Protect Your Assets: Understanding the Role of Pharmacists and Pharmaceuticals in Vocal Health.

This article explores the role of pharmacists and pharmaceuticals in vocal health. Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals that are easily accessible and are subject matter experts in pharmacotherapy. There are multiple types of drug, herbal, and dietary products with varying regulatory processes and safety profiles, so consumers can utilize the pharmacist to assist them with choosing the correct type of product for their medical needs. Pharmacists can also assist consumers with navigating drug products, as well as herbal and dietary products, that can have impacts on voice and speech. There are many medications and other products that can have negative impacts on the voice, but there are often viable alternatives that can be substituted based on the consumer's individual medical needs and preferences. Necessary medical care or medications should not be avoided due to a fear of a potential negative impact on the voice. Generally, for voice maintenance and improvement, it is recommended to avoid herbal products that claim to provide voice relief; instead, clinical studies have shown that using nasal irrigation, systemic hydration, and steam inhalation in the appropriate manner is good for throat irritation, voice maintenance and can improve voice quality related acoustic measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]