If your voice is cracked or hoarse, it can be due to a variety of reasons including overuse, infections, allergies, acid reflux, or inhaling irritants. Here’s what you can do to help recover and protect your voice:

1. Rest Your Voice: Just as you would rest a sprained ankle, give your vocal cords a break. Avoid speaking or singing, especially in extremes of your vocal range or loudly.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Hydration helps maintain the mucus around your vocal cords at a healthy consistency.
3. Humidify Your Environment: If you live in a dry area or it’s winter, use a humidifier to keep your throat and vocal cords moist.
4. Avoid Whispering: This can be as strenuous as shouting.
5. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can be dehydrating and can also irritate the throat.
6. Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke: Smoking damages the vocal cords.
7. Steam: Breathe in steam from a shower or a bowl of hot water to help soothe and hydrate the vocal cords.
8. Avoid Spicy Foods: They can cause acid reflux which can irritate the vocal cords.
9. Eat Throat-Soothing Foods: Honey and lemon can be soothing to the throat. You can mix them in warm water to drink.
10. Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce vocal cord swelling, but don’t overuse them, and always use as directed.
11. Throat Lozenges: These can offer temporary relief, but be aware that some may contain ingredients that can dry or irritate the throat.
12. Avoid Clearing Your Throat: This can irritate the vocal cords. Instead, take a sip of water or swallow.
13. Practice Good Vocal Hygiene: If you use your voice regularly (singing, teaching, public speaking, etc.), make sure to warm up your voice, stay hydrated, and avoid straining it.
14. See a Doctor: If your voice is hoarse for more than two weeks, or if you are experiencing pain, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, or other symptoms, you should see a doctor. You might be referred to an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine the cause and best treatment.
15. Consider Voice Therapy: If your voice issues are chronic, a speech-language pathologist can offer strategies and exercises to help improve your voice.

Remember, the voice is a delicate instrument, and it’s essential to treat it with care. If you notice persistent problems or changes in your voice, seek professional advice.