I got a great question about allergies through my Facebook page (and if you're on FB, pls join me there!)

Rita asked about warding off allergies before a singing engagement. Of course it's best to deal with the allergens before they can trip the inflammation trigger. Here are some tips I've found helpful:

[Medical disclaimer... I am most decidedly not a doctor. This blogpost is purely for your information; always consult with a medical professional for treatment of medical issues. You may have a condition that requires more than you think. ]

• #1 is to avoid contact with what you're most allergic to, of course. Check your living environment for mold, dust, pet and other things that could be triggering your symptoms. Get hypoallergenic bedding, etc.
• #2 is to drink copious amounts of water. Among many other things, this keeps the mucous membranes more healthy and safe and able to fight off pathogens and deal with irritants.
• I like the Neti Pot approach (wash em out!). Check out this review on saline irrigation from Web MD.
• Find a great medical resource who specializes in working with singers (Vanderbilt Voice Center is a fav in this area). The specialist is called an otolaryngologist... but again, make sure they specialize in voice issues.
• Consider alternative health remedies and therapies. One of my clients reports significantly lessened or stopped allergy symptoms with special sprays customized to her tested allergies (Otolaryngologist Dr. Manrin Raines in Cordova Tn is her doc). Other alt med approaches my clients have reported success with include accupuncture and a therapy chiropractors such as Dr. Dwaine Allison uses called NRG Allergy Relief. 
• Eat healthy. Your body can deal with allergens much better if you are not already on toxic overload from your diet.
• Keep looking for information. Get my 5 pg report on "Vocal Health" by signing up to my newsletter if you haven't already for lots more suggestions. I believe in the integrated approach... Seek mainstream medical advice, sign up to a great medical magazine for the public called "My Family Doctor.", and also consider a consult with an alternative medical professional (a natural health practitioner or doctor of naturopathy, etc) My own source for this is Lynne Lavers at OHM in Nashville.

OK... anybody else got suggestions? And remember.. this is all heresay stuff; some things work for some and not others. When in the slightest doubt, consult a doc.