How a Simple Procedure Helped Singer Eric Hollaway Breathe Easier After Years of Struggle
Eric Hollaway.
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Eric Hollaway, a lifelong allergy sufferer from St. Petersburg, Florida, recently took decisive steps to overcome the debilitating effects of his condition. At 59, Hollaway had been dependent on allergy shots for decades to manage severe symptoms, including congestion and fatigue. After his allergist relocated, he halted his treatment, which ultimately left him feeling overwhelmed by his symptoms.
“You’re actually going through trauma when you have allergies,” Hollaway shared, noting how his difficulties began to impact his career as a singer and voice-over artist. “I was getting so tired with the constant sneezing and stuffiness. My agents were calling me to do readings, and I couldn’t do it.”
In June 2023, Hollaway sought a more permanent solution and underwent a balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure designed to open blocked sinus passages. During the procedure, doctors discovered he was suffering from nasal polyps—noncancerous growths that can obstruct breathing. Within days, he felt significant improvement.
“Once I healed up, I literally cried because for the first time in my life I could just wake up and breathe,” he recounted, expressing joy at being able to start his day without the prior struggle. “I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is amazing!’” In 2024, he released a jazz album titled *Jazzish*.
Eric Hollaway.
Hollaway is reportedly among 13 million Americans affected by nasal polyps, characterized by symptoms such as congestion, headaches, and diminished taste or smell. Dr. William Yao, a rhinologist at UT Health in Houston, explained, “The body overreacts to the environment and causes a lot of inflammation and swelling, which leads to polyp formation.”
Dr. Mariah Pate, medical director of Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Centers, highlighted how obstructions in the sinuses from infections can exacerbate conditions like Hollaway’s. Following his procedure, he resumed weekly allergy shots as a proactive measure, which he found transformative. “If anybody has suffered like I have, they’ll understand,” he remarked. “Now I just wake up and go about my day with no complications.”
Eric Hollaway.
Born in St. Petersburg to a pastor and a healthcare worker, Hollaway faced allergies from an early age, often suffering through sleepless nights in springtime. “That was my life growing up,” he recalled, acknowledging his lack of knowledge about his specific triggers. His family’s limited resources often prevented them from accessing medical care.
By the age of 12, Hollaway had discovered his deep vocal talent. “Other boys went through puberty with their voice changing, but mine went straight down,” he said, recognizing it as a unique trait. After serving in the Army, he pursued a musical career while grappling with allergy management. He began regular allergy treatments by 1992, which provided significant relief over the next 23 years.
However, when his allergist left St. Petersburg in 2015, he hesitated to start anew with another specialist, eventually ceasing treatment entirely. By 2022, his symptoms intensified, affecting his livelihood and prompting him to seek help again.
Eric Hollaway.
In seeking relief, he engaged with Dr. Pate, who confirmed that he was a suitable candidate for the balloon sinuplasty, which he underwent on June 13, 2023. He remarked on the severity of his case, noting the dramatic changes revealed in his scans. “It was really scary to see what I looked like inside,” he remarked.
Since the surgery, Hollaway has regained control over his health and his vocal work, commenting that his voice has improved in resonance and fullness. “Getting relief didn’t just help my health; it gave me back energy and presence in my work,” he noted. He now cherishes time spent with his wife, Traci, and values his overall well-being more than ever.
As he reflects on his journey, he shares, “As I get older, I’m listening to my body more. I waited longer than I should have because I thought I could just push through. Now, I feel incredibly grateful. Breathing should never be something you have to fight for.”
