Try placing your hands over your belly button and feel your stomach expand like a balloon when you inhale. As you exhale and speak, you should notice your belly going inward as air is released from the “balloon” (your diaphragm). When you’re speaking from your diaphragm, your voice may sound clearer and more sonorous. When you’re breathing into your diaphragm before you speak, your shoulders shouldn’t rise up like they would if you were taking shallow breaths.

When your body is well-hydrated, it produces more mucus which lubricates your vocal cords. [4] X Research source If you can’t go without your morning coffee, make sure to drink an additional 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of water to make up for the dehydrating effects of the caffeine.

You can also take a hot shower or boil some water over the stove and breathe in the steam. If you live in a dry environment and frequently have throat issues, you may want to get a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home—it should be around 50%. If it’s nice outside, open a door or window—air conditioning and central heating dry out the air and won’t help your vocal cords.

Humming, making siren sounds, and sighing are all simple ways to warm up your voice.

If you have to say something in a quiet setting, speak from your diaphragm and use a very low volume.

Fatty or fried foods, dairy, dark chocolate, garlic, onion, and mint are also common trigger-foods to avoid if you have acid reflux or GERD. Stomach acids that climb up your throat when you have heartburn can corrode the lining of your esophagus and your vocal cords over time.

Note that nicotine lozenges and gum can cause a sore throat in some people or if you use too much. If that’s the case, try keeping your mouth busy by chewing on flavored toothpicks or glycerin throat lozenges. [12] X Research source Additionally, stay away from secondhand smoke. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source

If you’re sick, focus on getting well because your hoarseness will probably clear up when you’re feeling back to normal.

If you have a cough or a scratchy feeling in your throat, try drinking some hot tea or gargling with salt water instead.

Keep gargling for at least 15 seconds at a time until all the salt water is gone.

You can also suck on slippery elm lozenges or swallow 1 tbsp (15 grams) of slippery elm bark powder mixed with 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of water. While adding a squeeze of lemon has been touted as a sore-throat remedy, the acidity of the juice can actually do more harm than good. Licorice and marshmallow teas (or blends containing these herbs) are also good options to soothe your throat.

Avoid using menthol or eucalyptus-based lozenges because these can actually irritate your throat even more. Try to find a sugar-free kind if possible—if you have an infection, sugar can feed the bacteria in your throat.

Ibuprofen is ideal because it’s an anti-inflammatory, which can help quell any inflamed tissues in your throat and around your vocal cords. Don’t take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have or have had liver problems. [20] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Use mild, savory herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme to flavor your food instead.

A throat swab can tell your doctor if your hoarseness is caused by a bacterial infection like strep, tonsillitis, whooping cough, or meningitis. If your doctor diagnoses you with laryngitis, they can prescribe antibiotics or steroids to clear it up within 5 to 7 days. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might refer you to another doctor who specializes in ears, nose, and throat issues (an otolaryngologist or ENT doctor for short).

They can also prescribe you antibiotics or steroids to help deal with laryngitis, if that’s the case.

Don’t stop taking the medication just because you feel better—complete the entire course as your doctor has told you to do. If you want to stop taking them sooner, book another appointment to check in with your doctor before stopping on your own. Don’t take probiotic supplements when you’re taking antibiotics because it can weaken the effect of the medicine.