Let's Keep Your Voice on Point!

I’m sitting here wondering how could this happen, why me? The one thing that keeps me sane and happy is the one thing that I could loose if I don’t take care of it, here and now. This one thing is my voice. I sing and write songs it makes my life so much easier when I am able to do that. I know that there are many Vocal musicians out their that need to know this information and what they can do to prevent this from happening to them and many other things from happening as well. The problem that I have, I have caused because I didn’t take care of my voice like I was supposed to. The condition I have is called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and I also have a knot on my vocal cords cause by over vocalizing and talking loud.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux is acid normally produced in the stomach. It is prevented from backing up or refluxing into your esophagus (or food pipe) and throat by a bank of muscle at the entrance of the stomach known as the lower esophageal sphincter. If this band of muscle is not functioning well, you can have a backflow of acid into your esophagus and in your throat and voice.

Symptoms that might occur with (LPR) might consist of dry cough. Chronic clearing of the throat, and a sensation of something being stuck in the throat. Some people will also complain of heartburn, while others may have hoarseness or loss of voice. Another major symptom of (LPR) is “postnasal drip”. This is caused because of the irritation that is happening.

There are many treatments and things you could do to prevent this from happening:

· Posture changes and weight reduction

· Diet Modification

· Medications to reduce the stomach acid or to promote normal motility

· Surgery to prevent reflux

· Do not smoke. Smoking will cause reflux

· Avoid tight fitting clothes around waist

· Avoid eating three hours prior to bedtime. In fact, avoid eating a large meal at night.

· Weight loss. For some people with recent weight gain, shedding a few pounds is often all that is required to prevent reflux

· Food to Avoid: caffeine, cola beverages, citrus beverages. And mints, alcoholic beverages-particularly at night, cheese, fried foods, eggs, and chocolate.

· For people with more severe symptoms, it is helpful to sleep with the head of the bed elevated. Six inches of bed elevation will decrease reflux significantly.

There are also some thing’s that I know could help with your voice. Not yelling or talking loud, this can causes your throat to get hoarse and irritated. Also you can drink Aloe Vera water it is great for the throat instead of water because it coats the vocal cords and keeps the moist, while singing. The most accentual thing you can do to keep from damaging your vocal cords is warming up your voice before you sing and not straining when singing…

Holla!!.. Man Down
~Craig U.


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