Why do I lose my voice when I’m sick?
When singers and performers get a cold, they're not just worried about the usual cough and body aches.
The real dread lies in the risk of losing their voice.
This article will answer these questions:
Why do I lose my voice when I'm sick?
What is laryngitis?
How can I prevent losing my voice when I'm sick?
How can I get my voice back?
Most cold viruses start by creating issues in the nose, where the virus replicates causing an increase in mucous production. Excess mucous drips into the throat and chest, leading to inflammation. Inflammation in the throat and voice is called laryngitis and results in voice loss. Mucous dripping into the chest causes irritation and a cough. The vocal cords swell from mucous and irritation and then worsen due to coughing, resulting in hoarseness. Singers typically note a loss of the top of their range, decreased endurance, difficulty with their vocal break, and raspiness. Speakers and actors note a hoarse voice quality that gets worse as they keep using their voices due to increased swelling from use.
Preventing Voice Loss during Illness
The key to preventing voice loss lies in effectively managing congestion and postnasal drip.
1. Nasal Irrigation: a Neti pot or Sinus Rinse helps wash out inflammatory mucous and drainage into the throat.
2. Medications: consider medications like Sudafed for dry mucous, though consultation with a doctor is crucial due to potential risks and side effects. Nasal sprays and cough suppressants can also be helpful.
3. Mucinex: aids in breaking down mucous, making it easier to clear.
4. Voice Rest: allowing the vocal cords to swell less during illness.
5. Cough Management: utilizing steam and medications, if necessary, to limit voice trauma. Inhalers and nebulizers can be prescribed to decrease throat and chest irritation and speed up recovery.
6. Gentle Guided Warmup: collaborate with a coach for a warmup to disperse swelling and assess performance safety.
Factors Impacting Recovery
Several factors can impact recovery
1. Pre-existing Medical Conditions:
- Allergies or asthma may extend the duration of illness and recovery.
2. Pre-existing Vocal Injuries:
- Injuries tend to worsen during illness.
Post-Illness Strategies
Preventative health care: After illness, preventative treatment, like managing allergies, asthma, and inflammation, will help shorten the duration of illness and reduce inflammation.
Laryngeal Massage: Performers may unintentionally enter a voice-protective state post-illness, necessitating manual therapy to restore vocal flexibility and upper range.
Prevent rebound: Continuing treatment for a few days post-recovery can help prevent rebound symptoms.
Caring for Professional Voice Users
Colds and illnesses demand special care for professional voice users. Collaborating with a laryngologist before, during, and after illness proves crucial in limiting the risk of injury and improving vocal recovery.
Interested in working with the best professionals in LA for voice care and rehabilitation?
Meet Dr. Gupta, the top voice doctor in LA, and Tressa Cox, the leading voice therapist specializing in voice rehabilitation.
Learn more about their expertise and services at the Center for Vocal Health.