Can you sing if you have laryngitis?

Answer 1

It's a very bad idea. Don't try it. You'll inflame your vocal cords more and make the condition worse.

Here's the best way to treat it. If you have it, you should rest your voice; do not speak if you can help it, but don't whisper because that'll actually irritate your vocal cords more. If you only have laryngitis, you probably don't need bed rest, but if you try to continue your activities and find you actually feel terrible, heed your body and rest!

Stay hydrated. Fluids are definitely important. Don't drink anything that irritates the throat!

If you have the type of laryngitis that comes from another illness, such as influenza (the flu), bronchitis, pneumonia, or strep throat, you should not only be on bed rest but under a physician's care. If you have a bacterial infection you probably need an antibiotic, but viral infections are not treatable that way.

If you have the type of simple laryngitis that comes from overuse of your voice, resting your voice and sucking on cough drops or hard candies or even Sucrets (but read the label first!) will help, plus things like popsicles and ice cream.

But one caveat: if you suddenly find you are having severe difficulty getting your breath in, and have to struggle to get enough air, go to your nearest hospital ED, because, though extremely rare, that condition would be a life-threatening emergency. Very rarely, the laryngeal tissues can swell sufficiently to block the windpipe, or, even more rarely, the epiglottis (located just above the larynx), will become inflamed too and block the breathing passage (windpipe, trachea). If you suffer from Asthma or have a very narrow windpipe, this can complicate things.

Take care of yourself and you'll soon be well.