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Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Saint Louis

Sent to Health Experts January 12 2006 at 6:05 AM
   


Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 1
Location: Saint Louis
Constant Soar Throat
Posted: 01-11-06 6:08pm   

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I am a singer who developed a constant irritated feeling like something was in my throat over a year ago. My throat also becomes very hoarse when I speak for even short periods of time. I have been to a speech therapist and had my vocal chords examined for nodules and found nothing. I have seen an ent and he diagnosed me with acid reflux, but I have taken several different medicines with no luck and I have no other symptoms of acid reflux. I've also been on a strict diet. I’ve also had an upper and lower gi to look for ulcers. My music career is picking up and I will be singing more and more. Please help!!!!!


Optional Information:
Male , Age: 33

Already Tried:
Controlling diet Several prescription acid reflux meds I don’t smoke and drink only on occasion. I’ve had ENT scope my throat Visited Speech theipist Test for Nodules Upper GI Lower GI

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 12 2006 at 7:07 AM (1 hour and 2 minutes and 13 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

I'm sure that has to be very aggravating for you. Sounds like you might have what we call "preacher's throat"! My father, a preacher, gets that quite often and he uses this product:

http://singsmart.com/vocalhealth.html

He swears by it. . . says it feels like someone is rubbing sandpaper on his throat sometimes, and this is a big help. Another option you can try is an appointment (often only need one) with a voice coach. You can sing, they can observe. Then they give you tips for good vocal hygiene and tell you where they think you can sing "cleaner." You would be surprised at some of the more "seasoned" vocalists who have benefited from this. Also, I cannot stress enough how important it is to just rest your throat. My dad sometimes has to go an entire day or two without talking at all. He does it when he doesn't really have to do anything else, and he carries a white board to communicate. During this time, drink herbal teas with honey. Honey has soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Also, if you're not doing it already, make a point of keeping yourself well hydrated at all times. Watch the caffeine--a little is very good for us--a lot with zap your fluids. Drink a lot of water and honey, let your voice rest, see a vocal coach if you can, and try the sprays at the website above. Because the ENT hasn't noted anything else (except possible reflux, which you're controlling), this should show an improvement after a while.

Good luck with your career!




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Lori
Reply
January 12 2006 at 10:37 AM (3 hours and 30 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
Reply to Lori's Post: Soory but I was expecting an answer from a qualified Medical Doctor.
Answer
January 12 2006 at 10:49 AM (11 minutes and 35 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
you say an ent saw evidence of acid reflux when he looked at your vocal cords. The upper and lower gi were negative for ulcer and I would also assume hiatal hernia. this is good. However you clearly have reflux because the ent saw evidence of this directly. You have tried prescription reflux meds with no relief- it is time to see the gi (gastroenterologist) doctor for evaluation of " uncontrolled reflux". Your symptoms are your constant irritated feeling and hoarseness. You need to get this undercontrol not just for your singing. There is directly visualized evidence that acid is bathing your esophagus and it does not belong there. Untreated this can lead to complications. A gi doctor can treat you with combinations of meds to control your refluxing and possibly find the cause of the reflux and reverse it
best wishes


DrStephanie
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