Tuesday, August 4th 2026
Even if you don’t smoke, some everyday habits can damage your throat and increase your risk of serious illness
The voice is our most important means of communication, but we usually only realize its value when we lose it. Hoarseness, the feeling of a “lump” in the throat or fatigue when speaking are often neglected, although they can be the first signs of serious diseases.
Smoking is “death” for the vocal cords, while electronic cigarettes are no less harmful
When it comes to the most dangerous factors, smoking remains the main cause of cancerous diseases. Tobacco smoke is “death to the vocal cords”, and the risk is not limited to active smokers. Passive smoking also damages the throat and voice, often affecting partners and children.
Another widespread misconception is related to electronic cigarettes.
Studies have shown that the use of electronic cigarettes is as harmful to the throat and vocal cords as smoking traditional cigarettes. The vocal cords are also damaged by excessive use of the voice, such as shouting in stadiums or concerts, which can cause rupture of small blood vessels and the formation of hematomas.
The wrong use of the voice can also lead to the creation of so-called “singers’ joints”, callus-like changes in the vocal cords, which often appear in children.
On the other hand, in long-term smokers, especially in women, large swellings often develop in the vocal cords, giving the voice a deeper, more masculine sound. In severe cases, these swellings can even impede breathing.
The silent enemy of the voice: Reflux and lying down immediately after eating
One of the most dangerous causes of voice damage is stomach acid, namely gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The acid can go up to the larynx, oral cavity, nose, and even the ears, directly damaging the mucosa.
Reflux, like smoking, is a risk factor for the development of laryngeal cancer. There are patients who have never smoked, but have developed vocal cord cancer precisely as a result of reflux.
The problem is that many people do not feel heartburn or typical stomach discomfort. Instead, they show sensations of a lump in the throat, itching, burning and discomfort.
To prevent this, it is not recommended to lie down immediately after eating, sing or do physical activity with a full stomach.
Hot or cold drinks? The secret is in the measure
Many people wonder whether hot or cold drinks are more harmful to the voice, especially in the summer.
The answer is simple: extremes are the problem.
To protect the vocal cords and avoid complications from reflux, very hot, very cold or very spicy foods and drinks should be avoided. All of these irritate the throat mucosa and can cause voice problems.
A healthy voice requires a well-hydrated mucosa. For this reason it is recommended:
This helps to prevent the flow of secretions in the throat and constant coughing, which mechanically damages the vocal cords.
Hoarseness is common during respiratory tract infections, sore throat, inflamed tonsils or cough and usually lasts from 10 to 15 days.
However, if the hoarseness persists even after two or three weeks, it is necessary to consult an otorhinolaryngologist or phoniatrician.
Hoarseness should be taken seriously, because it can be the first sign of laryngeal cancer. Early detection of this disease significantly increases the chance of recovery.
Today, modern examinations, such as endovideolaryngostroboscopy, are completely painless, performed without anesthesia and last only a few minutes. They enable specialists to observe the vibrations of the vocal cords, which are not visible to the naked eye, making it possible to detect malignant changes at the earliest stage.
In addition to organic diseases, hoarseness can also be of psychogenic origin. Great stress or emotional trauma can cause a person to temporarily lose their voice.
What is phoniatrics and when should you seek help?
Phoniatrics is a modern branch of otorhinolaryngology, developed over the last 50 years or so. It deals with the diagnosis and treatment of voice, speech, breathing and swallowing disorders.
Any person who has problems with voice, speech, breathing or swallowing should consult a doctor. Initially, a visit to an otorhinolaryngologist is recommended, while for voice problems, an examination by a phoniatrician is necessary.
This is especially important for professionals who use the voice as a work tool, such as singers, actors, professors, journalists and doctors.
Phoniatric examination includes endovideolaryngostroboscopy, an outpatient procedure, without anesthesia and without pain, which can be performed even in small children. The endoscope is placed on the tongue and enables observation of the vibrations of the vocal cords, helping to diagnose laryngeal cancer very early.
Source: prizrenpost
