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 dental implant is not just a cosmetic fix; it is a decision that reshapes your smile, speech, eating habits, and even the structure of your jaw. While dental implants are reliable and widely recommended, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. A dental implant is not just “a new tooth”. It plays a vital role in supporting your bite, preserving facial structure, improving your diet, and boosting confidence.

And patients who ask the right questions tend to see better long-term outcomes—both in function and appearance. When you ask the right questions, you are more likely to get a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs, anatomy, and lifestyle. And that is when the results truly last.

Here are six crucial questions every patient must ask their dentist before getting an implant:

1. Am I the right candidate for an implant?

“Dental implants rely on healthy, stable jawbones for long-term success,” says Dr. Sanjeet Shanker, Founder and CEO at Epikdoc. He warns that if a tooth has been missing for a while, the bone beneath it may have started to resorb, even if there are no visible signs.

This makes a detailed X-ray or 3D CBCT scan non-negotiable. “We need to assess bone height, width, and density before planning an implant,” he explains. In cases where bone is lacking, your dentist may suggest bone grafting, a preliminary step that adds time and cost but provides a solid foundation for success.

2. What type of implant and crown will you use in my case?

Implants differ in length, width, design, and material depending on the patient’s needs. “Titanium implants are the gold standard and work well in most cases,” he says. However, zirconia implants are also an option for those with metal sensitivities or specific aesthetic preferences.

When it comes to the visible crown, options include porcelain-fused-to-metal for durability in back teeth and all-ceramic or zirconia crowns for a more natural look in the front. Dr. Shanker recommends asking your dentist why a particular system is being suggested and how it suits your bite forces, gum contours, and smile line.

3. What will the treatment involve over the next few months?

Implant treatment is rarely a one-day procedure. Here is how a typical journey looks:

Tooth extraction (if needed), bone grafting (if required), implant placement, healing time (osseointegration), and then crown placement.

The expert stresses the importance of knowing whether you will get a temporary crown, a removable denture, or have to manage without a tooth during healing. A clear treatment timeline helps you prepare your schedule, diet, and expectations.

4. What kind of daily care will my implant need?

“Even though implants do not decay, the surrounding gums and bone can get infected if not cared for properly, a condition called peri-implantitis,” Dr. Shanker warns.

He advises patients to ask:

• How do I clean around the implant?
• Do I need special tools like interdental brushes or water flossers?
• How often should I return for cleanings?

An implant is like a luxury car. With regular maintenance, it will serve you for decades. But neglect it, and problems pile up fast.

5. What does the total cost include?

Dr. Shanker points out that pricing can vary dramatically. Some clinics bundle everything, while others charge separately for scans, surgeries, crowns, and follow-ups.

He recommends asking clearly:

• Is bone grafting included if required?
• Will I have temporary teeth during healing?
• What’s the policy on emergencies or crown replacement?

Getting clarity upfront helps you avoid surprises and make accurate comparisons.

6. Does the brand of implant matter?

This, according to Dr. Shanker, is one of the most frequently asked questions. “It is like tennis. Give Roger Federer an average racket, and he will still win the match,” he says.

In implants, the surgeon’s skill and case planning are far more important than brand names. The real hierarchy, he says, is:

1. The doctor’s experience and planning

2. Your own health and bone condition

3. The quality of the implant system

While established brands offer reliable results, focusing only on labels is a distraction. “Choose a clinician you trust and one who explains the ‘why’ behind their choice,” Dr. Shanker advises.

When you think of endometriosis, the image that typically comes to mind is a woman doubled over in pain, battling fatigue or struggling with infertility. But for a significant portion of women, this chronic condition creeps in silently, without a single symptom to give it away. Known as asymptomatic or silent endometriosis, this elusive form can cause severe and irreversible damage before it is ever detected.

Endometriosis is commonly linked with menstrual pain, tiredness, and fertility problems. But asymptomatic or silent endometriosis is a type of condition that is much more insidious. It does not come with the familiar warning signals, so it becomes more difficult to identify and, worse, more likely to lead to long-term damage.

No Pain, But Plenty of Harm

"Since there is no pain or any apparent symptoms, the disease tends to silently grow, spreading outside the reproductive system," explains Dr. Smeet Patel, endometriosis specialist at Mayflower Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad.

In its advanced stages, silent endometriosis does not stop at the ovaries or uterus. It can, over time, infiltrate major organs like the colon, bladder, and even deep pelvic tissues. "In a few advanced conditions, it can migrate up to the parametrium, internal vessels, or S2–S3 segment of the spine, invading the sciatic nerve and generating extreme complications," he says.

First Clue: Infertility

"What is especially dangerous about silent endometriosis is that its very first symptom is usually infertility," warns Dr. Smeet Patel. "By the time a woman presents to us with a fertility evaluation, the disease has already begun to deplete her ovarian reserve, reduce egg quality, or occlude her fallopian tubes—all without so much as a twinge or an early warning sign."

The disease progresses with no outward signs, which makes it incredibly deceptive. It is worth mentioning that nobody actually knows why certain people are experiencing severe pain and others experience nothing at all. However, the expert says if a patient is going for IVF or there is a family history of endometriosis, they always keep in mind the possibility of having a hidden case.

Difficult to Detect

"It is difficult to diagnose," Dr. Smeet Patel admits. "Laparoscopy is still the gold standard, but high-resolution MRIs and transvaginal ultrasounds sometimes can catch indicators."

He explains that treatment is highly individualised. "The treatment is customised based on the goals of the patient—whether that is pain management, fertility, or prevention of complications down the line. For women not attempting to get pregnant, we might observe the condition closely instead of performing surgery at once. However, if fertility is an issue, early treatment—hormonal treatment, laparoscopic surgery, or assisted reproduction methods—can be a game-changer in results."

What Dr. Smeet Patel always tells his patients is this: silence does not mean peace. Just because your body is not shouting does not mean it is not sending signals. "The more aware we become of silent endometriosis, the better we can protect reproductive health and improve quality of life before irreversible damage occurs," he says.

A Hidden 25%

Dr. Sanjay Patel, endometriosis surgeon, points out the hidden nature of this condition. He explains that while most cases present with pain and discomfort, silent endometriosis does not. Patients can appear and feel perfectly healthy as the disease advances within. "About 20–25 per cent of endometriosis patients are asymptomatic. These individuals are often found accidentally during operations for other conditions or upon seeking treatment for infertility," he says.

The Danger of Delay

The actual risk is with the delay. "When we do find it, it might already have affected fertility, caused adhesions, or invaded important organs. Rarely, it can invade the bowel or bladder with dangerous consequences," Dr. Sanjay Patel warns.

He also touches on the psychological toll. "Psychologically, it is confusing to patients—being told you have a disease you never had can be difficult to accept."

And for those who think they are in the clear because they feel fine, Dr. Sanjay Patel offers a word of caution: "If there is a family history, trouble getting pregnant, or unexpected cysts on routine imaging, we must explore further. Just because it does not hurt does not mean it is not bad."

Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult things that a person can go through. It is a thing that many people go through as they age. Many people who lose their partners often find comfort in their close ones, their children as well as their friends. However, can the void left by a deceased spouse be healed by your loved ones?

A new study suggests that adult children likely won't fill the emotional void left when a parent loses their spouse. While becoming a widow or widower might make the bond with their children stronger, this deeper connection doesn't seem to make up for the loneliness of losing a life partner. These surprising findings were published on July 14 in Aging & Mental Health.

Going Against Common Ideas About Loneliness and Loss

This study's findings actually challenge a common belief. Many people think that widowed individuals who have children feel less lonely compared to those who don't. However, this research tells a different story.

The loss of a spouse causes loneliness that sticks around for a long time. Interestingly, it also makes the family ties between parents and their children stronger, especially for mothers, who often take the lead in keeping families connected. But even with these stronger family bonds, the study found that the increase in loneliness – both social (feeling disconnected from others) and emotional (missing a deep, personal connection) – doesn't go away.

How the Research Was Carried Out

The study involved talking to over 5,600 married people who had grown-up children. These individuals were part of a larger study about aging in Germany. Among them, nearly 500 had experienced the death of their spouse.

Losing a spouse is known to be one of life's most difficult and stressful events. It can lead to various health problems, including heart issues, and mental health challenges like depression or chronic loneliness.

Participants in the study answered a series of questions. These questions were designed to understand their emotional and mental well-being, as well as how connected they felt to their adult children.

Long-Lasting Impact of Loneliness

The results clearly showed that loneliness significantly increases after a spouse passes away and stays at a high level for a long time. This was true even when adult children kept in regular touch with their widowed parent.

The most difficult period for loneliness seemed to be the first three years after the loss. However, the study found that loneliness continued to be a factor for as long as seven years after their spouse's death.

These findings were quite surprising to the researchers because previous studies had shown that older parents' happiness and well-being are greatly influenced by how good their relationships with their adult children are. It appears that the sadness and impact of losing a spouse are so profound that even strong emotional and social support from one's children can't fully lessen it.

More Research Needed

It's important to note that this study didn't look at how relationships with other people might affect a person's loneliness. This includes close friends or even just people they know casually.

The researchers pointed out that interactions with people who aren't family members might have a bigger impact on feelings of social loneliness than interactions with one's own children.