Make Your Office Work For You
Whether youâre on your feet all day or sit in front of a computer, use these tips to feel better.
Pay attention to posture. Good posture is extra important with RA. If yours is off, even if youâre sitting, it will stress your joints and can boost fatigue. Instead, imagine a string running from the ceiling to the top of your head. Lift your head, neck, and shoulders along that string. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your pelvis upright donât let it tilt forward or backward. And donât lock your knees.
Mix up positions and tasks. If you work at a desk, make a point of getting up and moving around throughout the day. Stretch in your chair, go for a walk at lunchtime, and take the long way to the copier or restroom. If you can, switch between standing and sitting. If your job involves repetitive movement, such as turning bolts on machinery or typing, break it up with other duties if possible. Switch back and forth between light and heavy tasks.
Tweak your stance. If you stand for most of the day, put one foot on a step, a low stool, or a book so that itâs a little higher than the other. This helps keep your pelvis in alignment. Switch feet every now and then. Wear shoes with good cushioning and support, and keep heels an inch high or less. Special inserts may also help. Organize your work area so that you dont have to lift, reach, or carry too much. If you work in different areas, consider an apron or tool belt to carry the items you need.
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Trouble With Your Thyroid
This butterfly-shaped gland in your lower neck pumps out a hormone that controls a number of functions in your body. When your thyroid doesnt make enough of it, one symptom you might have is a hoarse voice.
If you have a goiter when your thyroid gets larger you may cough a lot and have problems with your speech. A growth on the thyroid, or a nodule, can also affect the way you speak.
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When To See A Doctor
Voice cracks every now and then shouldnt worry you, especially if youre young and generally in good health.
If your voice cracks constantly, even if you take preventive measures to keep your vocal cords healthy and hydrated, see your doctor to diagnose any underlying issues that may be affecting your vocal cords. Issues like nodules or neurological disorders like vocal dysphonia can keep you from speaking or singing properly.
In some cases, nodules can become so large that they block your airways, making it hard to breathe.
Here are some other symptoms to watch for that should warrant a trip to the doctor:
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What Is Laryngitis Common Laryngitis Symptoms
Laryngitis causes a hoarse voice or the complete loss of the voice because of irritation to the vocal cords. The vocal cords are inside of the larynx. They are vibrating elastic bands that produce your voice. When our vocal cords function normally, they open and close smoothly. Sounds are made through their movement and vibration. Laryngitis causes the vocal cords to become inflamed and swollen due to overuse. The vocal cords can also be affected by another health concern, like GERD or a viral infection, leading to the distortion of sounds and hoarseness.
There are other laryngitis symptoms, besides a hoarse and raspy voice. Other laryngitis symptoms include losing your voice completely, coughing, trouble swallowing, a dry or sore throat, a tickling, scratchiness in the throat, a constant urge to clear the throat, postnasal discharge and fever.
Most of the time, laryngitis symptoms will come on quickly and then disappear within two weeks. Its possible to develop chronic, long-lasting laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis lasts more than a few weeks. It tends to have a longer course and require treatment. According to research conducted at Boston Medical Center, up to 21 percent of the population may develop chronic laryngitis in their lifetime. Difficulty speaking, globus sensation , and pain are the most common symptoms of chronic laryngitis.
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What To Do If Your Voice Is Lost Due To Allergies
If you are experiencing difficulty speaking because of allergies, there are several things that you can do to help improve your situation. First, try to keep your asthma under control by using medication as prescribed by your doctor. Also, make sure that you stay hydrated and eat foods that are low in pollen. Finally, make sure to take breaks from speaking during pollen season so that your voice has a chance to rest.
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Why Does My Voice Crack When I Sing
There are several things that can cause your voice to crack when you sing or even speak. The most common reasons are that you didn’t warm your voice up well, you’re not hydrated, you are trying to sing at a difficult volume, your breath support isn’t at its best, or you’re simply going through puberty.
The Best Allergy Medicine For Singers
Suffering from allergies can be infuriating as there seems to be no relief. Especially if youre a singer and you need your voice back as soon as possible. As youll need to avoid antihistamines, try some alternative medicines to treat your hoarseness.
When youre following a healthy lifestyle as a singer, losing your voice to allergies can be confusing. Especially when winter allergies can target your vocals, too. Fighting hay fever and allergies can feel like an endless battle especially if its impacting your vocal ability. But they dont have to stop you performing. You can keep hoarse, congested tones at bay during allergy season by following the advice and suggestions weve provided.
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What Can You Do For Laryngitis From Allergies
Reducing the inflammation in your larynx is the key to treating allergic laryngitis. If you want to keep the vocal folds hydrated, be sure to drink lots of fluids. It is possible to help the air by using a humidifier. If you have a history of allergies, you may want to talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your condition.
Singing With Hay Fever
Fighting hay fever can feel like an endless battle especially if youre a singer and its impacting your voice. But hay fever doesnt have to stop you singing. You can keep hoarse, congested tones at bay during allergy season with a few simple techniques:
- Detox clean living can boost your whole bodys immunity, and help your system stay strong against allergens. Try drinking 8 glasses of water a day and a diet of whole foods and vegetables to give your body a fighting chance.
- Warmup preparing your vocal cords for singing is always important, but its especially vital when youre suffering from allergies. A good vocal warmup can help relax and prepare your vocal cords.
- Steam set up your own steamer at home by filling a bowl with hot water, putting your face over it and covering your head with a towel. Inhale deeply for 5 10 minutes and youll feel your nasal passages clear. You may feel silly, but your voice will thank you!
- Nasal cleansing if you rinse out your sinuses every day, you can stop congestion in your airways building up.
- Air purifiers filters can be a lifesaver if you suffer from pollen allergies. HEPA filters and other air purifiers will keep your home free from allergens and help you sleep at night.
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Can Allergies Cause My Voice To Be Hoarse
Yes. Allergies can cause voice hoarseness. Over time, mucus from an allergic reaction to pollen and dust in the air can cause a buildup of mucus . This mucus may cause a runny nose or post nasal drip in which it drips onto the back of the throat, causing irritation and inflammation. Over time, this can cause a sore throat and a hoarse voice.
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Maintain A Clean Home
Keeping the home consistently clean is another way to eliminate allergens. On the other hand, chemical cleaners could actually make symptoms worse and cause irritation to nasal passages. In lieu of chemical cleaning products, stick with natural cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar. In addition, you can use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter.
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Lozenges Cough Candies And Cough Suppressants
Another method of loosening up mucous or soothing a sore throat is to suck on lozenges or cough suppressants. However, lozenges and cough candies generally coat the throat – some even numb it – in order to soothe it. For some singers, the coating left by these cough medications can have the same irritating effect as the mucous that they are trying to get rid of, causing further discomfort in the throat.
Fisherman’s Friends are a brand of lozenge, , that can be taken immediately before a performance. Although many people don’t appreciate their strong flavour, they are very effective at suppressing coughs and clearing up mucous without leaving a coating on the throat. They are also helpful in providing temporary relief from the irritation of post-nasal drip due to mild colds and allergies, and are useful at bedtime as a substitute for antihistamines, which can have a drying effect on the air passages.
Avoid lozenges with analgesics.
Can Seasonal Allergies Cause A Hoarse Voice How Hay Fever Affects Your Voice
Posted on byTeenStar
Stuffy noses, congestion, and itchy sinuses can all take their toll on your voice. These are of course bad news for singers but are also increasingly common.
Can seasonal allergies cause a hoarse voice? Yes, but there are ways to combat a croaky voice caused by allergens. Find out how hay fever, pollen and other matter attack the respiratory system, so you can better prepare to combat and prevent the effects.
In this article, well explain why these issues may be arising, which mediations to avoid and what alternative remedies will be most effective.
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What Causes Vocal Cord Problems
If the issue isnt laryngitis, it may be one of the following more serious conditions.
However, you can prevent voice loss by following safe practices including the following:
- Avoid smoking of all kinds
- Dont strain your voice by whispering
- Use a humidifier
- Try not to clear your throat
Can Allergies Cause A Hoarse Voice
Allergies can target your respiratory system and leave your voice hoarse and raspy. Seasonal allergies like pollen allergies and hay fever are two of the worst culprits for impairing your voice.
If you have an allergy, inhaling pollen can inflame the vocal folds and restrict your range and pitch.
Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma and can also cause hoarseness. Its triggered by allergens including mould, dust mites and pollen and causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and hoarseness.
Coughing causes trauma to your vocal cords and makes your larynx extra sensitive. Allergies trigger bouts of necessary coughing, but if you cough and clear your throat for a prolonged period of time it can become a habit that you start doing even when you dont need to.
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Why Is My Voice Raspy But My Throat Doesnt Hurt
A raspy voice can be a result of many things, from an infection or cold to dehydration or smoking. But in some cases, a raspy voice may not be accompanied by any other symptoms, such as a sore throat. So why is that?
There are a few different possible explanations for why someone might have a raspy voice without any other throat symptoms. One possibility is that the person has laryngitis, an inflammation of the larynx, which is the voice box. Laryngitis can be caused by a number of things, such as a viral infection, overuse of the voice, or acid reflux. When the larynx is inflamed, it can cause the vocal cords to swell, which can lead to a raspy or hoarse voice.
Another possible explanation is that the person has a respiratory infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. These infections can cause the airways to become inflamed and irritated, which can lead to a raspy voice.
In some cases, a raspy voice may be due to a more serious condition, such as cancer. This is why its important to see a doctor if youre experiencing a raspy voice and no other throat symptoms, as they may be able to determine the cause and recommend treatment.
About Vocal Nodules Cysts And Polyps
Vocal cord nodules, vocal cord cysts, and vocal cord polyps are noncancerous growths or bumps, like calluses on your vocal cords. They can cause your voice to sound raspy, breathy, or hoarse. Your voice may crack or cut in and out as the bumps prevent your vocal cords from vibrating normally.
Voice overuse — such as talking too loudly or too much — is frequently the cause of these growths, but they can also result from constant coughing, acid reflux, or allergies. If your profession demands you speak constantly and with a loud voice — as with teachers, clergy, lawyers, and salespeople — you are at greater risk for developing vocal cord nodules, cysts, or polyps. Singers are also at risk because of their high vocal demands. Left untreated, the growths can lead to voice strain as your body attempts to compensate for your injury.
In many cases, voice therapy can teach you how to use your voice more efficiently and without strain so your injury can heal. In some cases, surgery is needed to remove the growths. After surgery, voice rehabilitation is essential to ensure your best vocal recovery.
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How Long Do Voice Cracks Last
How long do voice cracks last?
This is a question that is often asked by people who are experiencing voice cracks. The answer, however, is not always straightforward as the duration of voice cracks can vary from person to person.
Generally, voice cracks tend to last for a few days or weeks. However, in some cases, they may persist for months or even years. If voice cracks are caused by a medical condition, they may require treatment and may not go away on their own.
If you are experiencing voice cracks, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. In some cases, voice cracks may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Treatment for voice cracks will vary depending on the underlying cause.
If voice cracks are caused by overuse or abuse of the voice, they may go away on their own once the voice is given time to rest. However, it is important to take measures to protect the voice and avoid further damage.
If you are experiencing voice cracks, it is important to keep your voice hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. You may also want to avoid speaking for long periods of time and try to speak in a lower pitch.
If voice cracks are caused by a medical condition, they will likely require treatment. Treatment may include voice therapy, medications, or surgery.
Is Laryngitis From Allergies Contagious
Children and young adults are most likely to suffer from hoarseness or voice loss due to inflammation of the vocal cords. LAL is a condition that affects the larynx and causes the voice to be hoarse or muffled.
It can occur at any age, but is more likely to occur in people who are older or have certain health conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . The condition can be life-threatening if it is not treated quickly. difficulty speaking or swallowing coughing up blood or mucus difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing.
The symptoms can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the persons age and health condition. In some cases, the symptoms may be so severe that a person may not be able to speak or swallow at all. If you have any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away.
If your symptoms are severe, you may need to go to the emergency room.
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What Is Chronic Laryngitis
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, the “voice box” that contains the vocal cords in the upper portion of the neck. Laryngitis occurs in two forms, acute and chronic. Acute laryngitis typically is a brief illness producing hoarseness and a sore throat. In most cases, an upper respiratory tract infection causes it. Chronic laryngitis is a more persistent disorder that produces lingering hoarseness and other voice changes. It usually is painless and has no significant sign of infection.
Among adults, the most common causes of chronic laryngitis are:
Less often, chronic laryngitis can be caused by chronic sinusitis with postnasal drip. Rarely, it can be caused by an inflammatory illness or infection directly involving the vocal cords .
Baylor College Of Medicine Blog Network
Spring is here! Arent we so glad to be out of winter?
With seasonal changes, people often experience upper respiratory infections, allergies or a cold, which may result in voice changes that can last up to two weeks.
You may ask yourself, If I have a cold or allergy, how can this affect my voice?
The same allergies that affect your nose can affect your voice. The upper respiratory tract or sinus system is connected to your larynx by postnasal drip.
Postnasal drip is the collection of secretions that drip down the back of your nose.
These secretions can drip directly onto your vocal cords and cause irritation, pitch changes , altered vocal range , decreased resonance, throat pain, cough and increased risk of hemorrhage of vocal folds.
What can you do to protect your voice when colds, allergies or sinusitis arise? Try to:
Preventative care can make you healthy year round. If your voice has not improved two weeks after suffering a cold or allergy, you may want to consider a visit an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.
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