You may notice your voice is hoarse and raspy after an evening of cheering on your favorite sports team or singing along to your favorite band at a concert arena. In these cases, you know exactly why your vocal cords aren’t cooperating the next day. But at other times, it can be disconcerting to realize you are unable to speak above a whisper and communicate effectively with those around you. The following are 14 reasons you may discover your voice is failing you.
14. Acid Reflux
If you suffer from acid reflux, a weakened valve can allow stomach acids to back up into your esophagus. This results in a painful burning sensation and allows acids to erode the delicate tissues of your esophagus and throat. If untreated, these acids can also cause irritation and inflammation to your vocal cords and the larynx of your throat, causing reflux laryngitis. To prevent the painful effects of acid reflux, avoid going to bed with a full stomach. Additionally, refrain from eating fatty or fried foods, spicy or acidic foods, and carbonated beverages.
There are several ways in which allergies can affect your voice. First of all, allergens such as dust, smoke, or pet dander can physically irritate the tissues of your throat. Secondly, as your body works to fight off allergens through the production of histamine, nasal congestion can affect your ability to speak. Furthermore, the postnasal drip caused by mucus leaking down the throat from the sinus cavities can irritate and inflame the structures of your throat. To make matters worse, some medications used to treat allergies can leave your voice raw or dry.