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.
Date Published: 02/12/2010