hi all, I've lost my voice, I think, due to really bad allergies this week, but now I'm thinking I may have been sick - I don't know. I lost it Friday night and it isn't back yet . I've tried tea with honey, hot showers, and resting it by not speaking at all. I don't know what else to do! What do singers do when they get laryngitis?

Any advice is much appreciated, thx!!

If it's caused by Baterial Infection, you may need to see a doctor for antibiotics. The best thing is water at room temp. or warmer. I use bottled water and drink one bottle per hour when I start losing my voice. I talk a lot most of the time so this happens to me often. The water keeps the vocal cords wet and the warmth soothes. Cold drinks can make it worse so try to drink everything warm for a while. Also alcohol makes it worse. Don't talk at all. Don't clear your throat because clearing your throat strains the vocal cords...it slaps them together. If you feel like you need to clear your throat, take a drink of something warm instead. Don't breathe through your mouth because it dries your throat. Breathe through your nose.

As far as allergies, I have bad allergies. The best thing I've found is heating and drinking 1 tbsp. of honey every day. I do this daily. Use honey made locally because the bees that produce that honey are bees that are exposed to the same irritants that may cause your allergies to flare. It's kind of like a natural antibiotic/immunization.

BTW, be sure to drink the honey straight. Don't add to teas or any liquids and wait a few minutes after drinking honey before you drink anything else.

this is fantastic info - thank you sooooo much! I'm heading for the honey then I'll wait then some warm water. If it isn't better later today then I'll def call the doc. Thank you so much - this is very very helpful!

YW. Hope it works for you. It really s*cks when you lose your voice.

the honey is hard to choke down but I think it has helped. My voice is coming back - yeah! My girls have been so thoughtful and caring (they are 5 and 3!) The little one pats my leg telling me I will be okay in a few days, just get some rest mommy. So sweet. Thanks again for your help, the warm water def has helped!

YW and glad you're feeling some better.

That's so cute about your girls!

I can't believe you've had to go through this ordeal more than once. ugh, not fun. My voice is alomost 100%, but I think I may have a sinus infection. Heading to the docs tomorrow at 11am, but at least my throat feels better!

I hope you are better now....

Finally, yes, thank you! I lost my voice for my Leda's 5th bday party, which wasn't a big deal, but I had a presentation made up for the kids on all sorts of critters (it was a n animal bday party theme) I couldn't do it so my hubby had too. He was not happy at all, but he did well speaking & showing the slide show to the kids about fluffy kittens and fuzzy bunnies! hahaha! I was def. laughing--too funny!

Glad you are feeling better. I love giving the kids cute little parties but my boys are too old for that now. I miss it.