Editing Vocal cord nodule (section)

== Prevention ==

=== Regulating voice use ===
For individuals who work with their voice (e.g., singers, actors, teachers, stock brokers), voice training that includes vocal function exercises (VFEs) may help reduce undue vocal strain.<ref name=pmid19342952>{{cite journal |last1=Behlau |first1=Mara |last2=Oliveira |first2=Gisele |title=Vocal hygiene for the voice professional |journal=Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=149–54 |year=2009 |pmid=19342952 |doi=10.1097/MOO.0b013e32832af105 |s2cid=38511217 }}</ref> Furthermore, recommendations for voice professionals include warm-up and cool-down exercises for the voice to reduce strain.<ref name=pmid19342952/> Additionally, using amplification devices, such as speakers or microphones, is recommended for individuals who speak to large, and even small groups or in the presence of background noise.<ref name=pmid19741535/>

=== Hydration ===
Staying hydrated decreases the pressure that the vocal folds exert on one another by ensuring sufficient lubrication by [[Mucous membrane|mucosa]], increasing the efficiency of vocal fold [[oscillation]] during speech, and promoting a healthy [[Phonation|voice quality]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Leydon |first1=Ciara |last2=Sivasankar |first2=Mahalakshmi |last3=Falciglia |first3=Danielle Lodewyck |last4=Atkins |first4=Christopher |last5=Fisher |first5=Kimberly V. |title=Vocal Fold Surface Hydration: A Review |journal=Journal of Voice |volume=23 |issue=6 |pages=658–65 |year=2009 |pmid=19111440 |pmc=2810851 |doi=10.1016/j.jvoice.2008.03.010 }}</ref> Consumption of [[caffeine]] in large quantities is dehydrating and is therefore implicated in an increased risk of vocal fold nodules.<ref name=pmid19342952/>

=== Lifestyle changes ===
Behaviours such as frequent throat clearing, shouting, speaking over background noise, and hard crying are associated with an increased risk of developing nodules and other vocal [[Pathology|pathologies.]]<ref name=pmid19342952/> Furthermore, unconventional voice practices such as speaking in the [[falsetto]] register, cause excessive strain and may result in nodules.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Morton |year=1973 |title=Modern Techniques of Vocal Rehabilitation |publisher=Thomas |isbn=978-0-398-02451-2 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/moderntechniques00coop }}{{page needed|date=November 2016}}</ref> The avoidance of damaging vocal behaviours may prevent the formation of nodules. [[Tobacco smoking|Tobacco]], [[Alcoholic drink|alcohol]], certain [[Pharmaceutical drug|medications]], and [[Recreational drug use|recreational drugs]] have also been implicated in pathologies of the vocal folds.<ref name=pmid19342952/> Reducing exposure to these substances has been shown to reduce one's risk of nodules. Other behaviours that are implicated in vocal fold nodules include poor sleeping habits and poor nutrition.<ref name=pmid19342952/>