Callus, or nodules, on the vocal cords, as well as other problems in this region, such as polyps or laryngitis, most often arise due to improper use of voice, lack of warmth or excessive use of vocal cords.
In this way, knowing how to care for vocal chords is very important to avoid voice alterations, difficulty singing or even chronic hoarseness. See other callus signs on the vocal cords and how to treat.
Although this care is most sought after by those who make constant use of the voice, such as singers, for example, can be adopted by all people, especially when you have a job where it is essential to talk for a long time, as with teachers or speakers. The most important cares include:
1. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day
The water helps to hydrate the vocal cords, making them more elastic and preventing them from suffering injuries easily, especially when they are used in excess or for a long time.
Thus, if there are no lesions, it is much more difficult to form a callus, since the healing process of an injury to the vocal cords is usually one of the main causes of callus development.
2. Have good posture when speaking or singing
Whenever you use your voice it is very important to maintain a proper posture, with the back straight, the shoulders broad and the neck stretched. This is because the larger muscles that are around the throat also help in the process of producing the voice, reducing stress on the vocal cords.
Thus, when you are speaking in a strange or incorrect position, such as when lying on your belly down and looking to the side, for example, there is more pressure on the vocal cords, which increases the risk of a minor injury and may contribute to the appearance of a callus.
3. Avoid coffee, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages
Cigarette smoking, either direct or by breathing in the smoke of a smoker, causes mild irritation of the tissue that lines the vocal cords which can result in inflammation and development of a callus or polyp on the vocal cords.
Coffee and alcoholic beverages are substances that, in addition to causing irritation, also cause the body to lose more water, which ends up drying the vocal cords and larynx, increasing the risk of injury.
In addition, irritants such as alcohol rinses or menthol lozenges should also be avoided as they may cause irritation and dryness of the vocal cords.
4. Avoid talking for a long time
Crying or talking for a long time, especially in places with loud music or excessive noise, is one of the simplest ways to put pressure on the vocal chords and thus result in an injury. Therefore, it is best to always prefer to speak in a quiet place and always for less than 30 minutes, taking breaks of at least 5 minutes whenever possible.
Also, although whispering seems to cause less strain on the vocal cords, it can also be as bad as talking for long periods and therefore should also be avoided for long periods.
5. Eat every 3 hours
Although eating every 3 hours feels like a weight-loss tip, it also helps a lot to protect the vocal cords. This is because, in this way, eating too much food is avoided, which causes the stomach to become empty and the acid can not easily reach the throat, affecting the vocal cords. This tip is especially important in people with gastroesophageal reflux, but it can be used in all cases.
It is also recommended to eat 1 apple in a bark a day. As an astringent food it helps to keep the mucosa clean and moisturized, as well as aiding in the muscles of chewing.
