Is Ibuprofen Safe For Singers?
Ibuprofen falls into a category of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs work to reduce swelling/inflammation via a different pathway than steroids and are therefore prescribed differently and have different side effect and safety profiles.
Use of ibuprofen, such as Advil, is thought to increase the risk of a vocal hemorrhage/bruise.1 For this reason, when voice users need pain management, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is often recommended, as it is not an NSAID. Voice pain, however, should be evaluated by a laryngologist rather than simply medicated. Certain over the counter medications have combinations that include aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs so it is important to double check the ingredients.
Vocal injury occurs after a vocal cord bruise. Therefore, injury prevention includes any strategy that decreases the risk of bruising. Bruising occurs during periods of voice use, especially when use is forceful. A vessel may rupture, causing a bruise, which may lead to an injury, such as nodules or a polyp. Besides forceful voice use and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, other risk factors for bruising include having enlarged blood vessels at the edge of the vocal cord. Stroboscopy will detect these at-risk vessels and a plan of care should be developed with your laryngologist to prevent bruising.
If you are medicating for pain associated with voice use, it is important to understand why you are experiencing pain in the first place, especially with your voice, as pain is not a normal symptom after use. Look into how you are using your voice, your environment, or other existing medical problems that may be contributing to your discomfort.
References
Paknezhad H, Ramadan O, Sataloff RT. Vocal Fold Hemorrhage. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 2021;100(6):NP276-NP277. doi:10.1177/0145561319869914
