Q: Hi Doc. How are you doing ma’am? I am one of your addicted fans both on DSTV Africa Magic English Channel 155 and on this medium, facebook. Kudos to you for the nice job you are doing. More power to you. I want to ask what I can use to make my throat clear very well. I’m a reciter of the glorious Qur’an. And as a reciter, the voice should be clear always. Because of that, I do away with cold water or drinks. I drink warm water always. I do take Tom-Tom and other types of sweets for clearing of the throat. I’ve taken Strepsil before, but it hasn’t helped much…especially this time of harmattan period. What can I use for the clearing of my throat???? My voice is cleared. Nothing happens to my voice. Just the “kelebe” as Yorubas call it…I can’t remember the English name for it now. I’m sorry for that. Thanks very much Ma’am.

A: Thanks for your addiction…both to the show and to this page 😀 Quick disclaimer: This is the only addiction that I sanction 😀

Cold seasons like harmattan can lead to dry throat which can in turn cause irritation or itching and also a stuffy nose. Quick remedies for this include:

• Water and warm soups are always a great idea to relieve the dryness and prevent further dehydration. Honey and tea or honey with lemon in water may be helpful.
• Warm, salt water gargle may also be helpful. Lozenges such as those mentioned should be helpful.
• Making the air humid (moist) by using a humidifier or even just inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water may also be helpful. If you use a humidifier, be sure to change the water daily and clean properly to prevent the growth of germs.
• Remember that if you develop a fever and body aches, please see your doctor. It’s important to rule out an infection (strep) of the throat.

To keep your voice nice and clear for your recitations, be sure to do the above and in addition:

• Stop smoking, if you do as this irritates the voal chords
• Do not strain your voice. When addressing a crowd, use a microphone if you can and rest your voice whenever you can.

Now, I don’t know how many of you caught the news of avian (bird) flu in Lagos and Kano? Be careful, people. Risk factors include killing, removal of feathers, preparation and generally handling the carcass of infected poultry (like chicken). So, stay safe.

Have a good night, y’all 😀