Overview
One of the most bothersome allergy symptoms that can disrupt daily life is a sore throat. Like a runny nose or itchy eyes, an allergic sore can lead to significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities. This type of sore throat occurs when the body’s immunity overreacts to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. Inhaling these allergens can irritate the throat, leading to soreness. Unlike a sore throat resulting from a cold or infection, an allergy-induced sore throat is often accompanied by other symptoms, including sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.
Identifying the source of a sore throat is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment. With the right approach, individuals suffering from allergy-related sore throats can find relief and enjoy the seasons with minimal discomfort. Effective management includes avoiding known allergens, using appropriate medications, and maintaining a clean environment. By taking these steps, those affected can significantly decrease the impact of allergies on their daily lives.
Can allergies cause a sore throat?
Yes, you can get a sore throat from allergies. Your throat is one of the many areas of your respiratory system that can become inflamed and irritated when your immune system reacts to allergens like pollen, dust, mold, or pet hair. Inhaling certain allergens might cause irritation and soreness in the throat. A sore throat from allergies is often accompanied by other allergy symptoms, such as:
A sore throat from allergies is often accompanied by other allergy symptoms, such as:
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Coughing
These symptoms help distinguish an allergy-related sore throat from one caused by a viral or bacterial infection. To treat an allergy-related sore throat, antihistamines can be used, which stops the body’s allergic reaction, or nasal sprays that reduce swelling in the nose. Rinsing the nose with saline can also help by washing away allergens.
Immune system response
When allergens enter the body, the immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful invaders. In response, the body releases histamines, which cause irritation and inflammation in various areas, including the throat. This immune response is the body’s way of defending itself, but it also leads to uncomfortable symptoms like a sore throat.
Postnasal drip
One common way allergies cause a sore throat is through postnasal drip. Allergens irritate the nasal passages, increasing mucus production. This increased mucus drips down the back of the throat, leading to irritation, scratchiness, and discomfort.
Direct irritation
Inhaling allergens directly can also lead to throat irritation. Breathing in substances like pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause immediate discomfort and inflammation in the throat, making it feel sore and tender.
“Dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander are examples of allergens that can cause an immunological reaction in your body, leading to a sore throat, among other symptoms,” says Dr. Richard Honekar.
Histamine
When the body faces an allergen, it releases histamine, a chemical that triggers allergy symptoms. Histamine leads the blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, resulting in inflammation. This inflammation can irritate and swell the throat, causing soreness and discomfort.
Dryness
Allergic reactions can reduce mucus production, leading to dryness in the throat. This lack of moisture makes the throat feel parched and scratchy, exacerbating the sensation of soreness. Staying hydrated is crucial to alleviate this symptom and maintain throat comfort.
Coughing
Allergies often trigger coughing as the body tries to expel the irritants from the respiratory system. Persistent coughing strains the throat muscles and tissues, leading to further irritation and soreness. The repeated action of coughing can significantly contribute to a sore throat, making it essential to manage both the cough and the underlying allergies.
How do you know if it’s cold or allergies?
Allergies and colds overlap many symptoms, making distinguishing between them difficult. Nonetheless, you can determine the source of your symptoms by comparing the essential differences. This thorough information will assist you in differentiating between the two:
Cold symptoms
Colds often present with a runny or stuffy nose, where the nasal discharge is typically thicker and may turn yellow or green. Sneezing is frequent but usually less severe compared to allergies. A sore throat is common, often resulting from a postnasal drip or infection. Coughing can be persistent and may produce mucus, while fatigue manifests as a general feeling of tiredness and weakness. Body aches, characterized by muscle pain and a sense of being unwell, are typical, and fever is sometimes present, especially in children.
Allergy Symptoms
In contrast, allergy symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose with clear, watery nasal discharge. Sneezing is frequent and severe, often occurring in rapid succession. A sore throat, usually caused by postnasal drip, is common. Itchiness in the eyes, nose, and throat is a hallmark of allergies, differentiating them from colds. Coughing due to allergies is often dry and also related to postnasal drip. Fatigue is possible but generally less severe than with a cold. Importantly, allergies do not cause fever, which is a key differentiator from colds.
The following table will help you better understand the key differences between symptoms associated with a cold-induced sore throat and an allergic sore throat.
| Key Differences | Cold | Allergies |
| Onset and Duration | Symptoms develop gradually over a few days and last 7-10 days. | Symptoms appear quickly after exposure to allergens and persist as long as exposure continues (weeks or months). |
| Seasonal Patterns | More common in fall and winter but can occur year-round. | Often seasonal (spring, summer, fall) but can occur year-round if caused by indoor allergens like dust mites or pet dander. |
| Symptom Triggers | Caused by viral infections spread through respiratory droplets. | Triggered by exposure to specific allergens (pollen, dust, mold, pet dander). |
| Itchiness | Rarely causes itchy eyes, nose, or throat. | Itchiness in the eyes, nose, and throat is common. |
| Eye Symptoms | It may cause watery eyes but not itching. | Frequently causes red, itchy, and watery eyes. |
How to treat a sore throat from allergies?
Treating a sore throat caused by allergies involves addressing the underlying allergic reaction and soothing the throat irritation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to various treatments:
Medications
Antihistamines
Antihistamines block histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, which helps reduce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and throat irritation. First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can cause drowsiness, while second-generation antihistamines, like loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine, are less likely to cause drowsiness. These medications are typically taken once daily and are available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription. Common examples include Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Allegra (fexofenadine).
Nasal corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids, such as Flonase (fluticasone), Nasonex (mometasone), and Nasacort (triamcinolone), reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, decreasing mucus production and postnasal drip that can irritate the throat. They are typically used once or twice daily and may take a few days to feel the full effects.
Decongestants
Decongestants reduce nasal congestion by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, which helps reduce postnasal drip and throat irritation. Available orally in forms like pseudoephedrine and nasal sprays like oxymetazoline. Oral decongestants can be taken as needed but should not be used for extended periods, while nasal sprays should be used for up to three days to avoid rebound congestion. Examples include Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Afrin (oxymetazoline).
Home remedies
Saline nasal rinses
Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution helps remove allergens and mucus, reducing postnasal drip and throat irritation. Use a saline rinse or neti pot as directed, typically once or twice daily. You can buy pre-made saline solutions or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda in 8 ounces of distilled or boiled (then cooled) water.
Hydration
Staying hydrated keeps your throat moist, helps thin mucus, and reduces irritation. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider warm liquids like herbal tea with honey for added soothing effects.
Throat lozenges and sprays
Throat lozenges can soothe a sore throat by stimulating saliva production, which keeps the throat moist. Some lozenges and sprays also contain mild anesthetics that numb the throat. Use these as needed throughout the day, following package instructions. Common examples include Cepacol, Halls, and other OTC throat lozenges or benzocaine or menthol sprays.
Environmental control
Air purifiers
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander, reducing exposure and symptoms. For best results, place them in commonly used rooms and run them continuously.
Regular cleaning
Reducing indoor allergens by regularly cleaning can significantly decrease exposure to triggers. Dust and vacuum often, wash bedding in hot water weekly, and consider using allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses to keep allergens at bay.
Avoiding allergens
Stay indoors
When pollen counts are high, staying indoors can help reduce exposure. Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning to maintain a comfortable environment.
Shower and change clothes
Pollen can stick to your hair, skin, and clothes. Showering and changing clothes after being outdoors can help remove allergens and reduce symptoms, providing relief from the discomfort of a sore throat.
By combining these approaches, you can effectively manage and treat a sore throat caused by allergies, allowing you to feel better and enjoy daily activities with minimal disruption.
Consult a doctor
There are situations when it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider. Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Severe or worsening throat pain
- A fever or bloody mucous in addition to other symptoms like a sore throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes in your throat or neck
- Loss of voice
FAQs about allergies sore throat
Allergies can cause sore throats for as long as they are present. Depending on how long the individual was exposed and how sensitive they were, this could last anywhere from a few hours to many days or weeks. For instance, depending on the season, a person with a pollen allergy may experience signs of a reaction for up to six weeks. Effectively controlling environmental factors and using medicine to manage allergies can help lessen the duration and intensity of symptoms.
When you have a sore throat, avoiding spicy foods, acidic foods and beverages, and rough or scratchy foods like chips or toast is best. These can irritate the throat more and prolong the healing process. Instead, choose soothing foods like warm soups, soft fruits, and smoothies.
A sore throat from allergies feels dry, scratchy, and irritated. It may also be accompanied by itching or a tickling sensation. Unlike a sore throat from a cold or flu, allergies typically do not cause body aches or fever.
To relieve a sore throat caused by allergies, you can try over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and throat lozenges. These can reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and soothe throat irritation. A humidifier and ample drinks can keep your throat wet and ease discomfort.
