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voice

Just a quick question,
Is it common for someones voice to get weak with COPD

  1. Hi, Allan. Good question. Hopefully others will come along and share their own experiences.

    I'm not sure how "common" it is, but voice problems can happen with people with respiratory problems like asthma or COPD. There are several reasons why. It could be from a medication -- some inhalers have voice changes or hoarseness as a side effect. You can damage your vocal cords from lots of coughing or throat clearing. Or you might not have a lot of lung strength to support a strong voice.

    Have you talked with your doctor about these concerns? -Melissa, team member

    1. Trelegy makes me so hoarse after using 3 years. Now it’s 4 years and I can barely talk. Ear Nose and Throat doctor told me after using a while your vocal cords start closing. But I have to use it.

    2. Hi. While rare, it is possible for medicines like Trelegy to affect your voice, particularly due to the corticosteroid component. Over time, long-term steroid use can irritate the vocal cords, potentially causing hoarseness or other vocal changes. This effect might be compounded if thrush develops, as it often can with inhaled corticosteroids. Thrush can further irritate your throat and vocal cords, making it harder to speak comfortably. This might be what your doctor was referring to by saying "your vocal cords start closing." Perhaps it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor for further clarification. Rinsing your mouth after each dose and following up with your doctor could help manage these side effects while you’re on Trelegy. What do you think? John. community moderator.

  2. Most definitely effected my voice. Part of what I noticed is the ability to project. I used to sing. For the last several years, it became increasingly hard to reach notes that where easy before, and to have volume and control that I was so accustomed to having.
    My VA doctor thinks it wonderful I still try, as the exercising of the muscles and lungs that can be effected are put through their paces by making you expel and control exhaling. THAT is the thing that kicks my rear. I can take in as much air as I can handle. It is clearing out that stuff once I am done.

    1. Thank you for the feedback, I idnt know if this was common or if I should be concerned . P.S. Keep singing

    2. Have you ever thought about doing some voice lessons? Even if you had them in the past, it's normal for your vocal cords to become less flexible as you age, which would affect your vocal range. At least that's what my choir teacher said recently. 😀 A patient teacher might be able to teach you some techniques to strengthen your voice and maybe even improve your breathing technique. Just a thought from a fellow singer. -Melissa, team member

  3. lol, thanks, but at my age, I think I can manage without Hellen Keller lessons. I firmly believe, as does my wife, that they were damaged during the biopsy when they went in through my throat. It was a known risk, and as I am negative, I think it a fair ounce of flesh exchange.

    1. The projection issue is simply due to the lack of ability to exhale as I would like to to reach the note and the volume I seek to recreate from glory days long since past.

      1. That makes sense. Though I wish you could sing quite like you once did, I am glad you still enjoy it. The ability to sing is such a wonderful gift. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)

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