Health Tip: Prevent a Raspy Voice

(HealthDay News) -- If your voice gets hoarse when you overuse it or when you have a cold, the Center for Voice at Northwestern University suggests how you can treat a croaky voice or prevent its recurrence:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • If you smoke, quit and avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Avoid yelling, screaming and talking loudly for long periods.
  • Don't whisper. It's just as hard on your voice as talking loudly.
  • Avoid things that dehydrate the body, such as alcohol and caffeine.
  • Keep your home humidified.
  • To keep your throat moist, suck on lozenges, chew gum or gargle with salt water.
  • Avoid spicy foods.

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