Smoking and Your Voice

Smoking cigarettes, cigars or a pipe are major culprits to developing a better voice because they all have profound drying effects on the vocal tract.  The smoke causes irritation to the mucosal lining of the air passages.  Smoking also causes shortness of breath, coughing, throat clearing, lowering of pitch, and a decrease in the ability to become louder.  Of course, recreational drugs like marijuana have the added effect of altering awareness and fine motor control.  Following a smoking cessation program, these symptoms will clear up.  Along with other health benefits, the serious voice user should give up the habit to enjoy the vocal benefits of nonsmoking.

(The Great American Smokeout is always the third Thursday of November, one week before Thanksgiving.)