Vocal First Aid - what to do when your voice is sore, croaky or lost

Good technique as prevention
Our vocal cords make sound by vibrating together at high speed. Beginning singers often use their voices in unhealthy ways, forcing the vocal cords to hit together too hard. Our vocal cords are delicate and will become inflamed and irritated very quickly. When repeated over time this inflammation will turn into calluses (nodules, polyps or cysts). To prevent short term voice loss and long term serious damage, work with a singing teacher or voice therapist to learn good technique.

Ask yourself these questions

1. Where is the pain? Most often singers report pain in the throat, but sometimes unnecessary tension can result in pain in the neck, shoulders or jaw. If your trouble is muscular you may need to consult a physio or speak to your singing teacher about relieving some of the tension.
   
2. What type of pain do you have? Sharp, scratchy pain is a sign of inflamed, irritated vocal cords whereas a dull ache indicates vocal fatigue. Inflamed vocal cords should not be ignored as it can have serious long term consequences. Vocal fatigue is not as dangerous and usually reflects a high vocal workload.
   
3. How often does this happen to you? If it’s more than once every couple of months and not the result of a cold or other illness, there may be an issue with your technique, your vocal cords or your vocal workload that needs immediate attention. However, it’s normal to feel a little more sensitive when the air is very dry or during cold and flu season.
   

Emergency voice treatment

1. Rest your voice as much as possible for 2-3 days.
   
2. Breathe steam for 5-10 minutes, 1-2x each day. No menthol, eucalyptus or other aroma-therapy, just clean water.
   
3. Siren for a couple of minutes a few times a day. Keep it extremely gentle, no need to use the extremes of your range.
   
4. Avoid strenuous exercise such as running, weight lifting etc.
   
5. Eat/drink anti-inflammatory foods: This includes berries, green tea, avocado, brocolli, leafy greens, fatty fish etc. My personal favourites are turmeric lattes and cayenne pepper spiced hot chocolate! Turmeric, cayenne pepper and cocoa are anti inflammatories!
   
6. Stay hydrated dry air and dehydration can lead to vocal swelling. Herbal teas or pure water are the best hydrators.
   
7. Get a humidifier if you find that you consistently wake up with a sore throat, breathing dry, dusty air while you sleep might be the cause. Air humidifiers can be purchased online for around $30. Do not add anything, just pure water.