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      Besides improper use or over use of the voice, laryngitis,  or just plain raspiness of the voice could be a sign of low thyroxin levels.  You can have your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level checked.  Now before you run out to your doctor and demand this test, make sure that you are doing the following:
       
      •    - Getting enough sleep.  The optimum is 8 hours.  we all work differently, but you need time for your muscles to rest and rebuild.  Remember your voice is a muscle and needs to rest as well.
      •    - Drinking at least 6 to 8  8 ounce glasses  of water everyday.  Sounds like a lot, but only 4 bottles of the 16.9 oz. gives you the maximum daily recommendation.  You don't drink it all at once either.  Drink sips all day long.  At the time you feel thirsty, you are at least a pint low.   So if you're in the habit of sipping here and there, you'll not be heading toward dehydration. 
      •    - Speaking and singing in the correct range for your voice.  Using your speaking voice improperly is one of the first and easiest ways of injuring your voice.  Also it is very important not to sing too high or too low of range for a long period of time as this can inhibit proper production of the vocal folds.
      •    - Not smoking.  I think that this goes without saying.  We are all aware of the health benefits of not smoking.  We know the potential danger to the lungs.  Can you imagine what the smoke (second hand smoke also) does to your vocal folds?
      •    - Speaking, singing, and or yelling with a wide retraction  of the vocal folds and support from the body.  (Actually, avoiding yelling at all is even better).
      •     - Not suffering from post nasal drip due to the seasonal allergies.
      •    -Taking the proper dosage of allergy medication such as decongestants and antihistamines with increased water intake.  The smallest dosage of most over the counter medications (Claritin) are being recommended by most Otolaryngologists.  Allegra and Flonaze are prescription only and have been proven to work quite effectively without increased symptoms and challenges to vocal production.
      •   -  Avoiding beverages with caffeine. For every cup of coffee, tea, or can of coke you drink during the day, drink two glasses of water.
      •     Suffering from Acid Reflux disease.  Now that Prilosec is an over the counter medication, this could ease the pain at the chest and your pocket book.   However, watching your diet is the key to controlling this disorder. Ask your doctor about things you can do to reduce the risk of having an attack of acid reflux.
       

      If you can think of any other reasons for raspiness or hoarseness of the throat, email me your thoughts.
       

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