Will my voice go back to normal after I stop smoking?

Smoking can be a cause of voice change, specifically deepening and hoarseness. Voice change may indicate a need to follow up with your doctor. Two common causes of voice changes as a result of smoking include Reinke’s edema and cancer of the vocal cords. Reinke’s edema is caused by increased fluid in the upper layer covering the vocal cords and can lead to lower voice and raspiness; it can also lead to shortness of breath if the swelling becomes severe.  If the case is mild, it can improve if you quit smoking, but some cases require surgery. Any smoker who has a hoarse voice for more than one to two weeks should have his or her vocal cords checked by a doctor because of the risk of cancer.