It's hard, but stop clearing your throat

It feels like a quick fix — but it's one of the most damaging things you can do to your voice.

When you clear your throat, your vocal folds slam together forcefully. That repeated impact causes irritation and swelling — and here's the frustrating part: the irritation triggers more mucus production, which creates the urge to clear again. It's a cycle that feeds itself.

So what do you do instead?

- Swallow. It moves the mucus without the impact.

- Sip water. Hydration thins mucus and reduces the urge to clear.

- Hum gently. It encourages the vocal folds to vibrate and helps move mucus without negative impact.

The goal is to address the sensation without the force. Your voice will thank you.