0873 – More Cures For Summer Allergies

2023.05.23 – 0873 – More Cures For Summer Allergies

·        Antihistamine or steroid nasal spray or antihistamine pills – although they can have a drying effect

·        Something to suck on – lozenges and pastilles can promote the production of saliva which, when swallowed will help calm the urge to cough on a scratchy throat. Sweets with natural sweeteners and no artificial nonsense are obviously better than those crammed with chemicals and engorged with E-numbers. Beware natural flavours like menthol which can dry out the mouth and throat and have a mild anaesthetic which can mask pain, leading to you using your voice even more…

·        Beware the ‘cycle of coughing’: a small tickle is eased by a cough, which irritates even more, leading to a greater urge to cough and so on. Hard swallows are good, a sip of water is better. If you want to clear ‘up’ phlegm rather than swallow it down (nice!), then a gentle, growly “huh huh” might do the trick, rather than the usual throat-clearing

·        And of course, good natural eating and drinking (local honey is said to help some people), sleep and vocal rest.

Summer can also see a decrease in air quality as pollutants stay in the hot, still atmosphere. Be aware that breathing in in such situations can affect your voice almost immediately due to the effects of a scratchy throat, blocked nose, shallow breathing, let alone any long-term damage that’s being done. Consider the use of air conditioning units or an indoor air filter machine, and a face mask. 

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