Throat and Vocal Cord Issues in Teachers

Teaching has its own set of drawbacks, just like every other profession. Teachers face many throat related issues because of the excessive use of their voice during their classes. No teacher should have to go through that, so let us discuss how we can entirely get rid of such problems. Now we generally speak loudly so our voices could be heard. When we are with other people, we have to be loud so proper communication can take place, whether it is in a business meeting, family dinner, wedding reception, our own classrooms. As high our voices go, increased strain is being put on our vocal cords, which are very sensitive in the first place. We make sure it’s loud enough to be heard by the audience.
Now, as part of human psychology, we generally exert more force in our voice when we are talking about something important, being critical, or just plain angry. While it is good to be assertive, we should make it a point to be soft as well. Large levels of Carbon dioxide and Carbon monoxide greatly affect our throat and ultimately, our physical well-being. Any type of smoke is a harmful agent to the respiratory system (even passive cigarette smoking) and must be avoided at all cost. Viral infections of the respiratory system are some of the most common, albeit easily treatable. Although they are highly contagious and can quickly spread from person to person through sneezing, coughing, or touching contaminated areas. If a person has a viral infection, they should stay at home and minimise their contact with other people to contain the virus and not let it spread. However, if you regularly gargle with saltwater, you need not be worried as these are well known to prevent such infections. Inflammation of the vocal cords, Laryngitis, is another occupational bane for teachers. It can be a follow-up to a viral infection or can self-occur on exposure to smoke. The voice becomes coarse; the throat starts to ache, and staying at rest is the only way to recovery. Gargling and steam inhalation twice a day every day helps prevent Laryngitis.
People tend to look for an easy fix when they are feeling ill, and hope the medical professionals will prescribe a medication to get them feeling better more quickly. Still, we have to realise that if we take proper care of our physical health, such circumstances would never come up. Drinking warm liquids like herbal teas keep the throat healthy and fight off viruses that attack the respiratory system. Eating soup and food that heats up your body is an excellent way to prevent cold, sore throat, flu and such. Let’s take responsibility for our health and put it first, before anything else. Because if one isn’t in good health, one won’t be able to accomplish anything. So learn to slow down, take a deep breath, take proper care of yourself and soothe your throat. Health is one’s highest priority after all.