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singer to practice excellent vocal hygiene by limiting also caution singers from taking mint or menthol loz-
drying agents such as alcohol or antihistamines. Belief enges when sick. Menthol is an airway irritant and may
that caffeine is dehydrating is a persistent myth in the perpetuate throat symptoms when sick. Instead of men-
1
singing world that has recently been debunked. Re- thol lozenges, take lozenges with pectin or glycerin for
cent evidence indicates that caffeinated drinks are not throat relief (i.e., Luden’s cherry lozenges).
dehydrating for individuals who routinely take caffeine.
The tannins in coffee and some teas can leave the indi-
vidual with a feeling of dry mouth, which can mislead Pulmonary Infection or Disease
one to believe that coffee is dehydrating at the level of Illnesses that affect the lungs and pulmonary system,
the vocal folds. What is probably more concerning for like pneumonia, COVID, or RSV, often present with
the singer who is unwell is the acidity of the coffee that cough and difficulty providing enough respiratory sup-
may result in an upset stomach or laryngopharyngeal port for singing. While most individuals with pulmonary
reflux. A remedy for dry mouth that we have suggested infection do not feel well enough to sing, difficulty pro-
for some time is to mix a pectin-based juice with the viding adequate breath support for the singing voice, a
water in your water bottle. Adding about ¼ of the vol- primary mechanism for increasing vocal loudness, can
ume of the bottle with apple, grape, or cranberry juice also lead to maladaptive compensations. A frequently
can reduce the perception of dry mouth. We would encountered compensation is increased laryngeal ef-

CHORAL JOURNAL September 2024 Volume 65 Number 2 47