Postnasal Drip : The Tall Tale of Drippy Mucus
Postnasal Drip, a disgusting and unfortunate issue that some people (including myself) suffer with. For singers, It can be a hazard, and for most people, it's a nuisance.
For those who don't know, Postnasal Drip (PND) is the excess mucus production that triggers postnasal drip has a number of possible causes, according to Web MD. This mucus production can be caused by a cold or flu, allergies, objects in the nose, pregnancy, sinus infections, a deviated septum, weather changes, certain scents, tastes, smells, foods or irritants.
The problem isn't always that you are producing too much mucus, but that you are not able to clear it effectively. Some swallowing problems can cause the buildup of gunk in the throat, which can feel like PND. Some of these problems can sometimes occur with age, blockage or even gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Due to the build up of mucus in your throat (not to be mistaken with the good mucus on your vocal chords), you feel the need to cough or clear your throat, which is actually more of an irritant that you think. This coughing and clearing causes the vocal chords to slam together, thus giving you a higher chance of getting vocal nodes (there will be an upcoming post on nodes!)
You may also want to up the water to wash away the mucus, but again, it will just clear the lubricating mucus off of the vocal chords, giving you a greater risk for nodules.
If you start taking antihistamines, please drink loads of water. These medications cause dryness and more discomfort. If your vocal chords are to dry, they will become damaged. ALSO, If you are taking halls or any other form of lozenges, please do not sing. You will not be able to feel what you are doing wrong due to the numbing agents and could possibly damage your vocal chords
If you find that this is an issue that you face, please seek medical attention from a doctor. They may prescribe a medication less drying than an antihistamine or they may put you on allergy shots.
Personally, The allergy shots have worked wonders for me. I have been taking them for 5 years, 1 in each arm, and it honestly has made a difference. I find I don't have to clear my throat as often, I don't have to blow my noes as often, it's generally easier to breathe!
I hope this information can help you have a healthier voice and helps you clear up those sinuses!
Until next time,
Tessa
For those who don't know, Postnasal Drip (PND) is the excess mucus production that triggers postnasal drip has a number of possible causes, according to Web MD. This mucus production can be caused by a cold or flu, allergies, objects in the nose, pregnancy, sinus infections, a deviated septum, weather changes, certain scents, tastes, smells, foods or irritants.
The problem isn't always that you are producing too much mucus, but that you are not able to clear it effectively. Some swallowing problems can cause the buildup of gunk in the throat, which can feel like PND. Some of these problems can sometimes occur with age, blockage or even gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Due to the build up of mucus in your throat (not to be mistaken with the good mucus on your vocal chords), you feel the need to cough or clear your throat, which is actually more of an irritant that you think. This coughing and clearing causes the vocal chords to slam together, thus giving you a higher chance of getting vocal nodes (there will be an upcoming post on nodes!)
You may also want to up the water to wash away the mucus, but again, it will just clear the lubricating mucus off of the vocal chords, giving you a greater risk for nodules.
If you start taking antihistamines, please drink loads of water. These medications cause dryness and more discomfort. If your vocal chords are to dry, they will become damaged. ALSO, If you are taking halls or any other form of lozenges, please do not sing. You will not be able to feel what you are doing wrong due to the numbing agents and could possibly damage your vocal chords
If you find that this is an issue that you face, please seek medical attention from a doctor. They may prescribe a medication less drying than an antihistamine or they may put you on allergy shots.
Personally, The allergy shots have worked wonders for me. I have been taking them for 5 years, 1 in each arm, and it honestly has made a difference. I find I don't have to clear my throat as often, I don't have to blow my noes as often, it's generally easier to breathe!
I hope this information can help you have a healthier voice and helps you clear up those sinuses!
Until next time,
Tessa
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