<p>Hi everyone. I'm a junior in high school looking to study voice in college. Recently, I started having a little trouble breathing. I think that this is due my asthma, although maybe it could be cause by my acid reflux. Sometimes when I am singing I notice that my lung capacity has gone down a little bit. I would stop, but I really don't want to (I get joy from singing and I want to get ready for the possibilty of auditioning for summer programs). Is there anyone else like me out there who has had to deal with this? What has worked for you? Would it be wise to use my inhaler before singing?</p>
<p>Yoshi, you really should be seeing your doctor. I’m sure there are plenty of asthmatic singers out there and there should be a reasonable way to deal with it. There are lots of knowledgeable people on the message board including medical people but this is a job for your own personal doctor.</p>
<p>I have this problem. Laughing, yelling and singing are common asthma triggers. I would suggest asking your doctor about a preventative approach, such as inhaled steroids, at least during difficult periods- rather than albuterol inhalers. If you get the inflammation down, you shouldn’t have problems- inflammation is the root of the problem- and inhaled steroids address that. If it seems as if allergy plays a role, you can try inhaling Intal or taking Singulair orally. But discuss with a doctor.</p>
<p>Inhaled steriods… like Pulmicort? Because I do use this. I’m going to try increasing use to four times a day (doctor said to do that if things get bad), and go to the doctor if that doesn’t work. Should I tell my doctor that I sing? Because I feel like he might tell me to stop (and that, quite frankly, is not an option. I wouldn’t want to stop singing even if I didn’t plan on majoring in voice in college). Is asthma going to affect my overall vocal capability (am I going to not be as good as I could just because I have asthma)? Thank you</p>
<p>Are you anywhere near a voice treatment center? You need a specialist that treats singers. Even ENTs are not enough if they are not specialized. They don’t understand the needs of singers. It took 4 tries for us to find a good one. We even went to a voice center but we needed one that actually treated opera singers.</p>
<p>Also make sure you tell the doctor about the acid reflux. That can be damaging to the vocal chords. Some people who have reflux can develop nodes. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Sent you a PM, Yoshi.</p>
<p>Yoshi, hopefully this goes without saying but you need to discuss your breathing problem with your parents immediately.
This is a good reminder that there are many caring parents on the message board, but we are not YOUR parents.</p>
<p>Hi Yoshi2,</p>
<p>I had the same problem when I was a child, now it’s not that severe, so I don’t even need an inhalator. However, I know a couple of very good singers, some of the with big voices and an incredible performing ability whose asthma does not deprive them from singing professionally. Of course, it depends on every individual and how asthma affects them specifically. </p>
<p>I suggest you to talk to your doctor to see how you can treat it, and don’t be afraid of telling him/her that you are a singer and that you are willing to pursue music professionally. He/she cannot deprive you from doing it, and there is proof that there are several singers with who perform. They should be able to give you a treatment in which you can continue with your daily activities normally. Hope my advise helps and good luck! </p>
<p>Remember, don’t let this (or anything else) deprive you from doing what you were born for!</p>
<p>-Tenorissimo</p>
<p>I just love the many thoughtful, caring posts for Yoshi. Asthma is an unknown to me, but I was so hoping that someone would contribute important advice to help guide Yoshi. I’m most impressed with all of you!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. I’ve told my parents, and I have a GI appointment on Tuesday.</p>