Don't ignore hoarseness.

Hoarseness can be a sign of vocal cord damage. However, otolaryngologists at Saint Louis University School of Medicine say that, in most cases, it can be prevented or treated effectively.

"The most common cause of hoarseness is vocal abuse," notes John E. Eisenbeis, assistant professor of otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. "People use their voices too loudly, too much, and too long. For instance, the person who does too much yelling at a single football game can have a hoarse voice lasting six months." Other common causes include:

* Failure to keep vocal cords well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent irritation. * People unknowingly breathe poorly and don't use the air in their lungs in an efficient fashion for voice production. * Smoking can cause fluid to build up under the surface of the vocal cord. That thick fluid can develop into a "smoker's polyp," creating a raspy-sounding voice. * the back flow of stomach acid into the throat that commonly follows overeating can irritate the vocal cords. Acid reflux during the night often leads to hoarseness the next morning. * Medications such as antihistamines dry the vocal cords. * Vocal cord cancer.

According to Eisenbeis, most vocal problems will go away in three to five days. He offers the following tips for prevention and treatment to five days. He offers the following tips for prevention and treatment of hoarseness:

Drink plenty of fluids. People who regularly use their voices should drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day. Drinking water also can help speed recovery from hoarseness.

Use a moderate voice level. Avoid speaking too loudly. If more volume is necessary, use amplication.

Don't scream. It can cause a blood vessel on the vocal...