Rest your voice completely (no talking, whispering, or throat clearing)
Hydrate frequently with water or warm liquids
Gargle warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) several times daily
Use warm steam or a humidifier for 10–15 minutes
Suck on lozenges or hard candy to keep the throat moist
Try honey in warm tea or plain (1–2 teaspoons as needed)
Use saline nasal spray or rinse if congestion/post-nasal drip is present
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke
Avoid spicy, acidic, and very hot foods and drinks
Keep your throat and home air moist (humidifier; warm shower steam)
Sleep with your head elevated if reflux is suspected
If you suspect allergies, consider an antihistamine per label directions
For pain or inflammation, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if safe for you
Consider a throat numbing spray/lozenge with benzocaine or similar (per label directions)
If reflux is likely, avoid late meals and consider an OTC antacid per label directions
Seek urgent care if you have trouble breathing, drooling, severe throat pain, high fever, or rapidly worsening symptoms
Contact a clinician if hoarseness lasts more than 3–5 days, keeps recurring, or you have risk factors (smoking history, heavy voice strain, cancer history)