Sneezing, Stuffy Nose, Post Nasal Drip?

I'm a singer with post-nasal drip? GERD?

• Ok, where do I begin? About 18 months ago, I started feeling some buildup in the back of my throat. Ever since then, I've been clearing my throat constantly. It probably wouldn't be so much of an issue if I didn't sing. So, naturally, I first thought the issue was swollen vocal chords and quit singing for over a month. The problem persisted. I then went to a very highly recommended ENT doctor and she diagnosed me with GERD. I went on Prevacid and nasal sprays immediately; that never seemed to cure me. So, since then, I have tried not eating spicy foods, not drinking caffeine, all other sorts of changes in my diet, lifted the head of my bed, etc. It has been a year and a half now and the clearing of my throat is driving me crazy, its a bother to others at the office, and I feel that it could permanently damage my throat. Through some researching, I've come across some others with similar issues. Could this be allergy-related? I've never had an allergy problems until about three years ago, but since then, every spring is hell for about 2 1/2 to 3 months. I'm constantly violently sneezing throughout this time period, my nose extremely stuffed up, and I can feel that my nasal cavity is irritated and swollen. Maybe this is some sort of chronic post-nasal drip that is causing excessive mucus in my throat? Because I've tried many solutions for it, I'm leaning away from GERD as the culprit. The allergies are now suspect. I also still think that this could be singing related. So, if anyone out there seems to have common symptoms or experience with my situation, a helpful reply would be greatly appreciated. This affects my singing, work, everyday life, and I've got to find an answer. Thanks again.

• Answer:

  I certainly don't want to presume to give you medical advice, but you do sound pretty miserable. Every spring I used to have trouble for several weeks with a nasal drip thing that drained down my throat, kept my throat irritated, and made me want to cough all the time. I blamed it on elm tree blooms, but never really knew for sure. Then my situation changed, and in elm blossom time I was some place else, and did not have the trouble. Now I've been back to my primary home, with elm trees in the front yard, but I have not experienced the nasal drip problem. I have heard that sometimes people can outgrow allergies. I have started trying to be fairly regular with rinsing my mouth with salt. I put a little bit of salt in my mouth, swish it around for five, ten minutes, and then spit it out. I also use salt nasal sprays. Ayr is a good brand, for me, and a lot cheaper than some of the others. I am reluctant to spray anything up my nose, but I've learned to do it anyway. A couple of times I had been negligent, and felt a cold coming on, went back to my salt routines, and beat the cold back in about 36 hours. Look up salt nasal sprays on the internet and check it out for yourself.