How to deal with hoarse vocal choards?

Question

I had a sore throat for two days and now my voice is hoarse. I can't sing because not all the notes come out and I have a concert and then a competition coming up. What can I do? I have three days before the competition.

Answer 1

You MUST go on complete vocal rest. No talking and absolutely no singing. You will only get worse if you continue to use vocal cords that are already swollen. That's why you're hoarse. It could be vocal strain or you could have a virus. Drink a lot of water, I mean a lot. Go to the store and pick up a tea called Throat Coat, drink a good 4-6 cups every day. Sweeten with honey. Take long steamy baths or long steamy showers. Place a warm wash cloth over your throat. Don't drink cold water it only tightens the muscles around the cords making it harder for the cords to relax. Are you singing solo or in a section? If you're singing in a section for the concert I would lip sync, if you are singing solo you need to warm up very slowly and conscientiously before singing. You should absolutely save yourself for the competition. Don't do ibuprofen as it can actually increase swelling in the future and mask the problem. Don't do conventional teas and lemon as they are very drying. Vocal rest, vocal rest, vocal rest. Good luck to you.