Topic: Toxic fumes and nasal congestion

I breathed in some toxic fumes from a new computer power supply.  Might anyone know what type of fumes these might be?   Anyhow, been coughing and with headaches now for over 25 days.  Affects my singing, obviously.  Went to ENT doctor, who suspects it's due to inflammation of the nasal passage, and gave me some antihistamines and others.   These aren't working well. 

Has anyone had a similar experience and know what to do?

Thank you,

Chen Sun
www.WebAndNet.com, Strategic Web Marketing
www.VocalPosture.com has unique singing-related content-- posture and voice, vocal structure, ergonomics, Zen and ancient philosophies' relevance to voice.  www.WebBIZcard.com is also in blog stage. Thanks

Re: Toxic fumes and nasal congestion

Chen,

I don't know if you've ever taken apart a power supply, but as one who has experiences in building computers, I have. I'd tear down defective ones for parts. There's a lot of plastics, and chemicals which are used in the manufacturing process of the components. I don't know for sure what chemicals, but my daughter and a friend works at a facility that makes those components, which is how I have my knowledge of such.

With that, I had an "interesting" and similar situation happen to me not long ago. In Jamie's book, he mentions a very unique "device" that massages the vocal folds. A very simple design that really works. I won't take the liberties to describe it, as I don't want to encroach on his "design" . (He can post it if he wishes).

To make it clear, it WAS NOT the device that caused the problem, but rather someone who took the liberty of cleaning the metal "container" I use for this "device". I live in a rural area, and have a well that at times, produces hard water. A friend took it upon herself to clean it one day with CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover), unbeknownst to me. I later used it and the residuals of the chemical remained in the container. Shortly thereafter, I had such a severe reaction, I thought I was going on a trip to the hospital - I was VERY sick ! I basically followed the instructions on the container to rid myself of the chemicals, and fortunately, survived. (Needless to say, I don't use that metal container, but rather a plastic one). I have bad luck that way !!!

I, too, had nearly the same symptoms you describe, and was unable to sing for many days (OUCH).
Severe inflamation of the throat, nasal passages and sinuses, not to mention headaches from inhalation of the fumes, as well as a burning sensation in the lungs.

I didn't see a Dr., (my decision), but rather used several items which thankfully worked : I continued to use the vocal fold massage "device" but added a product to the water called "Wellness Herbal Throat Spray" made by Source Naturals. I used the same product several times a day by spraying the throat. I gargled a lot using a saline solution, and another solution of slippery elm powder. I also used a product called "Ocean" nasal spray. Additionally, I used Jones Formula 23 by spraying it on a tissue and inhaling it through my nose. Not only did it clear the nasal passages, but it help to clear the lungs. I flushed out my nose with distilled water more times a day than I can remember. Though I like to stick with mostly herbal remedies, I also purchased a product called "Mucinex", an over the counter product (an expectorant), to help clear the lungs. I followed my daily regimen of vitamins and minerals, and all things combined, I feel fortunate that this worked for me. (I honestly don't see how an antihistamine would work).

BUT PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, and as such , don't want to leave the impression that this is a solution for your particular problem. If your problem(s) persists, I would highly recommend going to the doctor again, or perhaps another one for another opinion.

Adolph  (Nightprowler)

Vocalist, Keyboardist, Composer

Sr. Director of Community Development and Operations
The Modern Vocalist
http://www.themodernvocalist.com
Moderator: "Mindset - Programming your Mind For Success"
http://mindsetbook.com

Re: Toxic fumes and nasal congestion

Thank you so much for your posting!   I deeply appreciate your help.

Chen Sun
www.WebAndNet.com, Strategic Web Marketing
www.VocalPosture.com has unique singing-related content-- posture and voice, vocal structure, ergonomics, Zen and ancient philosophies' relevance to voice.  www.WebBIZcard.com is also in blog stage. Thanks

Re: Toxic fumes and nasal congestion

Drinking plenty of fluids, more than usual, aids the body in expelling the irritant and clearing congestion. Water, fruit juice, and teas are recommended by medical experts to resolve congestion, and rest and sleep are also suggested remedies in a case of nasal congestion.[citation needed] Sitting upright and not lying down will relieve some nasal congestion. Avoid substances causing dehydration, for example caffeine. Increasing air moisture with a humidifier or a steamy bath or shower usually helps relieve the congestion and accompanying discomfort

Re: Toxic fumes and nasal congestion

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Roch120

Re: Toxic fumes and nasal congestion

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Kerupa23

Re: Toxic fumes and nasal congestion

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donge26

Re: Toxic fumes and nasal congestion

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Lawson26