Miley Cyrus has proven her longevity and love for her craft as a musician, known for her extensive career, spanning from her time as Disney’s Hannah Montana, to her recent achievements as a singer. Recently she shared the reason behind her signature singing style, sharing that her famous raspy voice is due to a rare voice condition called Reinke’s edema. She explained that this condition also makes singing live incredibly challenging.

People and fans had noticed the shift in Miley’s voice, which is much more apparent when you listen to her early music or interviews, and compare them to her current songs.

During an interview in Apple Music’s "The Zane Lowe Show," Cyrus described Reinke’s edema as a form of "abuse of the vocal cords" that she’s had for a long time. She admitted that her lifestyle in her early twenties, which included a lot of late nights as a performer, staying up late, drinking, and smoking after shows. She admitted that these things didn't help her condition, as her voice continued to shift. However, she emphasized that these habits didn't cause the condition, as her voice always had that unique quality.

How Did Her Voice Change Over Time?

Cyrus explained that she has a large polyp on her vocal cord, which gave her a lot of tone and the texture to her voice, saying it made her who she is today.

Despite making her voice distinctive, the condition makes performing live very difficult. She compared it to "running a marathon with ankle weights on." Even just talking by the end of the day can be exhausting, leading to a deep, tired vocal sound that her mom notices.

What is Reinke's Edema?

According to StatPearls journal, Reinke’s edema is a condition that causes the vocal cords to swell. It's also known by other names like vocal cord edema or polypoid corditis. While it's most common in people who smoke for a long time, it can also affect individuals with acid reflux or those who frequently use their voice, like singers. In some cases, the swelling can even form growths that look like small polyps on the vocal cords.

This condition is quite rare, affecting less than 1% of the population and it causes a noticable shift in a person’s vocal abilities you may notice how people who have this condition have

• Hoarseness or a raspy voice
• A deeper-sounding voice
• Trouble speaking loudly

What Causes Reinke's Edema?

The Cleveland Clinic explains that the most common reason people develop Reinke's edema is long-term smoking. The chemicals in smoke severely irritate the vocal cords. Other things that can lead to this condition include

Acid reflux (GERD/LPR), which is a condition where stomach acid can travel up to your throat and irritate your vocal cords.

Being around irritants for a long time can also be a cause as this means breathing in chemicals or other substances that can harm your throat.

Overusing or straining your voice, meaning you may be constantly speaking, singing, or shouting in ways that put too much stress on your vocal cords can also contribute.

Is There A Cure?

There are different ways to treat Reinke’s edema, including both surgery and non-surgical methods. Surgery might involve using a laser or small tools to remove the swollen tissue. Non-surgical approaches include speech therapy and addressing the root causes, such as quitting smoking or taking medication for acid reflux.

However, Miley Cyrus is currently choosing to avoid surgery. She's not willing to sever the tissue that causes this vocal fry, because of the chance that she wakes up from the surgery and doesn’t sound like herself. Despite the difficulties it presents performing, Cyrus sees the condition as an integral part of what makes her voice so unique.

A recent study has revealed that 17.4% of college-going women aged 18-25 in Delhi are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), marking the second-highest prevalence rate recorded in the country. The study, partly funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), was published in the peer-reviewed journal BMC Health. It included a cross-sectional survey of 1,164 participants and a systematic review of studies conducted between 2010 and 2024 across India in similar age groups.

PCOS: A Widespread Yet Under-Researched Disorder

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a range of symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and obesity. Despite being widespread, the disorder remains under-researched, especially in young women.

The study points out that the pooled prevalence of PCOS across India in this age group, based on similar diagnostic criteria, stood at 8.41%. By comparison, Delhi’s figure of 17.4% is significantly higher, highlighting a concerning urban health trend. Previous data from the Ministry of Science and Technology has shown that PCOS prevalence in India can vary between 3.70% and 22.50%, depending on region, setting, and socio-cultural factors.

Urban Lifestyle and Its Role

The researchers observed a higher prevalence of PCOS in urban areas with heterogeneous and migrating populations. Many young women move to cities like Delhi for academic and career opportunities, which often leads to psychological stress, disrupted sleep cycles, and unhealthy dietary habits. These factors, in turn, may contribute to the increasing incidence of PCOS.

“This displacement and the resulting lifestyle changes — juggling education, work, and home responsibilities — seem to be closely linked to the rise in PCOS cases,” the study noted.

The research was conducted by Apoorva Sharma, Naorem Kiranmala Devi, and Kallur Nava Saraswathy from the Department of Anthropology, Delhi University, along with Dr. Yamini Swarwal from Safdarjung Hospital. According to Prof. Saraswathy, ethical clearance for the fieldwork was obtained from Delhi University, and the data collection process spanned two years.

Diagnosis and Testing

Of the 1,164 women surveyed, 70.3% had already been diagnosed with PCOS, while 29.7% were newly diagnosed during the course of the study. The researchers also facilitated ultrasound testing for women who displayed symptoms but had not yet been diagnosed.

Socio-Demographic and Caste-Based Disparities

The study found that women from upper and upper-middle socioeconomic classes, as per the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale, were at higher risk. Researchers attributed this to a “nutrition transition” involving increased consumption of processed foods, fats, and sugars, alongside reduced physical activity. This shift has led to increased insulin resistance and obesity—factors known to be linked to PCOS.

Interestingly, the highest prevalence of PCOS was recorded among Scheduled Tribes (21.4%), followed by women from the General Category (19.9%), with lower rates among Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Castes. The authors suggest that this might reflect broader inequalities in healthcare access and lifestyle, underscoring the urgent need for targeted health interventions and greater awareness.

In a landmark medical feat, doctors at SMS Hospital in Jaipur have successfully removed a 210-centimetre-long trichobezoar—a dense, compact mass of hair—from the stomach of a 14-year-old girl from Barara village in Agra district, Uttar Pradesh. This extraordinary case is believed to be the longest trichobezoar ever removed globally, surpassing the previous world record of 180 cm.

Rare Case Presents Major Surgical Challenge

The case posed significant surgical challenges. The trichobezoar had extended from the stomach into the small intestine, complicating the procedure. Surgeons were determined to extract it in one piece to avoid making multiple incisions in the intestine, which could increase complications.

Despite the complexity of the situation, the surgical team completed the operation within two hours and did not require a blood transfusion. In an impressive display of surgical precision, the entire hairball was removed intact.

Persistent Symptoms Lead to Diagnosis

The girl had been experiencing persistent abdominal pain and vomiting for over a month. Upon arrival at SMS Hospital, doctors noted a hard, elongated mass in her abdomen, stretching from her stomach to the area near her navel. A Contrast-Enhanced CT (CECT) scan revealed an unusually enlarged stomach filled with a foreign substance, prompting immediate intervention.

Pica: The Psychological Root

Doctors diagnosed the young patient with Pica, a psychological disorder in which individuals develop cravings for non-edible substances. Dr. Jeevan Kankaria from the hospital’s surgery department explained that the girl initially started eating chalk in school under peer influence. Over time, this progressed into the consumption of hair and other non-food items.

“During surgery, we found not only hair but also wooden pieces, rubber bands, stones, threads, and other inedible materials entangled in the mass,” said Dr. Kankaria, who led the surgical team.

A Record-Breaking Removal

“When we measured the trichobezoar after removal, it was 210 cm long, which we believe is the longest ever taken out from a human stomach,” Dr. Kankaria stated. The hospital is now in the process of submitting the case to the Guinness World Records for official recognition. Dr. Kankaria already holds four Guinness World Records for previous surgical milestones.

Patient’s Recovery and Future Outlook

The girl, a Class 10 student from a farming family, is currently recovering well under observation at SMS Hospital. Her post-operative condition is stable, and doctors expect to discharge her soon.

This rare case highlights the critical need for early intervention in psychological disorders such as Pica and the importance of awareness among parents and educators. Dr. Kankaria stressed that behavioral and psychological support will be essential in the patient’s long-term recovery to prevent recurrence.

As the medical team awaits potential recognition from the Guinness World Records, this groundbreaking surgery stands as a testament to the precision, planning, and teamwork of doctors at SMS Hospital—and serves as a crucial reminder of the unusual ways psychological disorders can manifest physically.

On World No Tobacco Day, Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, sheds light on how tobacco affects women differently than men. While the overall dangers of smoking are well known, Dr. Rajpurohit emphasizes the need to understand the biological, hormonal, and social dimensions that make women more vulnerable to tobacco-related diseases and challenges in quitting.

Biological Differences Make Women More Sensitive to Nicotine

“Women metabolize nicotine more slowly than men, which results in prolonged exposure to its harmful effects,” says Dr. Rajpurohit. This slower metabolism, combined with hormonal changes across a woman’s life—such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause—can heighten nicotine’s addictive properties.

For instance, estrogen, a key female hormone, may increase sensitivity to nicotine, making it harder for women to quit. “This also explains why withdrawal symptoms might be more severe in women,” he adds.

Higher Risk of Certain Diseases

Women who smoke are more susceptible to certain diseases than their male counterparts, warns Dr. Rajpurohit.

Lung Cancer

Though men historically had higher rates of lung cancer, the gap has narrowed as more women took up smoking. “Women are not only developing lung cancer at younger ages, but they may also face more aggressive forms of the disease,” he says, pointing to biological differences in lung structure and function.

Heart Disease

Smoking significantly raises the risk of heart disease in women, especially those using hormonal contraceptives. “Smoking can cause the arteries to harden and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. When combined with birth control pills, the risk becomes even higher,” he explains.

Reproductive and Pregnancy Complications

Smoking affects fertility and reproductive health. It can lead to complications such as ectopic pregnancies, miscarriage, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. “Women in their childbearing years should be especially cautious, as smoking during this period can have lasting effects on both the mother and child,” Dr. Rajpurohit stresses.

He also highlights severe pregnancy-related risks like placental abruption (where the placenta detaches from the uterus) and placenta previa (when the placenta blocks the cervix), both of which can endanger maternal and fetal health.

Hormonal Imbalance and Fertility Issues

Nicotine disrupts hormonal balance, impacting ovulation and menstrual cycles. Women who smoke often report irregular periods and find it more difficult to conceive. “The damage is not just temporary—prolonged tobacco use can lead to long-term reproductive challenges,” says Dr. Rajpurohit.

Why Women Find It Harder to Quit

Quitting smoking can be a more difficult journey for women due to psychological, hormonal, and social factors.

“Many women smoke to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. This emotional dependence can complicate their efforts to quit,” Dr. Rajpurohit explains. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can also influence cravings and mood, making it harder to resist smoking.

Additionally, women may lack adequate support from family or peers. “Social encouragement plays a huge role in smoking cessation, and women often find themselves without the backing they need,” he says.

To help women quit, he recommends a tailored approach involving behavioral therapy, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and personalized quit plans. “These strategies must take into account individual stressors, emotional needs, and social settings,” he adds.

Secondhand Smoke and Societal Pressures

Women are often exposed to secondhand smoke in domestic environments, putting them at risk for the same diseases as smokers. “The dangers of passive smoking are real and can lead to respiratory illness, heart disease, and even pregnancy complications,” says Dr. Rajpurohit.

He also draws attention to how societal norms and advertising have historically influenced women’s smoking behavior. “Tobacco companies once marketed cigarettes to women as symbols of empowerment and liberation. Unfortunately, this portrayal led many to underestimate the health risks,” he notes.

In certain cultures, smoking among women may be normalized or not taken seriously, which further prevents intervention and support.

Empowering Women Through Awareness and Support

“Women face unique challenges when it comes to tobacco use, and we must address them with empathy and targeted strategies,” Dr. Rajpurohit concludes. On World No Tobacco Day, he urges women to seek help and become aware of the specific risks they face.

For those struggling with tobacco addiction, he recommends consulting healthcare professionals and exploring support systems that cater specifically to women’s needs. “The goal is not just to quit but to stay tobacco-free for life,” he says.