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Biological mechanisms underlying voice changes due to dehydration.
Katherine Verdolini1, Young Min, Ingo R Titze
1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. kittie@csd.pitt.edu
Summary
Systemic dehydration, induced by Lasix (LA), increased phonation threshold pressure (PTP) by 23%. Secretory dehydration did not affect PTP, suggesting whole-body water loss impacts voice production.
Area of Science:
- Voice production and respiratory mechanics
- Physiology of dehydration
- Pharmacology of diuretics and antihistamines
Background:
- Phonation threshold pressure (PTP) is a measure of the pulmonary drive needed for voice production.
- Dehydration is known to affect vocal function, but the specific mechanisms are not fully understood.
- This study investigates whether systemic or secretory dehydration mediates changes in PTP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if systemic dehydration increases PTP.
- To determine if secretory dehydration increases PTP.
- To differentiate the effects of systemic versus secretory dehydration on voice production.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study with four healthy adults.
- Administered Lasix (diuretic), diphenhydramine hydrochloride (antihistamine), or placebo on separate days.
- Measured body weight (systemic dehydration), saliva viscosity (secretory dehydration), and PTP.
Main Results:
- Lasix caused a 1% decrease in body mass, indicating systemic dehydration.
- PTP increased by approximately 23% several hours after Lasix administration.
- Diphenhydramine did not induce significant systemic or secretory dehydration, nor did it alter PTP.
Conclusions:
- Systemic dehydration, as induced by Lasix, can mediate increases in phonation threshold pressure.
- The role of secretory dehydration in altering PTP remains unclear.
- These findings highlight the impact of whole-body hydration status on vocal fold function.