Some types of allergies can cause voice loss or laryngitis. Laryngitis typically occurs due to overuse of the voice, acid reflux, colds, flu, or infection.
Laryngitis is irritation or inflammation of the vocal cords and voice box known as the larynx. Symptoms typically include a hoarse voice, total loss of voice, a sore throat, and a persistent cough.
This article discusses how allergies can cause laryngitis, how to treat it, and what types of allergies can cause a person to lose their voice.
It also describes how to protect the voice from allergy-related laryngitis.
Allergy-related laryngitis is inflammation and irritation of the larynx and vocal cords due to allergens or allergies. It
When a person inhales allergens from the air, the immune system recognizes them as a threat and triggers the cells to release histamine.
Histamine is a chemical the body produces to help it respond to allergies. It encourages an excess in mucus production, which absorbs moisture. This can leave the vocal cords dehydrated, which can cause friction, irritation, and swelling. Inflammation may also spread throughout the entire respiratory tract.
Symptoms of allergy-related laryngitis can include:
- voice hoarseness or voice loss
- the constant need to clear the throat
- the sensation of having a lump in the throat
- a persistent cough
- thick mucus in the larynx and on the vocal cords
- an increase in blood flow to the larynx and vocal cords
- the surface of the vocal cords filling with fluid
It can be easy to misdiagnose allergy-related laryngitis as an acute upper respiratory tract infection or chronic, nonallergic rhinosinusitis, as symptoms of all the conditions are similar.
These include:
- environmental allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander
- seasonal allergens such as grass pollen, weed pollen, and tree pollen
- insect allergies such as dust mites, moths, and cockroaches
Allergy-related laryngitis is typically an acute form of laryngitis and usually goes away independently within
However, there are several things a person can do to help treat allergy-related laryngitis, including:
- avoiding any allergens
- inhaling steam to moisturize the vocal cords
- resting the voice
- avoiding irritants such as smoking or alcohol
- taking antihistamine medications
- drinking plenty of fluids
- gargling with salt water
Learn about home remedies for laryngitis.
A person may be able to protect the voice from allergy-related loss by trying to avoid allergens. An allergist can help a person treat and manage the allergies that lead to allergy-related voice loss.
According to Allergy UK, a person can reduce exposure to indoor allergens in several ways, including:
- limiting contact with indoor allergens in the air
- keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated
- removing any known allergens from indoor spaces
- cleaning surfaces regularly
- reducing humidity
- keeping surfaces uncluttered to reduce dust
- avoiding heavy-pile carpets or rugs
- avoiding heavy drapes and furniture with heavy stuffing
- using plastic coverings on pillows and mattresses
- preventing pet dander
- vacuuming regularly
- using an air purifier
- avoiding mold
Some other ways a person can protect the voice from developing allergy-related voice loss
- staying hydrated
- resting the voice throughout the day
- avoiding smoking and inhaling secondhand smoke
- avoiding medications that can dry out the throat
- limiting caffeine and alcohol
- eating a healthy, balanced diet
Symptoms of allergy-related laryngitis and voice loss will typically resolve independently within
A person with allergy-related laryngitis and voice loss should contact a healthcare professional immediately if they experience breathlessness or difficulty swallowing.
If the person with allergy-related laryngitis is a child, their parent or caregiver should contact a healthcare professional immediately if the child experiences:
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- drooling despite not teething
- a barking cough
- hoarseness for over 1 week
- hoarseness in a baby under 3 months of age
How long does allergy laryngitis last?
Allergy-related laryngitis typically lasts for a maximum of
However, if a person still has exposure to the allergen, symptoms may persist.
Why am I losing my voice but not sick?
According to the
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as heartburn
- overusing the voice or not using it correctly
- nodules, polyps, or cysts on the vocal cords
- a rupture of a blood vessel on the surface of a vocal cord
- smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
Laryngitis is swelling and irritation of the vocal cords and larynx that can cause hoarseness, a sore throat, and total voice loss.
There are several reasons a person may experience laryngitis, including inhaling irritants such as smoke, colds, flu, respiratory infections, overusing or misusing the voice, and exposure to allergens.
When a person inhales certain allergens, they may have an allergic reaction, which can lead to allergy-related laryngitis and voice loss. This will typically resolve independently within 2 weeks. However, if a person still has exposure to the allergen, it may take longer.
A person can aid recovery by drinking plenty of fluids, resting the voice, inhaling steam, avoiding smoking, and limiting caffeine and alcohol.
To avoid allergy-related laryngitis, a person should avoid any known allergens. A person can limit indoor allergens by cleaning regularly, avoiding mold and a buildup of dust, removing pet dander, and keeping rooms well-ventilated.
If a person experiences symptoms for longer than 2 weeks, has trouble breathing, or has difficulty swallowing, they should contact a healthcare professional.