Too shouted or sung the day before: it is an inflammation of the vocal cords
Overexertion of the voice leads to inflammation of the vocal cords. Over time, small nodules can even form in the rubbing area. First thing to do: rest your voice for ten days, so speak as little as possible and without forcing.
The solution : The doctor usually prescribes anti-inflammatory over a short period (two to five days maximum). In the event of a recurrence, you can learn to position your voice better, with the advice of a speech therapist. A laser treatment, in an ENT, can also help to find it in a few hours.
What are the enemies of the voice?
Heating, air conditioning, tobacco… But also tea, coffee, chocolate, spices, mint, fried foods and soft drinks, which promote gastroesophageal reflux and dry out the throat. Taking an infusion just before bedtime is not recommended. And it is better to limit the use of the cell phone in town, because we force the voice to be heard.
Void for a week: maybe damaged vocal cords
Several causes can be at the origin of this persistent extinction: nodules or polyp linked to vocal overexertion, granulomas (redness due to gastroesophageal reflux). This problem can also be caused by local edema (Reinke’s), permanent swelling of the vocal cords, which results in a deep, rocky voice.
The solution : nodules are treated with speech therapy. In case of polyp or Reinke’s edema, intervention is necessary, followed by resting the voice.
Why is the voice more fragile in winter?
Because at this season banal ENT infections, such as nasopharyngitis, laryngitis and tracheitis, multiply. Sudden temperature variations between indoors and outdoors also play a role, as does the dry air conveyed by the heater. All this promotes sore throat and weakens the voice. Preventive treatment to strengthen the immune system, such as probiotics or trace elements, can help.
Hoarseness and sore throat: it’s laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx, or laryngitis, is the most common cause of voice loss. It occurs after an ENT infection (cold, tonsillitis) or significant vocal strain. Certain professions, such as teachers or singers, are at high risk.
The solution : the treatment combines cortisone to quickly deflate the vocal cords, aerosols to moisten them and bronchial thinners. Remember to place a humidifier in the room or a bowl of water on the radiator, but also to stop alcohol and tobacco.
The right actions to preserve your voice
Protect your throat well when you go out and uncover yourself when you get home. Remember to drink water: even in winter, this is essential! Finally, pay attention to your breathing and posture, especially when working. Do not lean too far forward with your shoulders tucked in, as this hinders breathing: standing up straight and adopting low breathing, while inflating the belly, helps to preserve the vocal cords.
Cough and dead voice in the morning: it is sometimes a reflux
A broken voice in the morning is often the effect of tobacco, which dries up and irritates the vocal cords. It can also come from gastroesophageal reflux disease, which causes a dry nighttime cough and a hoarse voice when you wake up. These acid refluxes are favored by stress, tobacco, alcohol or coffee.
In a horizontal position, they “burn” the back of the vocal cords, which then need a little time before they function normally.
The solution : ENT may prescribe treatment against gastric acidity, for example a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as Mopral®. Your voice will return to normal within a few days.
