According to experts stating that the biggest enemy of the voice is smoking, coffee, tea, chocolate and alcohol dry the vocal cords. Stating that the layer covering the vocal cords should be moisturized, experts recommend consuming 6-8 glasses of water a day and not speaking loudly.

April 16 is celebrated as World Voice Day all over the world. It is aimed to raise awareness on this day, which draws attention to the importance of voice health.

Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Topak said that voice is the most important tool in human communication.

Changes in voice must be monitored

Prof. Dr. Murat Topak emphasized that many people can only continue their profession by using their voice, but vocal disease is even more important in people such as teachers, artists, announcers, singers and religious officials:

"The vocal cords in humans are highly specialized and have a layered anatomical structure. Due to the 3-layer loose connective tissue layer between the covering epithelium on the surface and the muscle layer forming the underlying body, the cover on the vocal cord can create a fluctuation movement independently of the underlying body. Hoarseness occurs due to disruption of this cover-body mechanism. Hoarseness, which occurs as a result of deterioration in this layered structure of the vocal cords, can be a symptom of inappropriate and poor use of the voice, as well as the initial symptom of malignant laryngeal diseases. For this reason, every patient with a change in voice should be carefully examined, the factors causing this should be determined and necessary treatments should be applied."

Attention to hoarseness lasting longer than 15 days

Stating that hoarseness may occur in some of the infections affecting the upper respiratory tract as a result of the vocal cords being affected by the disease, Prof. Dr. Murat Topak said, "This condition improves after a while with the natural course of the disease or treatment. However, in hoarseness lasting more than 15 days, an ENT specialist's evaluation is definitely needed," he warned.

If there is difficulty breathing, consult a doctor

Prof. Dr. Murat Topak also stated that if there is difficulty in breathing with hoarseness, a specialist should be consulted. Prof. Dr. Murat Topak said, "This is a sign that the disease affecting the vocal cords has started to prevent the breathing air from passing between the vocal cords, which is one of the narrowest parts of the respiratory tract, and an urgent health institution should be consulted."

Coffee and tea dry the vocal cords

Prof. Dr. Murat Topak stated that smoking should be avoided for a healthy voice and listed his recommendations as follows:

"Smoking is the biggest enemy of the voice. It is the most important cause of larynx and lung cancer. Smoking should definitely be quit and there should be no exposure to cigarette smoke in the environment. Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate) and alcohol increase vocal cord damage by drying the vocal cords. Caffeine and alcohol should be consumed in moderation. It is good to increase fluid intake to balance their negative effects.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water

The layer covering the vocal cords must be moisturized. For this, drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. The humidity of the ambient air is also important.

Do not use medication without consulting a physician

Medicines should be used in consultation with a physician. For example, antihistamines in medicines used indiscriminately for colds can reduce mucus secretion and dry out the lining of the larynx. If you need to take medication with drying properties, increase your fluid intake during the medication to compensate. Also ensure that the humidity level in the home and work environment is adequate.

Reflux affects the voice

Laryngopharyngeal reflux affects the voice by changing the structure of the mucosa of the vocal cords and by causing a constant feeling of fullness and stuckness in the throat. To prevent laryngopharyngeal reflux:

-Avoid acidic and spicy foods, especially carbonated, acidic and colored drinks.

-Chocolate, fatty milk and dairy products increase stomach acid as well as thicken mucus and reduce the wetness of the vocal cords.

-Make sure that your stomach is empty for 2-3 hours before going to bed, because in the supine position it is easier for the stomach acid content to escape backwards and stomach emptying is delayed during sleep.

-Lie down with a pillow or place an elevator under the bed so that your head is at an angle of 30 degrees with the horizontal plane.

-Some medications increase laryngopharyngeal reflux by increasing stomach acid, removing the protective barriers between the stomach and esophagus or delaying gastric emptying; do not take any medication, including naturally derived ones, without consulting your doctor.

Stress can cause muscle tension, which can lead to strain on the voice and thus damage to the vocal cords. Avoid using your voice for professional purposes under stress."

Do not speak loudly

Prof. Dr. Murat Topak also listed his recommendations regarding vocal health as follows:

"1- Avoid speaking loudly, yelling and screaming.

2- Avoid frequent throat clearing and coughing; these movements are usually a sign of bad vocal habits and/or dry vocal cords and damage your laryngeal tissues. When you feel the need to clear your throat, swallow or drink some water.

3- Try not to speak without getting enough air; to do this, make sure that the pace of your speech is not fast and breathe more often. Breathe deeply and abdominally through the nose.

4- Avoid excessive talking and singing when your voice is broken or tired. Reducing speech or not speaking for a while will often restore a tired voice. Warm up your voice before singing or speaking for a long time."