STREPTOCOCCAL BACTERIA - STREP THROAT
Strep Throat is something I see in my studio on a very regular basis.  Most students think that their sore throats are related to a cold when in fact they are experiencing strep throat.  Common signs of strep throat are:  a sudden, severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever over 101 F that lasts longer than 1 - 2 days, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, white or yellow spots with a bright red throat, headache, belly pain, red rash, vomiting and body aches.

Strep throat is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS!! You can catch strep throat when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes and spews the bacteria into the air.  Strep throat is most commonly treated with antibiotics. If you suspect that you have strep throat, get to the doctor and get a rapid strep test or throat culture. 

Untreated strep throat can lead to much more serious complications which include rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, scarlet fever, meningitis, ear infections, sinusitis, mastoidiitis, and peritonsillar abscess. It is not uncommon for people to go weeks before they feel "bad enough" to go to the doctor. In the meanwhile they have jeopardized themselves and exposed many other people to the bacteria.

STAY HOME if you have a sore throat, especially if you suspect you have strep throat. Be considerate of other people. You shouldn't be singing with a sore throat in the first place. 

WebMD Article on Strep Throat

VOCAL NODULES (NODES)
Vocal nodules are growths on the vocal cords that develop over time from vocal abuse. The nodes are small callouses that develop on the vocal folds. Singers that have been diagnosed with vocal fold nodules often experience horseness for prolonged periods of time. In cases of severe vocal nodules, surgery may be required to remove the nodes.  Singers that experience vocal fold nodules should seek professional care and go on voice rest. An ENT, Speech Pathologist and Vocal Coach with experience in dealing with nodes should be consulted.

Do not expect to recover from vocal fold nodules over night. The path back to healthy vocal folds and healthy singing will be a long one. Proper training with a qualified vocal coach will help you avoid vocal fold nodules.

Wikipedia Article on Vocal Fold Nodules
LARYNGITIS
Laryngitis is caused by inflammation of the the larynx (voice box) and can be caused by many things such as a viral infection, or acid reflux. Acute laryngitis lasts a few days to a week and then subsides. Chronic laryngitis lasts longer than two weeks.  Environmental conditions such as allergens and pollutants can cause laryngitis. If you are experiencing hoarseness that lasts for longer than two weeks, you should seek a medical examination by a qualified otolaryngologist (ENT).

Reflux laryngitis occurs when stomach fluids back flow into the vocal mechanism resulting in laryngopharyngeal reflux. Symptoms of relflux laryngitis are hoarseness, urges to clear the throat frequently, feeling like something is stuck in the throat, coughing and sore throat. Heartburn usually accompanies gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

If you are experiencing frequent or chronic laryngitis and/or reflux you should seek professional medical treatment immediately.
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Disclaimer:  Education information presented here does not substitute for medical treatment, consultation or examination, nor does it provide advice on medical treatments.


This occurs when the lower sphincter of the bottom of the esophagus opens before food is fully digested in the stomach. The stomach contents then reflux back into the throat.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux)
Excessive amount of stomach acids reflux back into the throat (esophagus).  Heartburn is common in GERD sufferers.
LPR REFLUX (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux)
This occurs when the stomach contents reflux back into the throat (esophagus) and pass through the  upper sphincter of the throat. LPR patients may not experience heartburn.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS of SINGING
There have been many studies on the health benefits of singing. Recently a study was conducted at the University of Frankfurt, Germany on choral singers. This study was published in the US Journal of Behavioral Medicine. In this study the researchers were able to determine that singing not only improves mood but also increased levels of immunogloblin-A (antibodies in the immune system) and also increased hydrocortisone (anti-stress hormone) levels.

Other studies have indicated that singing also improves lung function, tones abdominal and intercostal muscles, improves circulation, releases endorphins in the body and can also help to keep us younger and more active.
ACID REFLUX