Oh also, I've been getting headaches quite often since.
Really, sorry - I forgot something else that may be important so I want to add to this one more time: I am also shorter on breath and I can tell not as much air is getting pushed through. I know this because I have to take more breaths when singing in places I don't normally have to and when working out I can tell I have to breathe a lot more.
I have a few suggestions for you, for voice and lung problem. Let me know your progress, when you feel the benefit.
For the voice problem - keep whole black pepper,sugar candy(diamond shaped),mulethi (liquorice stick) in your mouth and suck slowly. Drink warm water and avoid cold drinks.
Thyroid point – press the fleshy bit on palm between the base of thumb and wrist on both hands. Where you feel sharp pain when you press, that is your thyroid point and vocal point - you press it 10 to 50 times daily.
Clear your throat, then clear your throat in reverse. Do this 5 times.
Bhastrika pranayam - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose. Place your fists, with the thumb pointing up, on the the legs, above the the knee, and do bhastrika for two minutes.Repeat this a) with the fists upside down, so that the thumb is pointing down, and resting on the legs, b) with the thumb pointing inwards c) with the thumb pointing outwards. This will help very much as the lungs open up in different ways.
Repeat this 3 to 8 times during the day.
February 10 ,2012
You may still have some of the viral effects, sometimes they hang on for weeks and weeks. Not much I'd recommend before seeing the ENT, besides salt water gargles (1/2 teaspoon per cup of warm water).
Also, Google "Functional Dysphonia", which is something you may have, but I'd wait until after the ENT appt. before trying any other treatment.
Good luck
I think I have the exact same thing. Mine started on Feb 5th. I'm not a professional singer, but I've been a many musical productions for community theaters in this area, and I used to sing a good bit in church choirs, weddings, etc. I still have a lump in my throat that comes and goes, and the high notes just aren't there at all. In fact, I can't sing any higher than my regular speaking voice, which is baritone. It's like those muscles don't work anymore. It's really distressing. I had the ultrasound done to check for thyroid problems, but I'm pretty sure it will come back normal. I haven't been to an ENT yet. Good luck with your voice, and let me know what you find out.
Any update? I have the same problem!
I have the same problem. Professional singer, was singing in March and felt like I had a blow-out in my voice. Have seen ENT and gastroenterologist, had lanyngoscopy, endoscopy,and not any better. I gave up caffeine, began doing yoga, and still not much better. It is so frustrating! Hard being on the road and not knowing if my voice is going to cooperate on stage. How is your voice now?