Sore Throat - No Voice! Help!!!

[Cobweb]

I've had a sore throat for about a week, the Doc said it was just a cold, but now I've lost my voice.

Normally I wouldn't care but I have to perform in a Panto on Tuesday coming and I can't speak!
Does anyone know of anything that might help, I've already tried the steam thing

 

[Toddy]

Aww, that's miserable

No voice = swollen vocal cords and infected throat usually. Get some anti inflammatories into you and something bactericidal onto your throat.
Gargling, if you can make your throat muscles work well enough, really will help. Anything you have to hand, and as hot as you can stand it. Bacteria like those can only survive in a narrow temperature range, even viruses don't do well outside their optimum. You can use salt, the onion and sugar juice mix, honey's always good, hot pine needle tea, sage tea is excellent for it. Basically what have you got to hand.

Hope it clears soon,

M

 

[Melonfish]

get along to boots and grab some "Vocalzones" they're designed for speakers, performers and singers.
use em before performances and you'll regain alot of use in your voice, they're just pastilles you suck on but boy are they strong, work wonders though.

these are for when you've got most of it back though in a "the show must go on" situation otherwise take care of your throat, plenty of hot drinks and really follow what Toddy suggested!

 

[drewdunnrespect]

gargle on a bottle of jack daniels and you will be fine but remember it wasnt my fault that you got drunk

 

[Nagual]

My old drill sarg swore by gargling and drinking of course, Brandy and Port. Also used it to cure a upset tummy. I too tried this and for me it worked.

Cheers,


PS was going to suggest a hot Toddy, but well... you know...

 

[Gierzwaluw]

As a speech and language pathologist I would advise you to give your vocal cords as much rest as you can give them. Whispering and speaking with a lot of effort will put a lot of tension on your already irritated voice. Most of the time your voice will come back when your cold has gone.
Gargling of any sort will have a limited effect as your vocal cords are located in your larynx, well below place where the gargling takes place. You woudn't want any liquids in there. What might help are hard sweets that you suck on, the effect is that you swallow more frequently, which has a relaxing effect on the larynx. It will also help not to speak

Good luck, hope this helps!

 

[CaptainBeaky]

Sorry, didn't quite catch that...

Seriously, can't add any to the above, but hope your voice comes back in time, and break a leg!
What show are you doing?

(We have Final Dress tonight, opening night is tomorrow... )

 

[bushwacker bob]

I cant hear you.

 

[Toddy]

Sorry Gierzwaluw, I ought to have made myself clear.
The gargling is for the sore throat, not really something one would want trickling through the voicebox If one soothes the way for the body to cure itself, it all helps.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[firecrest]

nothing helps really, youll have to be recast as the pantomine horse!!

(no no only kidding, Im sure youll be fine)

 

[Opal]

IT'LL BE ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT! :aargh4:

 

[Walks with dogs]

And if it isn't, you can one day put this all......BEHIND YOU!

 

[Cobweb]

Thanks for all of the advice and bad puns, we open on Tuesday.

Toddy, I have dried white sage, will that work? I've hread good things about sage, but I'm not sure if it was supposed to be fresh or not.

I'm gargling with hot salt water and it seems to be soothing it somewhat. I'm also drinking very hot Gogol Mogol which works pretty well too, nice and soothing.

I've never lost my voice before, it's a bit scary to tell the truth :O

 

[John Fenna]

Lots of time before you open for your voice to return
Break a leg!
(If nothing else it will take your mind off the throat...and no one will hear you scream

 

[Cobweb]

Oh no! John, don't make me laugh!! ... it hurts

 

[Toddy]

White sage will work fine for a sore throat Just make it into tea. It's supposed to be better sipped over a little while rather than gargled.
Our own sage makes a really good gargle and if your mouth is feeling pretty gunky with the sore throat, crush some up with salt and use to brush your teeth. Rinse and spit really well though, it kind of lingers apart from the green flecks

Hope it clears soon,
atb,
M