Vocal Cord Health: Hydration, Care & Prevention of Hoarseness

The vocal cords produce sound by vibration as air travels through the trachea. The vocal cords consist of mucous membranes that are susceptible to irritation and trauma. People who speak or sing frequently need to take care of their vocal cords. Overuse can cause polyps to form on the vocal cords, preventing them from closing during speech. This will cause a breathy or hoarse-sounding voice. There are several steps to follow for good vocal hygiene.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink water -- you are well hydrated if your urine is clear or pale yellow. Water will lubricate the vocal cords and reduce the amount of mucous that accumulates. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can cause dehydration.

• 2

  Rest your vocal cords as much as possible when they are irritated. Do not scream, talk as little as possible and whisper whenever feasible. Drink hot tea or gargle with saltwater to relieve soreness.

• 3

  Avoid fatty, spicy and acidic foods to reduce the risk of damage to the vocal cords from acid reflux --stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. This can cause inflammation, pain and swelling in the vocal cords.