Why is my throat red and dry?

Why does my throat feel constantly tight and dry?

• I'm a 23 year old male and I've been singing off and on since around 2006. I've never had any formal training and have tried to emulate the greats - most likely through yelling or pushing my vocal cords. I've never done a warm-up in my life, have no idea if I sing from my diaphragm as opposed to my throat and it's beginning to frustrate me! I've recently learned that I've been hired for a big gig and perhaps the nerves are building and my anxiety is making matters worse, however I think a problem may be developing. I basically have a constant dry, tight, constricted feeling in my throat and feel the need to swallow often and drink lots of water to lubricate my throat. I've no hoarseness and can speak fine, although I have noticed that when I talk a lot my throat feels a little tight again and sore at times; perhaps I'm speaking more with my throat also, but that's a different issue! I'm thinking I should go to my doctor and just explain the situation. I'm worried that I either have vocal strain due to abuse i.e. yelling as opposed to belting correctly, the beginning of nodules, inflamed throat, allergies, acid reflux or if it's just in my mind? Like I say my symptoms are a constant dry, tight, constricted feeling in my throat and at times its mildly sore when I swallow. Please help as I don't know what to do?! Thanks :)

• Answer:

  Talking to your doctor is the best option, but it sounds like you may either have a form of asthma, strained vocal cords, or an anxiety disorder. Because of the information you gave saying you have a good voice and have been booked for a gig (congrats by the way!), I hesitate towards the first two options, especially the strained vocal cords option. Since you have recently been given a big gig and corresponded to your tight throat, I think that you just have a simple case of stage fright. My best advice would be to talk to your doctor, but know that the anxiety you're feeling is normal, yet not relevant. You wouldn't have been booked if you weren't amazing! Just feel confident, don't stress over your singing techniques, and rock the stage!!!