To think teaching could be giving me a cough!

[Mar124]

Hi. AIBU to think that overusing my voice (in a secondary school teacher and in my subject English I read out loud a lot and talk a lot in all of my classes) could be causing a really severe cough and a heavy/tight chest (it feels like it’s weighed down by something).

I ask because I’ve noticed it’s worsens after I talk during class. Now in saying that, it’s bad overall not just then. Currently laid up in bed choking every few minutes ! But I’m not actually sick, no other symptoms so I’m in work. Negative Covid tests too just in case. I don’t know if it’s worth going to to the doctor for when I’m not acutely unwell. I also don’t want to miss days in work for the same reason. But it’s a horrible cough and I’m starting to wonder do I need to take better care of my voice. AIBU to think voice use is a factor? Thank you!

Some teachers lose their voices permanently. It does sound like you are straining it. Any chance of a few days of not speaking? You might need to be off.

How long have you been a teacher? I used to get the same symptoms and it turned out I’m allergic to dust mites. I regularly worked in places where the carpets were filthy and the blinds weren’t regularly dusted. The lack of light in winter meant there were more dust mites in the air.

@Pinklanternspiral 11 years! I’m actually in a classroom with carpet at the moment and I hate the carpet! It smells horrible all of the time.

@Wheresthescissors Good point. I literally pushed through to speak and not cough. The other day I was talking to a colleague and didn’t even expect to cough but a random high pitched cough like choking came out! Very strange

Look, if you've had a cough and bad chest for a prolonged period of time then get to the doctors!

You could be straining your voice, there used to be some good videos online about how to project your voice without causing damage.

Saying that I have been teaching 12 years, and while on my first maternity leave 5 years ago I started getting reoccurring sore throat, croaky. This has progressed with constant sore throats, mucus in back of throat, cough, sometimes I can't hum. I was told.i had gastritis a few years back and the silent acid reflux could be causing this throat issue now. There are also other things like cobblestone throat, etc, so definitely worth going to a doctor and getting some support. If it is straining then you need to change your tactics before you cause more damage. Good luck!

How long have you had the cough for? Many of the teachers in our school have had a persistent cough since Christmas, caused by winter viruses. Seems to be worse than usual this year.

Always worth getting checked out if you have a prolonged cough.

I had this my first year of teaching, I often had no voice and a cough. It went away as my body got used to the constant talking and also my immune system got tougher. You're not a new teacher though but I wonder could something in the air/new strain of germs be affecting you more this year

I can imagine constantly addressing a class could take a toll on your vocal chords, but also that teachers face a constant barrage of germs, which could also affect your throat.

Update- went to the doctor it is bronchitis!