I lost my voice!!

[iLoVeUxx2]

I am a singer and my voice has been gone since yesterday. I can still speak, but when I can it is low, quiet and raspy. Does anyone have advice as to how I can get my voice back FAST? I have a competition Saturday and my choir is counting on me!

Updates

+1 y

thanks to all that helped...my voice is nearly back!

[Average-Joe]

I don't know if this will directly get your voice back, but it usually makes me feel a lot better so that I can talk better.

Try to find a lollipop-stick-thing or any type of lozenge with the flavor Horehound. It tastes a little different, but it seems to do wonders (plus its candy!). The only places I know to get it so far are any Cracker Barrel Restaurants or various sporting goods stores (JAX, if there's one near you).

Other remedies I've been told to do and tried are to gargle warm salt water (really gross, so I couldn't do it for long enough, but it did help), fill the sink with warm water and cover your head with a towel next to the water so as to breathe the steam for a while (works really well temporarily), and swallow a spoonful of corn syrup (worked a little, but was sorta interesting-not gross, just really sugary).

Hope this helps; I certainly know what you feel like!

Good luck at contest!

[Average-Joe]

Of course, another alternative is always hot tea. Hot tea is one of my favorite beverages, so I jump at the opportunity to be required to drink it for my well-being

[iLoVeUxx2]

Thanks! LOL I've been drinkng gallons of tea even though I HATE it. after I get my voice back I don't think I'll even be able to look at tea!

[Average-Joe]

I suppose if you really don't like tea, any hot beverage would do. So...hot chocolate?

[sota13]

a few things: don't talk AT ALL. whispering is very bad. Stay extra hydrated. Drink straight honey right before you have to sing. Also, two things you can buy: Throat Coat tea . . . and BEST of all Slippery Elm lozenges. (actors (i'm one) and singers swear by these two things. might have to go to a health food store for them).

you'll be FINE by Saturday! Good luck!

[dtxxx]

When I get sick and my voice gets like that I hate it to. But everyone tells me to drink green tea that it always helps for them. Green tea helps with everything. You can even use it as finger nail polish to make them grow or drink it to clean out your system. But its also good for your throat as well. But unfortunately I don't like green tea. But it does help. Hope it helps you as well. Good luck.

[sexycrystal54313]

try hot water with lemon and honey, the honey and lemon will help soothe your throat and vocal cords

[iLoVeUxx2]

I've nver heard this one before...but I'll give it a try. I just really need to get better. I'm a soprano and basically am my section. no one else sings except for myself and my other friend, who gave me the cold that made me lose my voice in the first place!

[sexycrystal54313]

That sucks, and you can also try taking a bowl fill with boiling water and a half teaspoon of vicks vapo rub stick your head over the bowl and cover it and your head with a towel, the menthol will help soothe your throat and this is a great why to get rid of a stopped up nose too

[lotus-blossom-08]

As others have mentioned, keep hydrated and the best beverage to do that is apple juice (not sure why, but from experience, I know that it works). I found that ecanasia tea helps me in general when I have a cold/sore throat and it might help with your lost voice. As others have mentioned, lemon and honey is also a good help.

[secretsmiles]

i know feeling I'm a singer and actress in my schools musical and what I do is plain ol tea and honey. there are over the counter stuff that can help too I think. do not talk! drink lots of hot water to soothe!

break a leg, not a note! :]

[WeaponZero]

I would advise not straining it until it's fully healed or you could cause permanent damage. Is performing at this one show worth damaging your voice for life?

[thelollipopmafia]

gargle warm salt water

drink tea with honey

drink coffee (not hot) (not sure why, but this really does help)

have two drops of oil of oregano.

[Marrryyyyy]

warm water mixed with honey and suck on cough drops whenever you can