Concern About Throat Issues: Seeking Advice
As a 20-year-old woman, standing at 186 cm and weighing 90 kg, my health has generally been stable, with only occasional smoking and no significant medical history. However, I began to notice troubling symptoms in my throat two days ago. Being a professional vocalist, any sign of throat discomfort is immediately apparent to me. My throat has been feeling sore and irritated, akin to the sensations experienced during a cold, yet I've had none of the typical accompanying symptoms. Additionally, I've developed a painful productive cough that has worsened today, causing me to almost completely lose my voice. Upon examining my throat, I observed visible redness on the soft palate and the back wall of my throat, a sign suggesting inflammation. Swallowing has become quite painful, and I occasionally taste blood without any obvious cause. I mentioned my condition to my roommate, only to discover she is suffering from similar symptoms. This raises concerns about a potential contagious infection. It's particularly alarming, as I have never faced anything like this before. Compounding my worries is the fact that I've recently pushed my vocal cords quite hard, engaging in extensive singing as well as crying, laughing, and shouting more than I typically do. Could this simply be fatigue from overuse, or is it something more serious that warrants concern? (I can share images privately if anyone is interested.)
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 2:00:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing several concerning throat symptoms, particularly as a professional vocalist. Your sore throat, painful cough, and recent voice loss, combined with visible redness in your throat and tasting blood, definitely warrant careful attention.
Explanation:
Given your symptoms, the main possibilities could include a viral infection (like pharyngitis), overuse of your vocal cords, or a bacterial infection (such as strep throat). Since you've mentioned a similar illness affecting your roommate, there is a chance of a contagious cause. The taste of blood may be due to irritation or inflammation in a severely irritated throat, which can happen with either infection or vocal cord strain.
Next Steps:
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Hydration and Rest: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Warm teas with honey can be soothing. Also, try to rest your voice as much as possible to allow your throat to heal.
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Warm Salt Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce inflammation and soothe soreness.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider using pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms for the next few days. If your sore throat worsens, or if you develop fever, increasing difficulty swallowing, or any difficulty breathing, it's essential to take those as red flags.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke and other irritants that can exacerbate your symptoms, especially since you mentioned occasional smoking.
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Vocal Care: If you feel that vocal strain is a contributing factor, consider consulting resources or professionals specializing in vocal health for specific techniques to care for and strengthen your voice in the long run.
If your symptoms do not improve in a few days or if they worsen, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out any more serious conditions. Take care of yourself, and be sure to prioritize your vocal health.
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