Page 50 - CJSept24

On the Voice

fort. When individuals cannot inhale enough air and if their medication can be adjusted.
achieve enough pressure from the respiratory muscles Singing through nasal congestion, laryngitis, or pul-
due to illness, then the muscles of the larynx and neck monary infection may all result in the development of
are often engaged to a greater degree to help achieve maladaptive singing technique and motor learning pat-
louder voice. This can lead to increased throat discom- terns that can persist even after the illness passes. Most
fort, soreness, and vocal fatigue. speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who specialize in
For singers diagnosed with asthma, it is important rehabilitation of the singing voice will relate that many
to take the medications prescribed to manage asthma their clientele started having persistent vocal difficulty
in order to support the best singing voice. Asthma is after singing while sick. If singing difficulties persist for
characterized by difficulty exhaling all the air out of more than a few weeks after recovering from an acute
the lungs. If a singer has difficulty exhaling air with illness, the singer is advised to see their primary care
control because asthma symptoms are not well man- doctor and ask for a referral to an otolaryngologist,
aged, then maladaptive breath support may transpire. preferably one who specializes in voice (laryngologist).
Asthma inhalers are vitally important for best pulmo- The otolaryngologist can do a thorough head and neck
nary function for singer with asthma; however, they examination to rule out any persistent conditions and
can also sometimes cause mild hoarseness. Should that provide medical management as needed. The otolar-
occur, the singer should contact their physician and ask yngologist can also provide the referral to an SLP for

48 CHORAL JOURNAL September 2024 Volume 65 Number 2