Health Tip: Avoid Hoarseness

(HealthDay News) -- Hoarseness tends to happen when there is a problem with the vocal cords, the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery says.

Common reasons for hoarseness include laryngitis, non-cancerous vocal cord lesions, pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions, neurological issues, smoking or reflux.

The academy offers these vocal wellness tips:

• Refrain from speaking while there's loud background noise.
• Be aware of how much and how loudly you are talking.
• Use a microphone if your job requires a lot of talking.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid large amounts of caffeine.
• If you smoke, quit. Also, avoid secondhand smoke.