I am coming down with a cold two days before I have to sing at a wedding. I am a trained opera singer, so pls understand that I am not 'losing voice' due to any bad techniques. But I need help on how to reduce edema to the vocal folds without risking vocal hemmorhage when I sing.
I have mild laryngitis -- I can technically sing, but my head resonance has gone to crap and my control is lessened due to swelling of the cords. Range is down by a whole step, as I have to start covering on F#4 instead of G#4, and I can't seem to hold the breath very well, presumably because my cords are swollen and can't close all the way.
This is due to a virus:
My mom came down with something very similar on Christmas (of course), but I did not know about it until after I had been around her for a while. She lost her speaking voice a couple of days later, and is still recovering. I have no allergies or respiratory disorders.
Anyone have ideas on how I can heal by Saturday? Or at least sing?
2006-12-28 10:06:10 · 9 answers · asked by John 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
See an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor right now.
Vitamin C speeds healing time, and Ibprofen is an anti-inflammatory, so both might help reduce swelling. I also suck on cough drops with vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea when I'm sick.
Break a leg.
2006-12-28 10:46:15 · answer #1 · answered by incandescent_poet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reduce Vocal Cord Swelling
2017-01-13 10:58:08 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gargle with warm salt water 4 times a day- 5 minutes at a time.
If you are a smoker- Stop now! Smoke swells vocal chords, not to mention clogs the sinuses.
Don't even go into a place that is smoky (bars, pubs, restaurants with smoking sections). I've seen professional singers cut shows short because the amount of smoke around them is too much for their throat.
I realize you may want to practice, but if you feel you've got the song(s) down by down- don't sing- that only opens your chords up to more infection. In fact if you can help it- don't talk much, either.
I wouldn't do a Chloraseptic throat spray (over the counter) because while that might take away the pain of a sore throat, it numbs your throat- that's only going to lead to you losing control of your chords.
That's what I have for now, If I think of more I'll add it.
2006-12-29 00:09:16 · answer #3 · answered by sfuclaire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had pharyngitis (very similar) and saw a doctor to get antibiotics. I avoid antibiotics at all costs, but this was an emergency (as the swelling was so bad that I had trouble breathing in general).
Prescribed antibiotics and the following over-the-counter remedy (given to me by the ER doc) helped immensely:
Mix equal parts Maalox (I used the cherry-flavored) and liquid Benadryl. I used 1 tablespoon of each. Gargle for 1 minute, and spit out. Do this twice a day.
SEE A DOCTOR - I had put off doing so since I thought things would get better on their own, and was amazed at how quickly things improved once I got on the prescription. It was well worth the price of the visit to the ER (I felt my throat closing up around 1 a.m. and finally decided I couldn't avoid a doctor's visit any longer).
2006-12-29 12:31:44 · answer #4 · answered by rossettibrowning 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would check with your ENT. You have one I hope. There are some that even specialize on working with performers. Last time I 'lost' my voice. Doc used a scope to view my vocal chords. Yup, Very swollen. Could barely vocalize the sounds he wanted me to say while viewing with the scope. Ended up with prednisone and an antibiotic. Might rethink the wedding. Could damage the chords more and then you'll be out longer. I usually see an ENT for chronic ear and vocal chord problems.
2006-12-30 05:32:53 · answer #5 · answered by coaster14 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow! Too bad! You need to take some Sudafed (or similar) to dry up the nasal passages, which will help with the stuffy nose and head. Vocaleze (or Vocal-eze) is a new product spray, made out of licorice and herbs and singers swear by it. It is like a coating on the vocal chords. You probably can't get it in two days, however. Good luck!
2006-12-28 12:34:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Be very careful. Continuing to sing with this kind of swelling can do real damage.
You need to do the usual things. See a doctor. Rest. Drink lots of fluids. If it doesn't get better, I think you should cancel.
Good luck!
2006-12-28 10:10:33 · answer #7 · answered by snide76258 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely try to see the Doctor ASAP and see if he will be able to give you something to lessen the swelling, If not, I would cancel.
Or perhaps you would be comfortable singing but not going full force....I know , i Know that is not what you want but it may be an option if you are truly set on singing at this wedding. Otherwise I would rest your cords as much as possible.
2006-12-28 13:18:39 · answer #8 · answered by musiclady007 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't cancel. I understand. drink lots and lots of luke warm water, not cold, not hot.
Gargle with salt water. Sounds trite, but it works. Of course, see a doctor.
Can you mic it? This way you don't have to bang it out as much. Just a thought.
2006-12-28 13:55:59 · answer #9 · answered by Bonnie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please, for your own good, cancel.
If you sing at this wedding, you could seriously damage your voice.
The wedding party should understand. Sure they'll be disappointed, but they'll deal. And you really really shouldn't take that risk.
Besides, It's not as thought you'll be at your best.
2006-12-28 11:46:01 · answer #10 · answered by Ashley 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋