Ah, springtime – the season of happiness and… sneezes? Yep, those pesky allergies come along with the blooming flowers. But did you know they can mess with your voice, too?

Allergies can lead to a condition called allergic rhinitis, which basically means your throat and nasal passages get all inflamed. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and often itchy eyes and throat. All of those can make your voice sound hoarse, scratchy, or even make it harder to hit those high notes if you’re a singer.

Luckily, there are ways to fight back. First off, stay hydrated! Drinking lots of water keeps your vocal cords in tip-top shape. Using a saline nasal spray ]can also help clear out any irritants.

Consider getting an air purifier, especially for your bedroom. It’ll help filter out those allergens, giving your respiratory system and vocal cords a breather.