<p>D is working at a theme park this summer with a open air stage. D is not exactly a nature lover and I had forgotten that she has summer alergies, head congestion but not a runny nose, and tickle in her throat. I am not sure if it is just spring stuff that will pass or general summer alergies (I guess we should have sent outdoors more these past years to find out.)</p>
<p>Is there something she can do to sooth her throat? or specific things we should watch out for in terms of longterm issues?
I am kind of a "suck it up parent" when it comes to illness - probably because I don't have alergies. DH is overprotective and likes to visit the doctor. I would like to find a helpful compromise.</p>
<p>I suggest talking to an ENT or a doctor specializing in treating vocalists. I’m no expert but post nasal drip from allergies can cause vocal cord irritation leading to swelling. The allergy itself could cause cord swelling. Singing with swollen cords can cause long term damage. A doctor who understands singing may be able to come up with a treatment for the allergies that will not dry out the cords to the point that can cause damage. In the meantime, sinus rinsing may help as well as soft gargling and using non menthol lozenges.</p>
<p>Has she had allergies actually diagnosed? Is she on any prophylactic medication during the season when her exposure is highest? If not, I would recommend taking her STAT to an allergist and finding out what she is reacting to and getting her treated.</p>
<p>I have bad allergies that I get shots for and the shots are definitely helping but they are a timely procedure to take (3-5 years). I do saline nasal rinses twice a day and it helps a lot! Also, non-prescription zyrtec can be pretty helpful and lasts all day and does not seem to dry me out too badly like some other medications. Also, Neil Med Sinus Rinse is a really nice thing to try, they have it at most drug stores like CVS, etc. And it rinses out your entire nasal and sinus cavities and really clears you out if you are having a lot of trouble in that area. Sorry if any of this sounds gross, but these are some good over the counter things that have worked for me, but like everyone else has said definitely see a doctor and an allergist to find out things for sure.</p>
<p>My MT daughter was diagnosed with multiple upper respiratory allergies when she was nine and has been on nasal spray and Zyrtec since then, which keeps her allergies in check. She also has a HEPA filter in her room at night and uses a neti pot during cold season. It really helps keep the worst of it at bay.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information. I guess I was just unprepared since she hasn’t spent much time outside the last several summers. We are running the AC at night which will help the indoor air. Beyond that it sounds pretty much like treating it as a cold. Once she is out of school we’ll see about a doctors appoint to see just how seasonal it is.</p>
<p>I would really suggest taking your D to a good ENT who deals with singers ; Cleveland has several as does Cincinatti , and if you don’t know of one, call one of the conservatories and inquire. It’s a fine line between drying her up too much and her being able to breathe! Right now the cottonwood is blooming as are the spyria bushes, lilacs,etc and they are the bane of singers each spring. It could be that your D will not be as bad off in the summer, but meanwhile, she could steam over a large pot of hot water ( removed from the stove!) with a towel over her head, use saline spray or a Neti Pot, if she can tolerate the thing!</p>