As a singer living with asthma triggered by passive smoking, I wondered - Has anybody mentioned cigarette smoke yet? Couldn't see it but maybe they have. Anyway it's a major factor in causing problems for singers. Also Ventolin does affect the vocal chords, at least for a time. It's better than the alternative of course - suffering a fatal asthma attack. I can't agree more that a throat specialist is the person to ask about voice problems.