Avoid throat clearing or harsh coughing too often as it can damage delicate vocal fold tissues.

If we clear our throats too often, the friction between the air and the mucous membrane in the airway passages may increase and lead to swelling and inflammation. The safest way to clear the throat is to sharply sniff and then swallow. If you feel you must clear the throat, then do so silently without any voice at all. The more you avoid abusing your throat, the less damage you'll do to your vocal cords.