Dr. John Messmer writes: >Reflux tends to cause reddening and swelling. This might lead to poor >technique to compensate, but to my knowledge reflux per se does not cause >nodules. > John is right, reflux can present as faulty technique and it can be a truly elusive problem to try to diagnose. Student and teacher alike are struggling to make sense of what is happening, and trying everything! A student of mind recently was diagnosed with reflux, and it was a HUGE relief to know what was causing the persistent vocal symptoms of 1) slight breathiness and elevated pitch in her speaking voice which seemed like she had been oversinging and pushing when she did sing 2) long long warm-up necessary to get the voice going 3) no ability to start from a "small place" in her voice or sing a "fil" (slender thread) of sound. The ENT noticed that her arytenoids were swollen and red and this prevents the cords from coming together cleanly. My dear student is now a much much happier camper, now that we know what was wrong and has some medication. It all makes sense. Best, Karen Jensen
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