Hoarseness, how to prevent it?

Hoarseness is the demonstration that something is wrong with the larynx.

When we see some of these symptoms: difficulty swallowing, cough, fever, neck swelling, earache, and acidity in the stomach, certainly our larynx will be affected and therefore the vocal voice or pitch may change.

When symptoms last for more than a week, you should seek an otolaryngologist to have some tests done. Depending on the diagnosis, the patient is referred to an audiologist to begin treatment based on a vocal reeducation.

Next week we will take about vocal reeducation and its many benefits for those who because of their profession use and “abuse” their voice.
Today we will look at the causes and symptoms of hoarseness or dysphonia, which may lead to total absence of voice.

But what causes this change of voice and symptoms listed above?

• Family history
• Gastric reflux
• Exposure to cold environments
• Frequent vocal straining
• Voice misuse

Among these symptoms, the one that sometimes causes some surprise is gastric reflux. Many people are unaware that stomach acid can cause damage to the vocal cords, but this is a reality and cases have multiplied over the years. In several cases when you visit an otolaryngologist he or she may also refer you to a Gastroenterologist for an evaluation of the digestive tract.

The acid vapors caused by reflux reach the larynx and go into the mouth, causing damage particularly in the voice. When this happens, the gastric pathology must be eliminated before beginning vocal cord therapy. That is, first we eliminate the main problem and then treat the damage caused by it.

After we review the symptoms, causes and specialties we must seek to try to solve the issue of frequent hoarseness, let us now look at some tips that can help reduce this problem:

• Avoid very polluted environments especially areas with people smoking
• Moisturize your vocal cords by drinking plenty of water daily (2.5liters per day)
• Upon seeing the first symptoms rest your voice for 24 hours
• Avoid very hot or very cold drinks
• Avoid harsh temperature changes
• Do not consume milk or its derivatives.

You can also try any of the following home remedies as an option for relief of discomfort, without overlooking the need and extreme importance of consulting with the expert:

• Licorice tea, mullein or mauve;
• Gargling with honey
• Warm water with honey and propolis

Do not neglect your voice.

Until next week