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The Role of Steroids in Performing Voice

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review seeks to illuminate the challenges that arise in the use of steroids in the context of a performing voice, to review pharmacologic principles that can help to guide dosing regimens, to examine emerging science about the mechanistic action of glucocorticoids, and to provide a useful guide for clinicians who treat vocal performers.

Recent Findings

Though perceptions and mythologies abound, most saliently (1) the incidence of vocal fold hemorrhage while taking oral steroids is extremely low; (2) appropriate dosing is likely to involve regimens that meet or exceed 30 mg oral Prednisone-equivalent daily to address edema acutely; (3) tapering after short courses may well be unnecessary.

Summary

Steroids can be used safely and judiciously to treat vocal performers, guided by physical examination, sound clinical judgment, and a multidisciplinary approach to the individual needs of each unique voice and performer.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Voice Center, 222 East 41St Street, 8Th Floor, New York, NY, 10017, USA

    Paul E. Kwak & Ryan C. Branski

  2. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Tyler Crosby

  3. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Ryan C. Branski

Authors
  1. Paul E. Kwak
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  2. Tyler Crosby
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  3. Ryan C. Branski
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Contributions

P.K. and T.W. wrote the main manuscript text. R.B. made significant revisions and contributions to the manuscript. All authors finally reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Paul E. Kwak.

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Kwak, P.E., Crosby, T. & Branski, R.C. The Role of Steroids in Performing Voice. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 12, 11–16 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-023-00498-7

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