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Hi guys,
probably not a very common topic but i need some help here.
I caught a cold, have to cough every now and then and want to avoid this on tomorrow's gig. What can i do not to have to cough on the bandstand (dropping the gig is no option). Trying to suppress the cough makes it worse ..... .
Is there any (harmless) medication which could help?
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05-30-2024 12:54 PM
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Cough Lozenges?
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Stay lubricated...even sipping plain still water helps me.
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Hydration (before and if possible during) and a good cough drop as needed--I like Hall's, but there are generic/house-brand equivalents. I'm not sure about the effectiveness (or prudence) of over-the-counter cough suppressants. I've heard various home remedies recommended, but I suspect that a cup of steaming herb tea laced with honey isn't going to work well on the bandstand. Before, maybe--though for those of us of A Certain Age, that might trigger an urge for mid-set pee break.
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Originally Posted by RLetson
As a guy who has to talk for a living, I've become quite a coniosseur of cough drops over the years.
Tip from experience: Halls Sugar Free, if you use too many, will do a real number on your stomach.
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Start by drinking a gallon of water today, literally.
Cough drops on stage. Delsym might help too.
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I believe that Bird used morphine for that but I would not recommend it.
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Originally Posted by mick-7
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Also Luden's honey-licorice drops. An old-time remedy but a good one.
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Do you know from experience that the stress and concentration from being on stage will distract you enough that the cough will disappear during the performance?
EDIT: if you know pro classical (opera) singers you could ask them what they take. From what I remember it's not something doctors like to prescribe because it comes with a risk to the vocal chords - but I suppose you're letting your guitar sing for you.
Anti-nervous-cough syrup with codeine could help too, but don't continue using it after the gig unless you're certain your cough is already of the nervous type.
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Fishermans Friend has been recommended by some vocal teachers.
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I find those work better against throat ache than as couch suppressors; inhaling a good breath after sucking on one of those or alternatives containing high doses of eucalyptus, mint and similar camphrous substances is in fact likely to trigger a cough attack if my lungs are already irritated!
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I always have some of these in my pocket:
Robot or human?
Danny W.
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Originally Posted by RJVB
When i exhale, some remains from the cold/sore throat come up and cause the desire to cough. In the playing situation it gets tough to suppress it. I have now also asked a singer and she recommended me this product: https://www.paul-pille.de/documents/...14443741_g.jpg
I'll soon find out to what extent it helps.
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Thank you all for the recommendations.
Yes, dry air makes it worse, and i notice with growing age it's becoming more of a necessity to always carry some drops to be able to lubricate the throat.
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Originally Posted by JazzNote
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why not a insulated cup with some hot tea and honey?
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OTC cough syrup with dextromethorphan can work.
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Are you worried about the cough being heard, or that it will disrupt your flow? I'm guessing the former, but how do you guys deal with sneezing while playing? I always lose my place when I sneeze!
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Originally Posted by John A.
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Originally Posted by princeplanet
Why do my eyes close when I sneeze? | Live Science
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In addition to other suggestions, wear a face mask. In case you do cough, at least you can cover it hands free.
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Originally Posted by Mick-7
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Originally Posted by FRRGC_
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Originally Posted by princeplanet
Fortunately so far i never had to sneeze during a tune, but once when i had a cold, i had to put up with a continuously running nose. That was a guitar duo where i did all heads and solos, so there was time to wipe every now and then ;-). Later i checked on fotos from the gig, at least nothing of it was detectable on them.Last edited by JazzNote; 06-01-2024 at 12:29 PM.
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