Finding Relief for a Lost Voice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for soothing a sore throat and regaining a lost voice, with participants sharing personal experiences and remedies. The scope includes home remedies, medical advice, and general care for vocal strain.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest drinking hot liquids, such as herbal teas with honey, while others recommend avoiding milk products due to potential mucus production.
  • There are mentions of specific teas like peppermint and Ginger Peach, with varying effectiveness noted by participants.
  • Several participants emphasize the importance of rest for vocal recovery, with some suggesting that time is a crucial factor.
  • Advice is given to avoid whispering to prevent throat strain, with suggestions to speak softly instead.
  • Some participants caution about the prevalence of strep throat and recommend seeing a doctor if symptoms persist.
  • Gargling with salt water is proposed as a potential remedy.
  • Hydration is highlighted as essential, with a consensus on the importance of drinking clear fluids in addition to tea.
  • A humorous suggestion of "scream therapy" is made, but it is clarified as a joke.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of rest and hydration, but there are varying opinions on specific remedies and the necessity of medical consultation, indicating multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference the current prevalence of strep throat, which may influence their recommendations, but there is no consensus on the best course of action for the original poster's symptoms.

TheStatutoryApe
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Lost Voice...

I developed a sore throat and my voice is starting to fail me. I was wondering if anyone knows any good methods for soothing the throat and regaining one's voice.

Currently I am drinking some peppermint herbal tea with a bit of honey. I think when I worked at the coffee house I usually used Ginger Peach tea with honey and lemon though I don't remember that working out too well.
 
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TheStatutoryApe said:
I developed a sore throat and my voice is starting to fail me. I was wondering if anyone knows any good methods for soothing the throat and regaining one's voice.

Currently I am drinking some peppermint herbal tea with a bit of honey. I think when I worked at the coffee house I usually used Ginger Peach tea with honey and lemon though I don't remember that working out too well.
I would drink teas with lemon and/or ginger. Throat Coat by Traditional Medicinals might also work.
 


I think any hot liquid would help, except milk products (increase mucus production, doesn't help with any upper respiratory problem).

But mostly, time and rest. Go back to bed, SA!
 


Keep away from citrus juices. Honey has a slight antibiotic quality, so drink your hot tea, but also after your done, dose yourself another teaspoon of honey.
Strep throat is really prevalent in the USA right now, I would advise you to see your Dr., if not better soon. You don't want it to creep into different areas.
 


Thank you Everyone.
 


Don't try to whisper, that will just cause you to constrict your throat... instead, if you must speak, simply modulate the air passing your larynx so you literally speak 'softly'. That will keep you from uneseccary strain, and see your doctor... although it's probably passing.

Do you have a fever? In addition, if you don't, still see a doctor, even if you throat isn't "cherry red, with pustules", you don't want to mess with strep if that's the culprit.

Just get a culture, and if it's viral... nothing to be done.
 


TheStatutoryApe said:
I developed a sore throat and my voice is starting to fail me. I was wondering if anyone knows any good methods for soothing the throat and regaining one's voice.

Currently I am drinking some peppermint herbal tea with a bit of honey. I think when I worked at the coffee house I usually used Ginger Peach tea with honey and lemon though I don't remember that working out too well.

As others suggested you probably want to check with your doctor. Its still strep season, I think I had 14 or 15 in about 1.5 hours in the clinic on Thursday. So its certainly still around.

Tests are quick, they can do rapid strep tests and you'll know within a few minutes. Even without a strep test, the typical diagnostic signs make it pretty easy for your doc to tell if you have it.

As for the voice; rest, rest, rest! That's really the best thing to do for strained vocal chords!.
 


Gargle with salt water.
 


bobze said:
As others suggested you probably want to check with your doctor. Its still strep season, I think I had 14 or 15 in about 1.5 hours in the clinic on Thursday. So its certainly still around.

Tests are quick, they can do rapid strep tests and you'll know within a few minutes. Even without a strep test, the typical diagnostic signs make it pretty easy for your doc to tell if you have it.

As for the voice; rest, rest, rest! That's really the best thing to do for strained vocal chords!.

Or... and here's a novel treatment... scream therapy! :wink:

NOTE: That is a joke... if you do it TSA, Moonbear will maul you.

I realized I should have been clearer about "no whispering"... specifically, take deep breaths... each breath should only yield you a few words without you contricting your throat at all. Be breathy, don't whisper if you have no choice, but to speak.


OH... and I can't believe I didn't mention it... HYDRATE... lots of clear fluids, and not just tea.
 
  • #10


nismaratwork said:
Or... and here's a novel treatment... scream therapy! :wink:

NOTE: That is a joke... if you do it TSA, Moonbear will maul you.

I realized I should have been clearer about "no whispering"... specifically, take deep breaths... each breath should only yield you a few words without you contricting your throat at all. Be breathy, don't whisper if you have no choice, but to speak.


OH... and I can't believe I didn't mention it... HYDRATE... lots of clear fluids, and not just tea.

Excellent advice! Hydration is one of the most overlooked things for almost any illness/problem. I'll agree and amend my "rest, rest, rest" with the addition of "hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!":-p
 
  • #11


bobze said:
Excellent advice! Hydration is one of the most overlooked things for almost any illness/problem. I'll agree and amend my "rest, rest, rest" with the addition of "hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!":-p

I think we hear, "push fluids" so often it almost becomes a joke, but as you say, not a joke at all!

Ahhh sweet water... it really is terrific stuff.
 
  • #12


How's the throat you big ape? :wink:
 

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