OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About My Voice and Potential Long-Term Vocal Damage

**Demographics:** 29-year-old female; currently taking Vyvanse, Lamotrigine, and Nuvaring. Recently, I've also used Tylenol and Ibuprofen as over-the-counter pain relief. Hello! On January 29, I noticed my voice beginning to falter, which I attributed to overexertion at work. (I often have to raise my voice to be heard over loud machinery for four days each week.) By January 30, I had almost completely lost my voice and had to miss work because it was nearly inaudible, and I was feeling unwell. Interestingly, just days earlier, I sensed a dip in my immune function, reminiscent of the onset of a cold, particularly when I'm not getting enough sleep. However, until that point, I didn't actually feel sick. When I attempted to sing a song within my usual vocal range, I encountered issues with the higher notes, even though they shouldn't have been challenging. They came out slightly squeaky, and I could barely discern a whisper of the intended pitch behind an odd airy sound. I was producing the note, but it felt as though it was only a hesitant echo, mixed with a wheezy tone. This was a new experience for me, as I had never lost my voice in such a manner before. Despite my efforts to rest my voice, life had to go on, and I continued to work. I consumed hot tea with honey a couple of times and used cough drops to soothe my throat. Thankfully, my voice started to return to normal within less than a week. Then, on February 10, about ten days later, I fell ill again. My partner had contracted something, which we suspect was the flu, from a coworker. He had shown symptoms about five days prior to my own. On that day, I felt weak and unwell; my throat also began to hurt. That evening, my fever peaked at 100°F. The situation was particularly uncomfortable on Tuesday and Wednesday, as I experienced significant restlessness, especially at bedtime, and when the effects of the pain relievers began to fade. I was alternating between Tylenol and Ibuprofen every four hours for a couple of days, staying within dosage limits. The restlessness was incredibly frustrating, as I lacked the energy to do much, and I felt quite sick. Notably, my mother has restless leg syndrome, although I only occasionally experience similar symptoms, so I'm unsure if it's relevant. After several days, I finally felt well enough to return to work, likely starting to feel better on Saturday, February 14. I had started noticing improvements by Friday, February 13, especially during seated activities. As of now, I still have a lingering cough and a sore throat. It seems to be a productive cough, as I'm expelling phlegm from my lungs—a significant amount for me. Last week, the phlegm was particularly thick, sticky, and a yellow-green hue. Today, the consistency is better—smaller, less sticky chunks in a lighter yellow-green tone. My primary concern is that I experienced another voice loss, similar to the initial episode, just a day ago. This morning, I woke up with an intense sore throat that made speaking difficult. I took two 200 mg doses of Ibuprofen this morning and have had some cough drops, so my voice is in better condition than it was on January 30, although it's still not great. The coughing has become frequent, and it's beginning to make me wheeze a bit this afternoon. Last night was particularly challenging, as I was coughing significantly, which became painful. My worry is that I might be causing damage to my vocal cords. I suspect that my voice hadn’t fully recovered before I got sick again, since my speaking voice felt fine, but my singing voice remained compromised. The fact that my voice is starting to fail once more so soon after my first episode is concerning. What are your thoughts? Am I risking damage to my vocal cords by continuing to cough and speak at work following a possible laryngitis episode that didn't completely resolve? If that’s the case, what steps can I take to help? Also, is it typical to cough up this much phlegm for an extended duration? For context, I rarely get ill, making two bouts in quick succession quite unusual for me. Thank you for your insights!

Answers (1)

2/18/2026, 1:00:56 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've experienced a challenging series of events with your voice and health, and it's understandable to be concerned about potential damage to your vocal cords. Your vocal changes and persistent coughing may indicate underlying issues that need attention, especially if they are affecting your daily life and work.

Main Points:

1. Vocal cord strain and potential laryngitis can occur with overuse or illness, leading to voice changes.
2. You might be experiencing post-viral cough, which is common after respiratory infections.
3. It's important to rest your voice, manage your symptoms, and seek appropriate self-care to prevent further irritation or damage.

Explanation:

• Vocal Cord Health: When you overuse your voice, especially in a loud environment, it can lead to strain and inflammation of the vocal cords, which is often called laryngitis. Persistent coughing can further irritate your throat and vocal cords, leading to more difficulty speaking.
• Cough and Phlegm: After respiratory infections, it’s not unusual to have a cough with phlegm, particularly if you had yellow-green sputum, which may indicate an infection. The cough can linger as your body clears the excess mucus.
• Concerns about Damage: If your symptoms persist and you continue to strain your voice without proper care, there is a risk of damaging your vocal cords.

Next Steps:

1. Voice Rest: Try to rest your voice as much as possible, especially avoiding yelling or speaking over noise.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus and soothe your throat. Warm teas with honey can help as well, as you’ve already been doing.

3. Manage Cough: Consider using a humidifier in your home to keep the air moist, which can ease coughing. Over-the-counter cough suppressants might also help reduce persistent, dry coughs.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, especially if the cough persists or worsens. Note any changes in your voice quality or if new symptoms develop.

5. Avoid Irritants: Avoid smoking, strong scents, and other irritants that can worsen throat irritation.

6. Schedule Recovery Time: If possible, take time off work to allow your voice and body to recover. If you've continued to exert yourself, it may prolong your symptoms.

It’s important to listen to your body—if you notice significant changes, such as persistent discomfort, severe hoarseness, or the inability to speak, consider seeking a professional evaluation to ensure there isn't a more serious underlying problem. If you can give your voice the break and care it needs now, it may help you recover faster and protect your vocal health in the long run. Please take care, and let me know if you need more guidance!