The holiday season is known for many things: good food, festive decorations, happy music and lots of chatting. Between big holiday feasts, singing carols and attending parties with friends and coworkers, you’re probably in for a season of heavy voice usage. Here are some practical ways you can care for your throat and voice this season.
Why Do I Need to Prepare My Voice?
Like any muscle, your voice box can become strained or even damaged if you use it too much or improperly. Taking measures to rest, protect and prepare your throat before heavy use of your voice will prevent most damage.
Damage to your voice box can lead to a number of voice conditions, such as hoarseness, laryngitis, vocal fold swelling, polyps and cysts.
What Can Cause Damage to My Voice Box?
The holiday season hides some hazards to your vocal health, such as:
- Cold, dry air
- Illness (common cold, flu, COVID, etc.)
- Acid reflux triggered by fatty holiday parties
- Heavy use of your voice
Strategies to Protect Voice Health
First, keep your throat hydrated. This helps your body fight off infection, helps your voice box function properly and can soothe acid reflux. Drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day, and if you feel like your throat is drying out for any reason, consider placing a humidifier next to your bed at night to add moisture to the air you breathe while you sleep.
The one unfortunate thing about the holidays is that they occur right smack in the middle of flu and cold season. Practice good hygiene to avoid getting sick so you can keep hoarseness and sore throats at bay: wash your hands, avoid touching people who are or have recently been sick and consider getting your flu or COVID vaccine to reduce your chances of catching something. If you do get sick, try to use your voice less whenever possible so you don’t irritate the area further and cause greater damage to the throat.
Finally, keep your voice itself strong. Think of your voice box like a muscle: warm it up before heavy usage (much like an athlete stretches before a game or meet) and rest it well afterward. Some vocal warm-ups include humming softly before a big speaking engagement and reciting tongue twisters!
We’re Here for Your Throat and Voice Health
Our team of ENTs at Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy wants you to have a holly jolly holiday season. If you need to speak to someone about issues with your throat or voice box that make speaking uncomfortable, give us a call, and we’d be happy to perform a throat exam to identify the issue.