Scots comic in fear after vaping almost 'impacted her job'

Karen Dunbar - who starred in Chewin' the Fat - has revealed she was left 'scared' following a health battle after she quit e-cigs. 

After deciding to stop vaping, the 53-year-old continued to find her vocal cords were irritated, causing her to cough and clear her throat regularly. 

The comedian - who has also starred in shows including The Karen Dunbar Show and the Rab C. Nesbitt said: “I was having problems with my voice after vaping.

"I stopped vaping but I was still coughing a lot and was continually having to clear my throat.

“It went on for about a year and it was affecting my voice, which could have ultimately impacted on my job."

The TV star was then referred to NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde's Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service by her GP about six months ago after becoming concerned about her voice.

She started having appointments with Speech and Language Therapist Rose Livingston at Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow.

During her appointments, she was given information and support on taking care of her voice, as well as exercises to help her overcome her issues. 

Karen said: “When I started working with Rose, one of the best things about the treatment I received was her manner and the care she showed me.

“She was aware of the sensitivity and the vulnerability I felt, I was scared because obviously, my voice is my job.

“It’s instrumental to what I do.

"I have 40 live dates ahead of me so it’s imperative that I have my voice.”

Following Karen's treatment, she was invited to speak at an annual celebration of the health board's SLT service recently.

During it, the star gave a speech to staff explaining the positive impact they had on her.

She said: “It wasn’t a case of, here’s some information and off you go.

“My speech therapist Rose was invested in my care and put in the time and effort to really help and support me.

“She explained thoroughly what was happening to my vocal cords and gave me clear information about what could be done with regard to treatment. 

“She taught me vocal exercises and explained the importance of voice rest. 

“People think voice rest is whispering or talking quietly - it’s not. It is complete silence, not speaking at all.

"It’s like any kind of strain, you need to rest that body part completely and not use it at all.”

After receiving treatment, Karen has praised person-centred care with NHSGGC speech and language services. 

The funny woman added: “The care I received has been a massive part of the healing process.

“It also put my mind at rest and gave me some assurance that nothing more serious was going on.”

Catherine McGee, SLT Clinical Service Manager/Rose Livingston, NHSGGC Speech and Language Therapist, said: “We were delighted to welcome Karen Dunbar to our celebration event to hear about the difference our service has made to her life. 

“Many people don’t realise how different occupations can have an impact on their voice, for example, actors, teachers and faith leaders are all professional voice users who spend much of their working day speaking. 

“Speech and language therapy can help people learn new techniques to help protect their voice and address concerns they may have and prevent problems from getting worse.”