Allergic rhinitis jeopardizing the careers of professional singers, justifies intense therapy

A series of three patients were evaluated and treated by the Northwestern University Section of Allergy. These patients had allergic disease that threatened their professional careers as performing artists. Although the clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis were not unusually severe, these were sufficient to interfere with the performance of these professional singers. Because previous allergic diagnostic and therapeutic regimens had not controlled the voice related symptoms, career changes were reluctantly being considered. Unusually aggressive therapy including systemic corticosteroids was initiated as a diagnostic and therapeutic trial. The resultant improvement was then maintained with more standard allergic management and the three singers were able to perform satisfactorily. This report demonstrates how allergic disease affecting three performing artists justified intense therapy to prevent job loss and the potential financial, emotional and social consequences.