Hayfever and Singers: Protecting Your Voice During Allergy Season

For singers and performers, hayfever can be more than just an annoyance — it can directly impact your ability to breathe, project, and maintain vocal clarity. Pollen season brings symptoms such as congestion, itchy eyes, sore throats, and postnasal drip, all of which can interfere with vocal performance.

Why Hayfever Affects the Voice

Hayfever (also known as allergic rhinitis) causes inflammation in the nose, throat, and airways. When the immune system reacts to pollen particles that are inhaled, the body mistakes them for harmful invaders and releases histamine and other biochemicals. These trigger inflammation. This can lead to:

• Throat irritation or dryness

• Extra mucus and nasal congestion

• Post-nasal drip

• Increased vocal fatigue

• Difficulty with breath support

Practical Tips for Performers

Emma discussing anti-inflammatory recipes for a client concerned about upper respiratory tract inflammation.

• Hydrate... consistently — I know everyone says it but make sure you are drinking plenty of water. This can be in the way of herbal teas (like turmeric or peppermint) which may soothe the throat and thin mucus. Find out about my favourite teas for sore throats.

• Steam inhalation — breathing in warm steam can reduce irritation and clear nasal passages. You can find out more about steaming here.

• Support your immune system with anti-inflammatory foods such as ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens. Foods such as kiwis, red peppers and strawberries are full of vitamin C which helps to lower histamine where as onions, apples and kale contain a compound called quercetin which acts as a natural anti-histamine.

• Minimise exposure — shower and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen.

• Use a saline nasal rinse to flush pollen and mucus from the nasal passage.

Conclusion

Managing hayfever is about reducing triggers, soothing irritation, and supporting your body. With the right self-care, you can keep your voice in shape and continue to perform at your best throughout allergy season.

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