Singing in hay fever season

It’s finally Spring, hooray! The weather is brightening up, the sun is peeping out again and… uh-oh, hello to the joyous hay fever season. For singers and other performers, Spring-Summer can bring a host of challenges...  

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. Symptoms can include sneezing, itching, and congestion, as well as a sore throat, coughing, and other respiratory issues. For singers, it can be especially annoying, as it can affect our voice and leave us feeling rather under par. 

Here are some tips for managing hay fever symptoms and singing your way through the season: 

Know your allergens Ok, so it’s probably pollen that’s troubling you, but are you an early spring sneezer (tree pollens)? ...a midsummer streamer (grasses)? ...or late summer-autumn tickler (weed pollen)? If you recognise your pattern, you can have your strategies ready to fly in good time before your symptoms do. The allergic response it often cumulative, so getting on top of your symptoms early really helps it not to get out of hand. Also, if you know you’re allergic to other stuff, too, try to keep these at bay to they don’t top up that histamine response.

Keep up your liquids

Staying hydrated is a number one practice for all singers, but especially around this time of year. It can help thin out mucus and reduce congestion, so drink up that water. Also, ease off on caffeine, alcohol, and anything that is likely to dry you out (unless it’s your hay fever medication, of course!).

Warm-up It’s always useful before a cheeky warble, but it’s especially useful when the allergens are out to play! Aside from the usual benefits, knowing the right exercises to keep the dreaded ‘tickle’ at bay can be a real lifesaver. (Try sirens.)

Consider medicinal help

If you’re an extreme or regular sufferer, you are probably already aware of the medicinal route. Doctors and pharmacists can help with all sorts of useful medicines and over-the-counter remedies, but be aware that these can often have a drying effect on your voice, so refer back to point 2! (As always, be sure to consult with a suitable professional before taking any new medication.)  

Remember, everyone's experience with hay fever is different, so it's important to find what works best for you. By taking care of your voice and managing your symptoms, you can keep singing through hay fever season and beyond.

If you're interested in learning more about how to take care of your voice, be sure to check out my online courses. They’re packed with tips and techniques to help you sing at your best, no matter what challenges you may face.

Until next time, happy singing!