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Respiratory Allergies Linked to Frequent Vocal Symptoms, With Sofia Holmqvist-Jämsén, PhD
A study shows that weekly or daily throat clearing, hoarseness, and voice strain are more common among those with diagnosed respiratory allergies, particularly among women.
A recent study identified a link between respiratory allergies and frequent vocal symptoms, particularly among women. The population-based study of 1220 Finnish adults, led by Sofia Holmqvist-Jämsén, PhD, from the University of Helsinki, examined diagnosed respiratory allergies and their relationship to 6 self-reported vocal symptoms: hoarseness, strained or tired voice, voice breaks, difficulty being heard, throat clearing or coughing, and sensation of a lump in the throat.
Overall, 25.6% of participants reported a diagnosed respiratory allergy, with women slightly more affected than men (26.4% vs 24.1%). Across the sample, 19.8% reported ≥2 vocal symptoms occurring weekly or daily in the past year.
The most frequently reported symptom was coughing or throat clearing while talking (25.9%), followed by sensation of tension or a lump in the throat (14.3%), hoarse or low voice (12.5%), and strained or tired voice (11.3%). Less commonly reported symptoms were difficulty being heard (9.5%) and voice breaks (7.7%).
Women consistently reported greater rates of frequent symptoms compared with men: strained/tired voice (14.7% vs 4.6%), hoarse/low voice (15.6% vs 6.4%), lump in the throat (16.4% vs 10.1%), and voice breaks (9.4% vs 4.4%). Respiratory allergies were associated with a greater burden in females (P <.01%) but not in men.
In an interview with HCPLive, Holmqvist-Jämsén recommended clinicians ask targeted questions to assess vocal complaints in patients with allergies, such as “Do you get hoarse or lose vocal function or flexibility during allergy seasons? Do you feel that your voice gets tired or strained during the day? Do you need to clear your throat while speaking?” She emphasized particular attention for high voice-use professions such as teachers, singers, coaches, healthcare workers, and clergy, suggesting seasonal planning, preventive voice strategies, and lower thresholds for referral to voice specialists.
The study highlights the need for prospective and interventional research using objective voice measures, laryngoscopy, and biomarker assessment to clarify mechanisms.
“Ask about voice when managing allergy and consider allergy when evaluating voice,” Holmqvist-Jämsén said. “This kind of coordinated care might prevent a cycle of cough and throat clearing and phonotrauma that prolongs recovery.”
Part 1 of the interview with Holmqvist-Jämsén can be viewed here.
Holmqvist-Jämsén has no reported disclosures.
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