What is it that singers seem always to have either too little or too much of? The answer, at least in my experience, is given in the title of this column. For the vocal mechanism to work smoothly, dependably, and without trauma, you need mucus that, like Goldilocks’ porridge, must be just right. (Ouch! What a terrible culinary simile that turned out to be!)
Mucus is a secretion that is formed by the internal lining membanes of the body. Mostly water, it includes protein-like material which makes it both slippery and adherent. In the upper airway, mucus forms a blanket which is constantly moved along the lining surface. Mucous membranes have two kinds of cells: those which secrete mucus (goblet cells), and those which have little projections (cilia) that ratchet the blanket along, like a conveyor belt. Mucus is constantly streaming: back from the nose, down the throat, and towards the esophagus. We typically secrete a pint to a quart of mucus a day, which, having fulfilled its purpose is swallowed, unperceived. (This is another fun fact you can use to dazzle your next social gathering!)
Mucus serves many purposes. It keeps the membranes protected; it moves along foreign debris. It lubricates the surface, keeping it moist. Some believe it actually protects the surface from other liquids that may be damaging due to an ionic concentration which differs from that of the lining cells.
While lubrication is essential to effortless singing, the vocal folds themselves secrete no mucus. The anterior portion of each ventricle, the outpouching just above the vocal fold, is rich in mucus-forming glands. The moisture is then released over the surface of the vocal fold, somewhat like tears coating the eye. Each time you swallow, more mucus is squeezed over the surface of the vocal folds, where it forms a thin coating. This film allows the vocal folds to approximate smoothly and effortlessly, forming the final micro-layer of contact during phonation. This is especially important when the folds are thinned and close together, such as in soft head voice singing. When the lubrication is inadequate, more muscular effort is needed to approximate the folds. The voice produced by a dry larynx is rough, unevenly sustained and undependable. The folds are not protected by a cushion of liquid, and are more likely to become traumatized and abraded.
As mentioned above, mucus must be both adequate in quantity and the right quality. Stress—known in medicine as a sympathetic response—is a potent dryer of mucous membranes, as any performer waiting backstage knows. Other factors that reduce mucus secretion include dehydration, dry air, and drying medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants. Calcium is an important part of the mucus story, since it affects the equilibrium between thick (gel) and thin (sol) mucus. Factors that thicken mucus include local irritants (smoke and other inhalants), allergies to inhalants and foods, and infection.
So, what to do? First, drink enough water, monitoring potables that dehydrate (those containing alcohol, excessive sugar, or caffeine). Second, look at any medications you may be taking, including OTC remedies. Mucous glands are hormone-dependent, and older people often complain of dryness. If it’s feasible, consider post-menopausal hormone replacement. Sour candies or citrus fruit can increase the formation of both saliva and mucus. You can stimulate mucus secretion also by cleaning the membranes, using a NetiPot for nasal irrigation.
It seems paradoxical, but it’s true, that when you become aware of too much mucus‚ the problem is usually mucus that is too little, but of the wrong quality. So don’t dry it further. Wash it away!
DISCLAIMER: The suggestions given by Dr. Jahn in these columns are for general information only, and not to be construed as specific medical advice or advocating specific treatment, which should be obtained only following a visit and consultation with your own physician.
