Dys Vocal Crack: The Anatomy and Physiology of Voice Cracking
Dys vocal crack is a term that refers to the sudden and involuntary change in the pitch or quality of your voice. It can happen when you try to sing or speak too high or too low, or when you strain your voice for a long time. Dys vocal crack can be embarrassing and frustrating, especially if you rely on your voice for your profession or hobby.
In this article, we will explain what causes dys vocal crack, how to prevent it, and how to treat it if it happens.
What Causes Dys Vocal Crack?
Dys vocal crack is caused by the improper coordination of the muscles and tissues that control your vocal cords. Your vocal cords are two thin bands of tissue that vibrate when air passes through them. The pitch and volume of your voice depend on how fast and how tightly your vocal cords vibrate.
When you change your pitch or volume, you use different muscles to adjust the tension and position of your vocal cords. Sometimes, these muscles can become too tense, too loose, or out of sync with each other. This can result in a sudden change in the vibration of your vocal cords, which produces a crack or a squeak in your voice.
Some of the factors that can cause dys vocal crack are:
- Puberty. During puberty, your hormones cause changes in your body, including your voice box. Your vocal cords grow bigger and thicker, and your larynx (voice box) moves down in your throat. These changes can make your voice unstable and prone to cracking as you adjust to them.
- Pushing your voice too hard. If you try to sing or speak too high or too low, or too loud or too soft, without proper training or warm-up, you can strain your vocal cords and make them tense or loose. This can make them vibrate irregularly and cause dys vocal crack.
- Vocal cord lesions. If you use your voice for a long time without rest, or if you abuse your voice by shouting, screaming, coughing, or clearing your throat too often, you can damage your vocal cords and cause injuries such as nodules, polyps, cysts, or ulcers. These lesions can interfere with the normal vibration of your vocal cords and cause dys vocal crack.
- Other medical conditions. Some medical conditions that affect your throat, such as allergies, colds, flu, sinus infections, acid reflux, thyroid problems, or neurological disorders, can also affect your vocal cords and cause dys vocal crack.
How to Prevent Dys Vocal Crack?
The best way to prevent dys vocal crack is to take good care of your voice and avoid habits that can harm it. Here are some tips to keep your voice healthy and avoid dys vocal crack:
- Drink plenty of water. Water helps keep your vocal cords hydrated and lubricated. Dehydration can make your vocal cords dry and stiff, which can increase the risk of dys vocal crack.
- Warm up your voice. Before you sing or speak for a long time, do some gentle exercises to stretch and relax your vocal cords. This can help prevent muscle tension and improve your vocal control.
- Avoid overusing or misusing your voice. Do not sing or speak beyond your comfortable range or volume. Do not shout, scream, whisper, cough, or clear your throat too often. Take breaks and rest your voice when you feel tired or hoarse.
- Avoid irritants and allergens. Stay away from smoke, dust, pollen, chemicals, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and other substances that can irritate or inflame your throat and vocal cords.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that support your immune system and vocal health. Avoid foods that are too hot or cold, too acidic or alkaline, or too hard or sticky.
How to Treat Dys Vocal Crack?
If you experience dys vocal crack occasionally, it is usually not a serious problem and will go away on its own. However, if you experience dys vocal crack frequently or persistently, it may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention. Here are some steps to take if you have dys vocal crack:
- Stop singing or speaking. If you feel a crack or a squeak in your voice, stop immediately and rest your voice. Do not try to force or ignore it, as this can worsen the damage and prolong the recovery.
- Drink warm liquids. Drink warm water, tea, or soup to soothe your throat and vocal cords. Avoid cold, carbonated, or caffeinated drinks, as they can dry out or irritate your vocal cords.
- Use a humidifier or a vaporizer. Add moisture to the air by using a humidifier or a vaporizer in your room. This can help prevent your vocal cords from drying out and cracking.
- Use lozenges or sprays. Use throat lozenges or sprays that contain ingredients such as honey, lemon, menthol, or eucalyptus to moisten and soothe your throat and vocal cords. Avoid lozenges or sprays that contain alcohol, sugar, or artificial flavors, as they can dry out or irritate your vocal cords.
- See a doctor. If your dys vocal crack does not improve after a few days of rest and home remedies, or if you have other symptoms such as pain, swelling, bleeding, difficulty breathing, or changes in your voice quality, see a doctor as soon as possible. You may have a vocal cord lesion or another serious condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.
Dys vocal crack is a common phenomenon that can affect anyone who uses their voice. By understanding what causes it and how to prevent and treat it, you can protect your voice and avoid embarrassment and frustration.
This article is based on the information from [Healthline] and [Out of The End Incor Group].