A raspy voice after jogging may be related to a dry throat, various allergies or even asthma attacks. A raspy voice may be related to laryngitis, which has many causes. Most of the time laryngitis is associated with a cold or other illness but may be caused by other throat and vocal cord irritants that can be bothersome when you jog, causing your raspy voice.
Dryness
When you breathe in and out during jogging, air goes through your vocal cords. If you are breathing in and out through your mouth in a dry environment, you might get a dry throat, which is a symptom of laryngitis. According to MayoClinic.com, it is beneficial to keep your throat moist to reduce hoarseness. Also refrain from using decongestants before you jog as this can dry out the throat and lead to more strain on your voice. Drink plenty of water after you jog and throughout the day to stay hydrated and moisten your throat, which might help with your raspy voice. It might also be helpful to hold a piece of gum in your mouth between your teeth while you jog to encourage moisture.
Allergies
A cause of laryngitis or a raspy voice is allergies, which might be especially bothersome when you jog. You may inhale allergens like cat dander, tree and weed pollen, mold spores, dust and whatever else your body perceives as an allergen. When you are inhaling allergens rapidly during a jog, they coat your vocal cords and cause swelling and hoarseness. To manage allergies when you jog, take prescribed decongestant-free and nondrowsy allergy medication and don't run outside when the pollen count is high. As an alternative to an outdoor jog, you can try running on a treadmill indoors.
Exercise Induced Asthma
If you suffer from allergies, you may be more likely to have exercise-induced bronchoconstricion, or EIB. Symptoms of EIB include wheezing, coughing, a tight chest and shortness of breath. Intense coughing might irritate your vocal cords and cause a raspy voice. To avoid episodes of EIB during jogging, avoid going out in very cold, dry air. Also, be aware of the worst allergy times. Spring is typically the worst time of year for allergies, so if you go out jogging and suffer from EIB, take an inhaler. You can also wear a face mask to reduce your risk of having an attack.
Consult Your Doctor
If your voice is raspy after every jog and doesn't improve despite self-care measures, see your doctor. If you have allergies or suffer from EIB that you think may be causing your raspy voice after jogging, consult your doctor for treatment if you are not already receiving medical care.
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