Can Hay Fever Cause Laryngitis? London ENT Clinic

6 MIN READ - December 5, 2024
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Many people experience the uncomfortable symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes, during the spring and summer months. If you wonder about, “Can hay fever cause laryngitis?” Medstar Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinic is here to provide you with answers as well as treatment options.

As London's premier ENT Clinic, Medstar Clinic sees many patients each year dealing with hay fever-related throat issues. In this article, we'll explore the connection between hay fever and laryngitis, their related symptoms, and the top treatment options available from our doctors in London.

Hay Fever and Laryngitis

Both hay fever and laryngitis are inflammatory conditions that can make you feel miserable. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, dust, and mold. When these particles are inhaled, the body releases chemicals like histamine that cause classic allergy symptoms. 

On the other hand, laryngitis refers to inflammation and irritation of the voice box or larynx. It results in hoarseness, a scratchy throat, and sometimes total voice loss. While hay fever primarily affects the nose, eyes, and sinuses, the inflammation it causes can sometimes spread down into the throat and larynx too. 

This is what leads to hay fever-induced laryngitis. The larynx becomes irritated and swollen from excess mucus, coughing, and postnasal drip caused by allergic rhinitis. Dry throat conditions are also more likely. As a result, hay fever patients may additionally experience throat itchiness, a sore larynx, and disrupted vocal cords along with their usual allergy symptoms during flare-ups.

What are the Symptoms of Hay Fever?

The hallmark symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy/watery eyes. You may also develop wheezing, coughing, ear pain, headaches, and fatigue from sinus pressure. In cases where hay fever leads to laryngitis, look out for the following throat issues as well:

  • Hoarseness or loss of voice

  • Sore throat and a feeling of larynx irritation

  • Excessive mucus and postnasal drip

  • Persistent need to clear the throat

  • Dryness and tickling in the throat

  • Cough triggered by throat irritation

Take note of which months you notice throat problems, as seasonal allergens like tree and grass pollen or indoor allergens like dust mites could be causing your dual diagnosis of hay fever and laryngitis. Consultation with an ENT specialist at Medstar London can help identify triggers through allergy testing.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Laryngitis?

On its own, without an allergic component, laryngitis symptoms centre around the throat and voice box. Key signs to watch out for include:

  • Hoarseness or loss of voice that persists for over two weeks

  • Sore throat that feels raw and irritated

  • Dry sensation in the throat

  • Excessive throat clearing or coughing triggered by irritation

  • Difficulty speaking at a normal volume

  • Lump-like feeling in the throat

  • Sensation of mucus or phlegm buildup in the throat

Other potential causes of laryngitis beyond allergies include vocal strain from prolonged loud talking, respiratory infections, acid reflux, and air pollution/irritants like cigarette smoke. Consulting Medstar Clinic can help determine the root cause and best treatment approach for your individual situation.

Hay Fever Treatment London

If you have been diagnosed with hay fever, seeing an allergist is highly recommended. Medstar Clinic provides personalised allergy testing and customised treatment plans to effectively manage symptoms. Common hay fever therapies may involve:

  • Antihistamine medications available in pill and nasal spray forms, these work to counteract histamine and reduce sneezing, itching, and congestion.

  • Allergy shots (immunotherapy). A long-term buildup of tolerance to allergens through periodic allergen injections. Clinical trials show immunotherapy can alter the disease course.

  • Intranasal corticosteroid sprays are a very effective option for taming inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses.

  • Decongestants and eye drops. For temporarily easing stuffed-up noses and itchy, watery eyes.

  • Avoidance strategies. Identifying and limiting exposure to specific triggers as much as possible.

Natural remedies like saline rinses, cold compresses, and humidifiers may provide supplementary relief as well. If you are wondering, “How to cure hay fever permanently?”, contact Medstar Clinic to book an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists in London at your convenience.

You can also schedule an appointment online whether via our website or the Medstar app. The Medstar app can be downloaded on the Google Play Store and App Store. Furthermore, by downloading our app you can also get your results and prescriptions online for your hay fever treatment London!

Laryngitis Treatment London

Mild cases of laryngitis often heal on their own within a couple of weeks with voice rest and hydration. However, if symptoms of laryngitis persist or worsen, it is best to see an ENT specialist for further evaluation and management. Treatments may include:

  • Antibiotics if a bacterial infection like strep throat is involved.

  • Antivirals are helpful for laryngitis caused by viruses like cold/flu or herpes.

  • Steroid medications are given orally or through injection to reduce throat swelling and inflammation.

  • Inhalers and steam therapy are used to soothe irritation and moisturise vocal cords.

  • Vocal therapy to learn proper voice usage techniques to prevent recurrence.

  • Laryngeal injections to treat specific conditions affecting the larynx.

  • Surgery (rarely needed) only if nodules/lesions on vocal cords require removal.

Medstar Clinic also provides outstanding diagnostic capabilities like laryngoscopy exams to better determine the precise cause and treatment of chronic or unusual cases of voice loss. Make an appointment online or call to consult with our experienced laryngologists today for laryngitis treatment London.

You can also check our articles about other ENT conditions, such as “Viral Chest Infection Treatment in London”, “Can Vaping Cause Tonsillitis?”, “Can Tonsils Cause Ear Infections?”,  “How to Recover from Glandular Fever?”, “Can Enlarged Adenoids Cause Coughing at Night?”, and “Sore Throat and Itchy Ears”, “Can a Sinus Infection Cause a Hoarse Voice?”, and “How to Tell If Hearing Loss is Permanent or Temporary?” to learn more details.

Best ENT Clinic London

While often thought of as separate conditions, hay fever can indeed cause laryngitis in some patients. Seasonal allergies may spread throat inflammation down into the larynx and voice box. Be on the lookout for hoarseness, sore throat, and excess mucus if suffering from hay fever. 

When sinus issues, hearing problems, or throat conditions interfere with your daily life, it is essential to see highly skilled specialists you can trust. Medstar Best ENT Clinic London offers leading expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedication to patient-centred care.

Consult Medstar Clinic for tailored allergy testing, desensitisation, and management to prevent allergy-induced voice issues. Our expert ENT team provides exceptional diagnosis and treatment of laryngitis itself using minimally invasive methods whenever possible.

Our team includes ENT surgeons, audiologists, speech therapists, nurse practitioners, and allergists. From complex sinus surgeries to routine checkups for kids’ ear infections, we take pride in our world-class services. Custom treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs.

Medstar Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinic in London is also at the forefront of new medical advances. Our specialists frequently perform clinical trials on new devices, drugs, and minimally invasive procedures. Patients benefit from the latest treatment innovations.

Whether you have concerns about hay fever, laryngitis, hearing loss, headaches, or any other ear/nose/throat issue, Medstar Clinic is here to help you. If you search for “Best Private Health Clinic for ENT in London Near Me”, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our goal is getting you feeling your best again!

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* Please note that the content of this blog has been reviewed by healthcare professionals, the views expressed herein are solely those of the author and should not be construed as expert advice. We value the input of our readers and encourage thoughtful engagement with the content provided. If you are willing to use this information stated here please advise with healthcare professionals.

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