Seasonal allergies can cause a sore throat that feels itchy or scratchy, with symptoms like sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes.1 Most of the time, allergies cause a sore throat when mucus is trickling down your throat and irritates it. This is called postnasal drip. MedlinePlus. Runny, stuffy nose.
A sore throat usually lasts as long as you are exposed to allergens.
It is sometimes challenging to know whether the sore throat is the result of an allergic attack or a cold, as both have similar symptoms. Continue reading to find out when the sore throat is caused by an allergic attack and how to treat it.
Do allergies cause a sore throat?
This condition can be triggered by post-nasal drip and mucus drainage to the throat. You experience irritation because more mucus has accumulated in your nasal passages that drips at the back of your throat. Post-nasal drip can cause you to have the feeling of something stuck or tickling, or even a feeling of something itching in the throat. From the irritation, you may develop a cough as well.
No allergen is more likely to cause sore throat than any other. The stronger the allergen, the higher the chances of allergy symptoms.
- Dust
- Animal products, peanuts, and wheat
- Insect bites and stings
- Latex
- Medications, antibiotics
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Pollen
Is It a Cold or Allergies?
A sore throat, especially in winter, can signal a viral infection, such as a cold. It can be challenging to differentiate between a cold and allergies. The best way to tell the difference between the two would be the length of symptoms and history of allergies.
Both allergies and the seasonal cold can cause runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough. Some symptoms, such as a runny nose or itchy, watery eyes, are more common with allergies than a cold. You most likely have a cold if you’re also experiencing aches and pains or a fever.
Cold symptoms run their course, usually only several days long; allergy symptoms frequently last for a few weeks up to a couple of months. The nature of the cause varies, too – allergy symptoms appear in response to an allergen, and virus is what precipitates a cold.
The main time allergy symptoms occur is from spring to autumn. The onset of cold typically occurs in the winter. In mountain cedar allergies, this normally happens during winter.
Symptoms of Allergies
A sore throat from allergies usually results in a dry, scratchy sensation. Other common symptoms that are associated with allergies include:
- Anaphylaxis, or a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction
- Asthma
- Itching
- Runny nose
- Skin rash
- Sneezing
- Swelling
Prevention
Prevention is the best defense. If you know what you are allergic to, avoid triggers. You can also discuss with a healthcare provider the possibility of using immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is the provision of injections containing whatever you are allergic to. Over time, you become less sensitive to the allergen.
Sublingual immunotherapy involves giving a small dose of the allergen under the tongue.
How To Soothe a Sore Throat From Allergies
A sore throat from allergies usually lasts as long as you are exposed to what you’re allergic to. You might need antihistamines, steroids, nasal sprays, nasal rinses, or pain relievers if allergies are causing a sore throat. You must also avoid triggers.
Allergy Medication
You might have an oral antihistamine and a nasal steroid in your worst allergy season. The most commonly used antihistamines are Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), or Zyrtec (cetirizine). Flonase (fluticasone) or Rhinocort (budesonide) are examples of nasal steroids.
A nasal antihistamine by the name of azelastine might be recommended by an allergist. They might administer oral steroids to decrease the inflammation that is causing soreness in your throat.
Home Remedies
You can take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) as directed by the label to alleviate pain from a sore throat. A saline spray may be all you need, but you can also try nasal rinses. Popular nasal rinse products include Neil Med and the Navage device.
Other non-medical therapies that might work for some include salt water gargles or tea with honey and lemon. These are less effective than drugs.
Trigger Avoidance
The best way to prevent and reduce allergy symptoms, including a sore throat, is through avoiding triggers. Here are some ways to limit exposure:
- Avoid hanging clothing outdoors to dry.
- Bathe your pet weekly, and wash your hands after petting them.
- Check the pollen counts and stay indoors when they are highest.
- Close windows during the pollen season.
- Keep pets outside of your bedroom.
- Shower, wash your hair, and change clothes after spending time outdoors.
- Attempt to clean floors with a mop instead of sweeping.
- Use dust-proof covers on box springs, mattresses, and pillows.
- Wear sunglasses outside.
When To See a Health Care Provider
See a health care provider if your sore throat persists beyond a day or so, or fails to clear up after you avoid the allergen. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience shortness of breath.
- Fever
- • High
- • Rash
- • Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
