7. Sore Throat Care @femifaronbi @singingexercises_femifaronbi Unless you have laryngitis, a tender throat or a common cold won’t necessarily mean no singing, but if your voice is hurting it needs more rest and hydration. Lozenges can help before a gig or rehearsal, but avoid the anaesthetic type that numbs, you need to be able to feel your throat or you could do more damage. Laryngitis is an inflammation of your voice box (larynx) from overuse, irritation or infection. Inside the larynx are your vocal cords — two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage. Normally, your vocal cords open and close smoothly, forming sounds through their movement and vibration. But with laryngitis, your vocal cords become inflamed or irritated. This swelling causes distortion of the sounds produced by air passing over them. As a result, your voice sounds hoarse. In some cases of laryngitis, your voice can become almost undetectable. Laryngitis may be short-lived (acute) or long lasting (chronic). Most cases of laryngitis are triggered by a temporary viral infection or vocal strain and aren't serious. Persistent hoarseness can sometimes signal a more serious underlying medical condition. Symptoms In most cases laryngitis symptoms last less than a couple of weeks and are caused by something minor, such as a virus. Less often, laryngitis symptoms are caused by something more serious or long lasting. Laryngitis signs and symptoms can include: Hoarseness, Weak voice or voice loss Tickling sensation and rawness of your throat Sore throat, Dry throat, Dry cough When to see a doctor You can manage most acute cases of laryngitis with self-care steps, such as resting your voice and drinking plenty of fluids. Strenuous use of your voice during an episode of acute laryngitis can damage your vocal cords. Make an appointment with a doctor if your laryngitis symptoms last more than two weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if you: Have trouble breathing Cough up blood Have a fever that won't go away Have increasing pain Have trouble swallowing #mysingersdiary #vocalhealth #sorethroath #sorethroathcare #breathing #vocalists #singingtips #vocalhygiene #yourvoice #vocalcoach https://www.instagram.com/p/B5YBfWnluv-/?igshid=1utbwq7a8hsr2
