Can Allergies Cause Me To Lose My Voice
Allergies can affect your voice in several ways, and yes, they can even cause you to lose your voice. First, allergens themselves can irritate and enflame the vocal cords, which can cause hoarseness. Second, the congestion from a stuffed nose or postnasal drip can make it difficult to breathe easily. Finally, even your allergy medicines can affect your voice. Antihistamines dry up the mucus in your body. While this helps relieve congestion, it also dries up the layer of mucus that protects your vocal cords. If your vocal cords are dry they can stiffen or inflame, which can make your voice raspy.
What Research Is Being Done To Better Understand And Treat Hoarseness
Researchers funded by the NIDCD are working with teachers to devise strategies to help them reduce the stress and strain on their voices. In one study, the teachers use a voice “dosimeter” that takes into account the frequency and loudness of their speech along with the duration of vibration in their vocal folds to determine their daily “dose” of vocal use. The researcher hopes to establish a safe level of voice use, as well as recommended recovery times from prolonged speaking.
In another study, researchers are working with two groups of student teachers in the United States and China to test the effectiveness of voice hygiene education on its own and with voice production training. The researcher hopes to see how successfully the techniques prevent future voice problems in teachers who have healthy voices at the beginning of the study versus those who already may have some voice problems.
The NIDCD also is supporting a researcher who is planning to make a “map” of all of the genes, proteins, immune system cells, and bacteria present in the normal larynx so that we can better understand the changes that happen during chronic inflammation of the larynx . Using these findings, models will be made that can be used in the lab to develop and direct future interventions for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the larynx.
What Is A Hoarse Voice A Symptom Of
If your voice is hoarse, your range and pitch will change. Your voice;will either;sound weak and raspy,;or;deep and harsh.;Hoarseness is the abnormal change of;your voice and can be caused by a range of things:;
- Allergies;
- Stress and anxiety;
- Overuse of your voice;
In most cases, hoarseness is caused by some type of irritation or cough;and;is easily;remedied with voice rest. If you have a hoarse voice for 3 weeks or more, consult your doctor to check it over.;;;
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The Effects Of Allergies Colds And Flu
So many of my patients come to me saying they were sick, but they pushed through whatever they had to do vocally. Thats when they run into trouble and end up hoarse or losing their voices entirely.
When you push your voice through a cold, your vocal cords can swell, which can lead to a condition called laryngitis. When you develop laryngitis, pushing your voice is a very bad idea. Even if youve committed to singing in a recital or giving a three-hour lecture, its best to postpone or find a substitute, or you may end up in trouble. Treatment for laryngitis includes resting your voice using it too much can lead to long-term damage that may require surgery.
If your allergy, cold, or flu symptoms are causing you to cough and clear your throat a lot, or if youre concerned that youve developed laryngitis, check with a laryngologist . Throat clearing and coughing are traumatic events for your vocal cords that can cause damage if the symptoms are not resolved quickly. Your laryngologist can help to optimize your treatment and help protect your voice to avoid long-term damage.
What Are Some Of The Disorders That Cause Hoarseness And How Are They Treated
Your doctor will ask you about your health history and how long you’ve been hoarse. Depending on your symptoms and general health, your doctor may send you to an otolaryngologist . An otolaryngologist will usually use an endoscope to get a better view of the vocal folds. In some cases, your doctor might recommend special tests to evaluate voice irregularities or vocal airflow.
Hoarseness can have several possible causes and treatments, as described below:
Laryngitis. Laryngitis is one of the most common causes of hoarseness. It can be due to temporary swelling of the vocal folds from a cold, an upper respiratory infection, or allergies. Your doctor will treat laryngitis according to its cause. If it’s due to a cold or upper respiratory infection, your doctor might recommend rest, fluids, and nonprescription pain relievers. Allergies might be treated similarly, with the addition of over-the-counter allergy medicines.
Vocal fold hemorrhage. Vocal fold hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel on the surface of the vocal fold ruptures and the tissues fill with blood. If you lose your voice suddenly during strenuous vocal use , you may have a vocal fold hemorrhage. Sometimes a vocal fold hemorrhage will cause hoarseness to develop quickly over a short amount of time and only affect your singing but not your speaking voice. Vocal fold hemorrhage must be treated immediately with total voice rest and a trip to the doctor.
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How Cold Flu And Allergy Symptoms Can Hurt Your Voice
Many athletes think its perfectly fine to push through injury, even if it hurts. Of course thats not usually a smart decision. Vocal athletes are on the same playing field if you push your voice when you have a cold, the flu, or allergy symptoms, youre risking permanent damage to your vocal cords.
Vocal athletes are people who use their voices for more than just casual conversation. These people are teachers, call center employees, ministers, public speaking professionals, singers, and more. When you depend on your voice to make a living, its important to protect it from damage.
What About Herbal Remedies
If your symptom of blocked ears is caused by seasonal allergies, then seeking treatment for the underlying problem is likely to bring the most effective, long-term relief, and will also help with other symptoms of hayfever you are experiencing.
Herbal remedies such as Pollinosan Allergy Relief Tablets combine seven different tropical herbs designed to target the symptoms of hayfever. It is a non-drowsy medication so will not affect your ability to drive or use machinery.
If you are looking for a herbal remedy specifically to target blocked ears, then Plantago is often found to be effective. It is thought to reduce the amount of inflammation present in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
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Can Allergies And Hay Fever Affect Your Singing
Posted on byGemma Saunders
Allergies dictate;many peoples lives.;As a singer,;suffering;from the symptoms of;seasonal allergies can be even more;frustrating. Stuffy noses, congestion, and itchy sinuses can all take their toll on your voice. Is there a way to combat a hoarse voice;caused by;allergies?;
Do allergies affect your singing voice? Allergies and hay fever;are;an unexpected threat to;a;singer. Allergens can affect your vocal;cords, causing;hoarseness;and even;voice loss. Whats worse, some antihistamines;can worsen the impact on your voice.;Singers require alternative;allergy;remedies.;
When youre following a healthy lifestyle as a singer, losing your voice to allergies can be exasperating. Especially when winter allergies can target your vocals, too. This article explores the best ways to keep a hoarse voice at bay all year;round.;
What Is The Treatment For Hoarseness
The treatment for hoarseness depends on the underlying cause, for example:
- Acute laryngitis caused by an upper respiratory tract infection will usually improve on its own as the infection clears the body. Conservative treatment with coughsuppressants and humidified air can be helpful.
- Voice rest is also recommendedin order to avoid further irritation or injury to the vocal cords.
- Antibiotics are not indicated for most cases of acute laryngitis.
- Smoking cessation is suggested for those individuals that smoke.
- Individuals with hoarseness caused by vocal overuse or misuse should adhere to voice rest, as serious injury (such as vocal cord hemorrhage can occur to the vocal cords if the voice is strenuously used during episodes of acute laryngitis.
- Medications for gastroesophageal reflux or allergies can treat hoarseness if either of these is found to be the underlying cause.
- In some instances, surgery may be necessary for benign nodules or polyps, trauma to the larynx/vocal cords and for cancer of the larynx.
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Utsw Voice Care Center
The Voice Center at UT Southwestern provides state-of-the-art care for patients with voice disorders and other conditions affecting the larynx , airways, and swallowing function. Patients include professionals;who rely on their voices singers, actors, public speakers, broadcasters, lawyers, clergy, and teachers as well as seniors or anyone experiencing;vocal problems.
Other Causes Of Laryngitis And Hoarseness
As well as being caused by a virus, laryngitis can be caused by other germs, such as bacteria. Laryngitis may also be caused by a long period of screaming, yelling or singing very loudly. This causes your vocal cords to bang together which can make them inflamed.
If laryngitis doesn’t settle after three weeks, it is called chronic laryngitis. Causes for this include:
- Less common infections .
- Overuse of your voice. This is particularly common in people who use their voice in their jobs – for example, teachers, professional singers, actors.
- Certain blood pressure medicines such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and water tablets .
A change in your voice which lasts for more than three weeks always needs checking out by your doctor.
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Can Dust Allergies Cause Hives Fever Sore Throat And Sinusitis
Generally, a dust allergy will cause the symptoms we covered above. These include coughing, postnasal drip, red and itchy skin, an itchy nose and throat, watery eyes, congestion, and sneezing.
There is a difference between itchy skin and hives. If your skin itches, you may scratch it until it turns red and swollen, and sometimes even until it bleeds. This is still not hives, though, which is an allergic reaction. According to the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation , hives can occur, but this is considered rare.
Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can occur if the dust mite irritation causes inflammation which can trap mucus in your sinuses. This can become infected causing sinus pain and discolored, foul tasting nasal discharge.
Singing With Hay Fever
Fighting hay fever can feel like an endless battle especially if youre a singer and its impacting your voice. But hay fever doesnt have to stop you singing. You;can keep hoarse, congested tones at bay during allergy season with a few simple techniques:;
- Detox ;clean living can boost your whole bodys immunity, and help your system stay strong against allergens. Try drinking 8 glasses of water a day and a diet of whole foods and vegetables to give your;body;a fighting chance.;;
- Warmup ;preparing your vocal cords for singing is always important, but;its;especially;vital;when youre suffering from allergies. A good vocal warmup can help relax and prepare your vocal cords.;
- Steam ;set up your own steamer at home by filling a bowl with hot water, putting your face over it and covering your head with a towel. Inhale deeply for 5 10 minutes and youll feel your;nasal passages clear. You may feel silly,;but your voice will thank you!;
- Nasal cleansing ;if you rinse out your sinuses every day, you can stop congestion in your airways building up.;;
- Air purifiers ;filters can be a lifesaver if you suffer;from;pollen allergies. HEPA filters and other air purifiers will keep your home free from allergens and help you sleep at night.;
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How Does Our Voice Work
The sound of our voice is produced by vibration of the vocal folds, which are two bands of smooth muscle tissue that are positioned opposite each other in the larynx. The larynx is located between the base of the tongue and the top of the trachea, which is the passageway to the lungs .
When we’re not speaking, the vocal folds are open so that we can breathe. When it’s time to speak, however, the brain orchestrates a series of events. The vocal folds snap together while air from the lungs blows past, making them vibrate. The vibrations produce sound waves that travel through the throat, nose, and mouth, which act as resonating cavities to modulate the sound. The quality of our voiceits pitch, volume, and toneis determined by the size and shape of the vocal folds and the resonating cavities. This is why people’s voices sound so different.
Individual variations in our voices are the result of how much tension we put on our vocal folds. For example, relaxing the vocal folds makes a voice deeper; tensing them makes a voice higher.
What Are The Symptoms Of Laryngitis
Hoarseness is the main symptom associated with laryngitis. Your voice can take on a raspy or breathy quality, may be deeper than usual and can break or crack. Some people lose their voice altogether. In addition to hoarseness, you may experience a dry or sore throat, coughing and difficulty swallowing.
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How Do I Know If I Have A Dust Mite Allergy
Springtime has officially arrived, which means its prime allergy season. You may rely on over-the-counter or even prescription medication to get you through, but this year has been different. Youre still taking your medication, but you cant seem to stop itching, sneezing, and feeling congested.
Youre starting to wonder if this is an issue with your allergies or perhaps something more. Could it be asthma or a previously-undiagnosed allergy, such as a dust mite allergy?
How To Reduce Dust Allergies
If you want to keep your home free of dust mites, try the following:
- Reduce humidity with a dehumidifier; if its under 50 percent, dust mites cannot survive.
- Limit carpeting in the home. Use area rugs instead, and be sure to dry-clean these with very hot water to get rid of dust mites.
- If youre vacuuming or dusting the house, use a filtering mask. This will prevent allergic reactions as you clean your home. Also, limit your time in the room as youre cleaning it and afterwards.
- Consider throwing out down-filled pillows and blankets, upholstered furniture, blinds, and curtains in addition to carpeting. These surfaces are all hotbeds for dust mites.
- Use dust-proof covers for pillows and mattresses to keep dust mites out of bed.
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Where Can I Find Additional Information
The NIDCD maintains a directory of organizations that provide information on the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.;Use the following keywords to help you search for organizations that can answer questions and provide information on hoarseness:
What Are The Symptoms Of Viral Laryngitis
You may feel sore over the front of your neck and become hoarse shortly afterwards. Your voice usually sounds different to normal. It may come out as a croak or a squeak, be husky, or just sound a bit different. The voice sometimes goes and you may only be able to whisper. Some people are alarmed by this. However, it is only temporary whilst the vocal cords are inflamed during the infection. You may also have a mild high temperature and a cough. Sometimes laryngitis is part of a more widespread infection. For example, you may also have a sore throat , tonsillitis, a cold or a flu-like illness. In these situations, you may also have other symptoms such as:
- A sore throat.
- General aches and pains.
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Possible Causes Of Excessive Saliva Production
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Strep throat. National Institutes of Health.[/ref[6. TonsillitisTonsillitis is a condition where your tonsils, the glands present at the back of your mouth and the start of your throat, swell up. This generally happens due to a bacterial infection such as strep. If you have tonsillitis, you can a
Saliva is one of those silent workers in our body that we dont give a second thought to until something goes wrong! Normally, we produce around 0.75 to 1.5 liters of saliva in a day. But when this balance in volume goes for a toss and excess saliva accumulates in your mouth, it can get uncomfortable and even distressing.
Identifying why you salivate a lot is the first step in sorting the problem. Heres a look at some conditions that can cause excess saliva production.
How To Avoid Anaphylactic Reactions
Dr. Jacobs can help guide you in avoiding further anaphylactic reactions in the future by providing information on the following:
- Food: how to interpret ingredient labels, manage restaurant dining, avoid food cross-contact.
- Insects: reducing perfumes, bright color clothing, and high risk activities, wearing long sleeves/pants.
- Medications: which drugs/treatments to avoid, a list of alternative medications that should be tolerated.
You may also want to wear a special bracelet or necklace that identifies you as having a severe allergy. These tags can also supply other important information about your medical condition.
If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, you may want to inform family, health care workers, employers and school personnel about your allergy so they can watch for symptoms and help you avoid your allergy triggers. Above all, make sure to work in partnership with your allergist/immunologist to ensure your safety and health.
Copyright 2021. ;Kansas City Physician Partners. ;All Rights Reserved.
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