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Care of the Professional Voice
Below is the latest column written by Dr. Mandel for Live Onstage Credentials Magazine, a publication designed to bring you behind the scenes at the Bank Atlantic Center, as well as provide an inside look at the concerts, shows and sporting events that are giving South Florida such a powerful identity. For an archive of previous columns, follow the link at the bottom of the page to Live Onstage Credentials Magazine.
"The Voice Box"
January, 2006
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There are three medications I am often asked about by singers: MucinexTM, ChlorasepticTM and Birth Control Pills. Here are some comments.
Mucolytic Agents: The most common expectorant is a preparation of long-acting guaifenesin to help liquefy viscous mucus and increase the output of thin respiratory tract secretions. These drugs may be helpful for singers who complain of thick secretions, frequent throat clearing, or postnasal drip. Awareness of postnasal drip is often caused by secretions that are too thick rather than too plentiful. Mucolytic agents need to be used with a lot of water through the day, to be effective.
Local Anesthetics: Avoid the use of over-the-counter local anesthetic preparations for the throat. Singing under their influence is like trying to play the piano with gloves on.
Progesterone: Question the use of progesterone-dominant birth control pills. They may cause virilization of the female larynx and a loss in the upper vocal range. There may be no other alternative for your individual situation, however, so consult your gynecologist.
It will be my privilege in the coming months to answer your questions regarding the voice and the performers featured in Live Onstage Magazine. Just send your questions to losmag@sselive.com.
Lee M. Mandel, M.D., F.A.C.S. received his professional voice training at Mount Sinai Medical Center in NY, NY and partners with Paul B. Tartell, M.D., F.A.C.S. who received his voice training at UCLA. Dr. Mandel and Dr. Tartell currently provide care of the professional voice to multiple South Florida theatre and concert venues and are the Official Voice Specialists for The Bank Atlantic Center. Drs. Mandel and Tartell carry board certification in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and are members of The Voice Foundation, an organization dedicated to research and treatment of voice disorders.
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