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• Allergy Information

ENT Conditions > Throat

How can vocal problems be avoided?

Vocal hygiene

1. Drink plenty of liquid (not including tea, coffee, alcohol, or Coca-Cola). Aim to have 8-10 drinks per day.

2. Get enough sleep as being tired can affect the voice in the same way it would affect any muscular performance.

3. Eat regular meals and try to eat a balanced diet.

4. Avoid irritants such as spicy food, tobacco, smoky places, excessive dust, and alcohol.

5. Avoid eating late at night as this does encourage indigestion, which may affect the voice.

6. Keep your bedroom and lounge humidified appropriately. If you have central heating on, this dries the atmosphere. Put a bowl of water near radiators or a damp towel on them.

7. Do not suck medicated lozenges unless you have a sore throat. These numb the throat allowing you to do more damage and the menthol has a drying effect.

8. To keep the mouth moist suck ordinary pastilles or chew gum

If you have an ‘acute' infection

1. Increase your fluid intake

2. Take steam inhalations twice a day

3. Rest the voice or use it a gently as possible but do NOT whisper

4. Do NOT gargle with aspirin