Speech pathologist warns hoarseness lasting weeks after vaping needs doctor visit
A speech pathologist warns that hoarseness lasting over two to three weeks after vaping should prompt a doctor visit, as vaping can permanently damage vocal cords.Summary
Speech-language pathologist Jill Fitzpatrick has warned that vaping can cause significant voice damage, following Selena Gomez's disclosure that vaping permanently changed her voice. Fitzpatrick explained that the intense heat and chemicals in vaping aerosol—including formaldehyde and trace minerals—can dry out and inflame the vocal folds, reducing vocal range and causing pitch breaks, throat clearing, and coughing that further aggravate the problem. She advised that anyone hoarse for more than two to three weeks without a respiratory infection should see their primary care doctor, and those hoarse for over six weeks should be examined, as long-term vaping can lead to permanent damage such as polyps, cysts, and vocal nodules. She also noted that chronic coughing, frequent throat clearing, and reflux can harm vocal folds and may warrant an ENT visit, and recommended drinking plenty of water and minimizing chemical exposure to protect the voice.
(Source：Katv)
