I need some vocal advice...

[dano]

Posted: 4/19/05 at 10:28am

I have had a "tickle" in my throat since Easter. It feels like I have to clear my throat all the time, but when I try to clear it, I cannot. I feel like I want to stick a knife down my throat and scrape it out! If I am silent for a while, and then try to talk, I start to dry cough. It's really bad when I'm sitting at work, working away and the phone rings. I pick it up, and can't start talking for a few seconds.

To get to the point, I feel like I'm never going to be able to sing again. I can't take really deep breaths, as it makes me cough. Also I'm occasionally craking when I sing. Not just on high notes, but sometimes on notes right in the middle of my range. I have absolutely no confidence on any notes.

Anybody have this happen to them? Any helpful advice on how to get through it?

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 4/19/05 at 10:51am

I think you should see your doctor as soon as possible (only because advice from faceless strangers is not always the best idea!LOL)...it sounds to me like an allergy - I have very bad allergies which seem to get worse as I get older - this spring has been really tough for me - my chords constantly have something on them and my sinus's drain all the time - I have been taking the over-the-counter generic version of Claritin and though it helps with the allergies, it makes me groggy (not a lot - but enough to make me notice that I'm not fully bright and alert as I'd like to be) it's supposed to be "non-drowsy" but I'm extremely sensitive to medications - so it may just be me - I still say you should consult your doctor and he/she will help you through this much faster than if you try to self-analyze!

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 4/19/05 at 11:02am

Absolutely. Get thee to a doctor, pronto. It's likely just something that can be cleared up with a nice antibiotic or some other treatment (I often get persistant coughs that play games with my voice for a week or more at a time, like right now...they're allergy-sinus related).
It's also possible it could be much more serious, though, so it's best to just go see what it is. Even serious problems, like polyps or nodes, are VERY treatable and treatment will have you back to normal in relatively no time.

[KMF_NYC]

Posted: 4/19/05 at 11:17am

I agree -- see a doctor.

I also am a firm believer in nasal cleansing by using a Neti Pot. Do this regualrly and the pollen, etc will not have a chance to settle -- it look weird, but trust me -- it does wonders and it is simply warm salt water....

Others will attest to my firm belief in this -- I have not had a sinus infection in years and used to live on antibiotics...
Neti Pot information