Pre-Nodules

I know I'm kind of spaz when it comes to vocal related issues, and I could very well be over analyzing my symptoms, but I've been having vocal issues due to weather and probably use of marijuana. The past couple days my larynx itself has hurt, not really a ton of hoarseness unless I had a mucus drip going into my throat. I've been using my humidifier nonstop and drinking tea like it's going out of style, and it's gotten better, but hasn't completely gone away. Now it's localized to the tip top of my larynx and there is no speech hoarseness and no pain unless I touch (or perform a hard swallow); It's more sensitive to the touch. I also have the sensation that something is stuck at the very top of my throat, feels like mucus is stuck almost. I'm able to sing okay; I didn't try anything to daring, but there's no tone change or hoarseness. My question is, if I were to have something like prenodules due to overuse of my vocals in less than favorable conditions, would it always cause hoarseness in the speaking voice, or would it only be while singing? I know the first inclination is say, "Go to the doctor", however, I have no medical insurance, and that's not a viable option. All feedback is appreciated!

Where do you live? Don't they have poverty or welfare coverage? No self respecting country should let their citizens suffer beacuse they can't afford insurance. I went to the doctor last Wednesday and got antibiotics - sure the pills cost a few $$ but the visit was free. First inclination is to say, "Go to the doctor"

Take two anti inflamatories. Advll and the like. Four shots of Whiskey. One tall glass of water and get good night sleep. If you still feel like crap go to free clinic.

i just dont think its possible to know if you have nodules without medical equipment.

most decent universities have an ENT dept that will check u for free or for like 20 bucks. at least my local ones do that with ears.

Same here, except here we have to go to only certain clinics and doctors to get it "bulk billed" (free). Most only bulk bill now for elderly people or kids and students, and the unemployed. Otherwise a 5 second consultation costs $60...plus any meds you have to buy. Lucky for me I live 5 minutes away from one of the places that bulk bill for everyone.

Oh, and I doubt it's nodes. It sounds more like general irritation and/or illness.

Same here, except here we have to go to only certain clinics and doctors to get it "bulk billed" (free). Most only bulk bill now for elderly people or kids and students, and the unemployed. Otherwise a 5 second consultation costs $60...plus any meds you have to buy. Lucky for me I live 5 minutes away from one of the places that bulk bill for everyone. Oh, and I doubt it's nodes. It sounds more like general irritation and/or illness.

I don't think its nodes either, actually. I have no hoarseness, which is the biggest indicator of vocal swelling. I actually found black mold in my closet, and along my window. I'm assuming that's the reason for the congestion and irritation. I rid myself of it yesterday and my voice is already starting to feel slightly better. It's still a little tender because I have to use my voice constantly at work even when it's not in great shape. I can sing with power in my head and chest voice, but my falsetto is almost non-existent. Hopefully there's just some minor swelling remaining that will dissipate over the course of the next couple days. If it doesn't come back after a couple days of vocal rest I'll suck it up and pay for a doctor visit out of pocket. I just need to lay off the caffeine, sleep with the humidifier, and get on the h20!

Ugh, mold is TERRIBLE for the entire respiratory system!! Good that it's gone. I'd make sure there's no more mold around as well, in case. Blegh. In our old place, we tended to get mold on the bathroom ceiling and upper walls (it was a very humid apartment in a very warm & humid climate where we live), and whenever I'd clean it using the anti-mold spray stuff, which was maybe once a month, I'd end up having major coughing issues / wheezing and nasal irritation. My partner couldn't clean it at all cause she'd not be able to breathe through her nose for a week afterwards. lol

I actually used bleach, but I'll probably purchase anti mold spray as insurance. Use a medical mask when you use irritating chemicals; it can greatly reduce irritation because you're not directly breathing in the fumes. This couldn't have come at a worse time considering I was going to audition to sing the Star Spangled Banner for my school. Now I'm afraid to sing my heart out.