Sore Throats

The Dixie Chicks cancelled their Concert last Sunday in Cleveland, Ohio, 15 minutes before they were due to go on stage.

Click here to see Dixie Chicks article from Billboard.com.

Click here to see Dickie Chicks article from CNN.com./Entertainment

Band member Natalie was not feeling well and her throat was damaged. The doctor said, 'If she sung, she was just going to make it worse"

This news prompted me to give a brief outline on the very common sore throat. As a singer, this is our 'tool of the trade' and it can be alarming and annoying when it is not in optimum condition.

What causes sore throats?

There are many causes to sore throats.

The most common is the sore throat associated with the common cold or flu. Consequently, the vocal folds are tender, perhaps swollen and red, and therefore more susceptible to damage.

Heyfever, reflux, medications, any form of chemicals e.g. smoking, drugs, alcohol, or in my case passive smoking can also cause the vocal folds to swell through being irritated.

The vocal folds which are situated in the voice box (larynx), open when we breathe in allowing the air to go to the lungs. They close in a wavy motion when we do the reverse and make any sort of sound. This may be singing, speaking, coughing, clearing the throat, yelling (not recommended!) and so on.

If we do any of these things beyond our capacity, the sore and 'raw' muscles of the vocal folds will be irritated even further. This could lead to damage and affect the quality of the singing voice.

How to manage a sore throat?

If we had a sprained ankle we know the best way to recovery would be to rest it. If we did not look after it accordingly, walked on it too soon, didn't seek the necessary treatment etc., it would not get better. It may prolong the repairing process, or at worse, long term damage could occur.

The same is true for the muscles of the larynx and vocal folds.

It is suggested that you totally avoid making noises beyond your volume limits e.g. yelling, screaming and loud talking.

If you have a sore throat due to a cold or flu, simply rest the voice and do over exert it.

Never be afraid to seek expert medical advice.

Our tips on 8 Steps to Vocal Health may also help.