OpenHealth Q&A

Voice Changes Throughout the Day: An Allergy Connection?

Hello r/askdocs! To start, I’ll give you a rundown of my situation before diving into the main issues. Apologies if I’m not the clearest communicator. Please feel free to ask for more details or clarification if needed! I’m a 34-year-old male, weighing around 195 pounds. I am actively working on losing weight, having gained about 50 pounds over the past two years, and I’ve already shed nearly half of that. I stand 6 feet 2 inches tall (in shoes). In terms of my health, I deal with several conditions: mild lordosis—though it’s not severe enough to require surgery—suffer from a ruptured disc since February, experience significant seasonal allergies, and have a specific allergy to cat dander and saliva. Additionally, I have lactose intolerance, which has led to a slight calcium deficiency, migraines, and two fractured teeth. As for medication, I take a daily multivitamin and use Benadryl for my allergies, typically one or two pills a day during the transition seasons and throughout most of the spring. I also rely on over-the-counter pain medication for migraines and flare-ups of back pain, averaging about 2-3 times a month. My lifestyle habits include sometimes going half a day without eating, and I vape both marijuana and nicotine daily. I’ve been smoking (both weed and tobacco) for over half of my life, as it’s quite common in my southern upbringing. Over the last nine months or so, I’ve observed a peculiar issue with my voice. I wake up with a normal voice in the morning, but as the day unfolds, it gradually turns hoarse and raspy. Just last night while gaming with friends around 11 PM, it reached a point where I felt like I had laryngitis or something similar. I initially suspected that this could be linked to my allergies; however, the specific timing of the hoarseness developing about 4-6 hours after waking up is making me question this connection. While Benadryl seems to provide some relief, it doesn’t entirely resolve the issue. What concerns me the most is the predictability of my hoarseness—starting around the same window of time after waking. I generally don’t take Benadryl first thing in the morning, so I doubt it’s a matter of that wearing off. Moreover, I have a family history of cancer on both sides, and considering my history of smoking (though I’ve switched to vaping), it adds to my worry. Thank you for any insights; I’m open to addressing any questions asked in a respectful manner. Edit: To clarify, this isn’t just waking up with a deep voice that evolves over half an hour. Instead, it’s a complete transformation. I can talk normally for 4-6 hours post-waking before the raspy hoarseness takes over. I don’t have a job that requires much conversation, so other than personal calls or singing to music, I’m not engaging in conversation enough during the day to cause vocal fatigue.

Answers (1)

9/4/2025, 2:50:47 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about noticeable changes in your voice, especially given your health history and lifestyle. Your hoarseness occurring after several hours of normal voice function could have several explanations, including allergies, vocal strain, or even irritation from smoking and vaping. Here’s a structured approach to understanding and addressing your situation:

Main Points:

1. Potential Causes: Your voice changes could be related to allergies, irritation from vaping, or vocal strain.
2. Lifestyle Factors: Your smoking and vaping habits might contribute to throat irritation.
3. Actionable Steps: Implement immediate changes to relieve symptoms and evaluate the impact on your voice.

Explanation:

• Allergies: Seasonal allergies can cause throat swelling and mucus production throughout the day, leading to voice changes later. Benadryl may help initially but doesn’t last all day.
• Vocal Irritation: Regularly speaking, even at low volumes, can strain your vocal cords over time, leading to hoarseness. If smoking or vaping irritates your throat, that could worsen vocal changes.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for vocal health, so any dryness could exacerbate hoarseness.

Next Steps:

1. Increase Hydration: Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Consider herbal teas or warm water with honey for soothing your throat.
2. Limit Vaping and Smoking: Try reducing your vaping or smoking to see if it positively impacts your voice. Consider adopting smoke-free alternatives or consulting with a healthcare professional for support.
3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary noting when your voice changes occur and any other symptoms (like throat irritation or coughing). This can help identify triggers.
4. Consider Allergy Management: You might benefit from daily antihistamines (non-drowsy options like cetirizine) or nasal corticosteroids that can be used consistently to control symptoms more effectively than Benadryl taken as needed.
5. Vocal Rest: Try to rest your voice during the day and avoid shouting or whispering, as both can strain your vocal cords.
6. Check for Environmental Irritants: Consider reducing exposure to known allergens, humidity levels, and cleaning your living area to minimize dust and dander.

If the hoarseness persists or worsens, or if you notice additional concerning symptoms (such as pain while speaking, persistent cough, or difficulty swallowing), please reach out for further evaluation. Remember, addressing lifestyle factors like smoking or vaping can greatly help improve your overall health and voice quality.