Carolers Should Give Voice Pre-holiday Workout

Before you go a-caroling this holiday season, you'll need to give your voice a workout.

Dr. Michael G. Stewart, associate professor of otolaryngology at Baylor College of Medicine, said when the voice is misused, it can lead to laryngitis, an inflammation of the larynx. The larynx is the organ that controls swallowing, breathing and vocal production.

"Laryngitis is caused by swelling of the vocal cords, folds of vibrating mucous membranes draped over the muscles that control their tension and pitch," Dr. Stewart said. "When laryngitis occurs, a person becomes hoarse or loses his or her voice."

Carolers, especially those who don't sing often, are candidates for laryngitis. However, there are a number of precautions that can be taken to preserve the voice.

Dr. Stewart offers the following tips:

* Always warm up

"Just as you shouldn't run a sprint before warming up, you shouldn't sing before warming up," Dr. Stewart said. "The trick is to do gentle, soft singing or simple scales before you sing with a group or do a solo. It warms the muscles and helps the voice function better."

* Practice, practice, practice

"Try to make singing a part of your routine," Dr. Stewart said. "If you're not a member of a choir or don't sing regularly, sing along with the radio or on your own. It helps to get the vocal cords in shape."

* Stay hydrated

"You can get dehydrated for various reasons. It could be from drinking alcohol or exposure to dry, cold air, both of which can dry out the vocal cords," Dr. Stewart said. "People should drink several glasses of water or an equivalent each day. Tea or coffee are diuretics and will cause dehydration."

* Don't try to sing too long or too high

"You shouldn't try to sing for two or three hours if you haven't been doing any singing," Dr. Stewart said. "Try to limit yourself to an hour or two, unless you train or sing regularly, and don't sing beyond your range."

* Stop if it hurts

"People should never try to `sing' through the problem," Dr. Stewart said. "If you know you're feeling hoarse, if it's hurting or if something's not right, you should stop singing immediately. By resting the voice, no further treatment is needed."

Dr. Stewart said laryngitis typically is not a serious condition.

"Just remember to prepare your voice," he said, "so you can chime in this holiday season."

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/12_15_00/page_09.html