What to Know About Allergies & Your Voice
Are allergies killing you this year?
This has been one of the most severe allergy seasons for those of us in SoCal but, also, nationwide, allergy symptoms are the worst they've been for some time. Unusual climate shifts may be partly responsible but whatever the cause, the sore throat, itchy eyes and runny nose are hitting more people than ever.
What should you know about allergies?
Ah, the immune system. Sometimes, it can be just a bit overprotective. An overly-aggressive immune system causes symptoms of allergies. Typically, pollen is not a threat to our health, but the immune system of an allergic person perceives it as an attack, and initiates same defenses as it would against a common cold.
If you experience allergies, you may feel:
Itchy or watery nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Tiredness/fatigue
Scratchy throat
Pressure in your teeth sinuses, due to inflammation
Low fever
Antihistamines are among the most commonly prescribed medication for allergies. They fight histamine, one of the chemicals released by your immune system that produces allergy symptoms. The same antihistamines are often sold over-the-counter to help you fight your allergies. Nasal sprays (anithistamine or steroid) can also be effective to fight allergic symptoms.
How do allergies affect your voice?
If allergies mostly impact your nose and your eyes, can allergies impact your voice?
The answer is a big, whopping yes. All of these structures are interconnected and impact each other. Have you ever popped your ears by plugging your nose or swallowing? That shows you the connection between your ears, nose and throat. Postnasal drip occurs when mucus from your nose drips down the back of your throat, past your ears. This can make you feel like you need to clear your throat, have itchiness in your ears or palate, or cause a cough. While usually not serious, it can be annoying. These secretions drop down onto your vocal cords, causing vocal cord swelling.
Symptoms of allergic swelling include the following.
Decreased resonance: When your nasal tissue is swollen, it reduces the resonant space through which your sound travels, making it sound flatter, less rich, or more nasal.
Throat pain: The irritation and inflammation caused by allergies can lead to discomfort or pain in the throat, especially when talking or swallowing.
Pitch change: Swollen vocal cords are heavier, which can lower your voice. This affects your speaking and singing voice.
Altered vocal range: You may find it difficult to reach certain notes that were previously easy to hit. This is particularly noticeable for singers and voice actors who rely on a wide vocal range. Professional speakers may notice pitch/voice breaks as swollen cords are less stable.
Cough: Postnasal drip can trigger a reflexive cough as your body attempts to clear the mucus from your throat. Frequent coughing can further irritate your vocal cords, exacerbating the problem.
Increased risk of vocal fold hemorrhage: In severe cases, the strain and inflammation on your vocal cords can lead to small blood vessels in the vocal folds breaking, causing a bruise. This condition requires medical attention and can significantly impact your voice, leading to permanent injury.
What can a vocal user with allergies do?
Professional voice users must carefully balance the need to reduce allergy-related mucus against the risk of overly drying the vocal cords. This often requires a combination of approaches:
Sinus Rinse
Using a saline rinse (such as a "Neti Pot") can be highly effective in managing allergies. This rinse helps to wash away allergens before they can trigger an immune response and clears existing mucus before it can drip into the throat. Regular use promotes good nasal hygiene and reduces irritation.
Antihistamine or Steroid Nasal Spray
These sprays target the nasal passages, the primary entry point for allergens. By addressing the immune response at its source, these medications can effectively reduce symptoms with minimal absorption into the bloodstream, making them an excellent choice for localized treatment.
Antihistamine Pills
While some voice professionals may hesitate to use antihistamine pills due to concerns about drying out their vocal cords, working closely with a doctor, preferably a laryngologist, can help you find a suitable balance. A physician who understands how medications impact your voice is best suited to tailor your allergy regime and decide if oral anthistamines may be beneficial.
Other Medications
In some cases, other treatments may be necessary, such as steroids, inhalers, or antibiotics if an infection is present. Consulting with a laryngologist is essential to determine the appropriate course of action, and they may refer you for allergy testing or to see an allergist for more specialized care.
If you are a professional voice user experiencing recurrent colds, it may be beneficial to undergo an evaluation for potential allergies. Preventative care can help maintain your vocal health year-round, reducing the impact of allergies and subsequent illnesses.
By taking a proactive approach to managing allergies, professional voice users can protect their vocal health and maintain peak performance, regardless of the season.
Want to learn more about how allergies can impact your voice? Visit centerforvocalhealth.com to chat with Dr. Reena Gupta or Tressa Cox, our highly specialized vocal experts, for more information!
