What to Do When Singing Damages the Vocal Cords and Causes Hoarseness

Singing can damage the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness. Initially, adequate vocal rest and increased fluid intake are recommended; observe for improvement over several days. If no improvement occurs, pharmacological treatment under a physician’s guidance should be considered. When significant pharyngeal pain and acute vocal cord congestion and swelling are present, appropriate anti-infective therapy is required—this may include nebulized inhalation treatment with medications such as Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide). For patients with chronic vocal cord congestion and swelling, treatment with traditional Chinese patent medicines is generally preferred.