Throat feeling itchy and started coughing after warm up.
XHellChris
Pro Posts: 98
I was doing fine with doing the warm ups everyday until today. I was doing the 2nd lip drill exercise of volume 1 halfway until my throat started feeling itchy and started coughing all of a sudden, why is it so? Is it a sign that I should take a break and rest for the day?
I only went through the audio workout once today and only stretched my chest voice. I haven't went through it the second time to practice my passagio. Is there any way to compensate it if I'm resting for the day? Like maybe only go through the audio workout tomorrow to balance things out?
I only went through the audio workout once today and only stretched my chest voice. I haven't went through it the second time to practice my passagio. Is there any way to compensate it if I'm resting for the day? Like maybe only go through the audio workout tomorrow to balance things out?
Comments
I have had bad allergic reactions to pollen the past few days. I don't know what it's like where you live, but where I am there is record-breaking pollen levels, making everybody itch and sneeze, with coughs and runny noses. It comes and goes, depending on the weather and whether you're indoors, outdoors, in air-conditioning, etc...
So your vocal disturbance could be from something besides your singing. If it is your singing, it most likely comes from using too much air or too much volume. But you may not be having problems from your workouts at all. Only normal problems that affect the voice and your respiratory system.
Also, if you have a feeling it might be allergy-related, try using something like Reactine or something like that.
It's been going on for two weeks now. I took a day off yesterday, to see if it will go away. But this morning I went to warm up. After a few mins. the coughing comes back.
I've been hydrating the hell out of myself. And I totally agree this is a good idea in general.
On the other side, I haven't gotten sick. I'm not sure how to tell if it's allergy related. But my experience so far is this:
As much as I hate taking breaks, I tried taking ONE day off, here and there. And staying light on the sound when I practice. I noticed some improvements. My voice just sounds way better after a rest day. But with a few hours of practice, a little cough starts creeping in. So I back down with the sound. I gargle some water, drink some tea. Rest for a few hours, or just call it a day.
I hear (and believe) that the coughing only causes further damage. I'm trying just to avoid further coughing. I'm wondering now that one day might not be enough. Maybe I should rest until the little tickle in my throat is completely gone. Any thoughts on taking TWO consecutive days off? Maybe three?
Is there an ideal rest period? Or a rule of thumb?
Update: I took the day off yesterday 7/7 and I'm soooo tempted to launch into vocal warm-up routines and spend the day singing. My larynx is just bit sore, throat just a bit ticklish. But sticking to this idea that vocal rest is important and giving it another day (today) to rest. Will fill you guys in on the results tomorrow. Stay thirsty, my friends!
I used to get this at the rehearsal place (drummer's basement). It would often get so bad that it was like accidentally inhaling a flake of freshly ground pepper. I'd go into a coughing spasm and my throat would lock up altogether for a few minutes.
It tuned out that the drummer's cat liked to lay on his sweat towel, so he was getting a rash, and then snapping the hair and dander off the towel, which in turn was nuking me.
As absurd as it sounds, once we rectified the situation, that went away.
Also of note it was winter, and they are very arid here in Alberta.
Obviously water helps, Aloe Vera juice is magic!
Cheers,
Phillip
If you want a more detailed answer it would help if you posted in a student area.
I am feeling better and ready to sing again. I will post an audio, hopefully tonight.