you may want to forego the medicine on the days when you have to sing.
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