Allergies And Sore Throat: Treating The Cause
Allergies and Sore Throat
When you were a child and had a sore throat, a throat lozenge just seemed to erase the pain. But now, your sore, scratchy throat can persist for days or weeks, no matter how you treat it.
When your sore throat is irritated as a result of an allergic reaction to airborne particles such as pollen, treatment becomes a little more complicated. Addressing the precise cause of your allergies can help you alleviate that sore throat once and for all.
Allergies as a Cause for Sore Throat
Postnasal drip is the main culprit in cases of allergy-induced sore throat. The result of exposure to an allergen, postnasal drip occurs when congestion in the sinuses drains down the throat, causing tickling or scratchy pain. The drainage also can cause:
coughing
excessive swallowing
throat irritation
difficulty speaking
Many allergies, such as pollen allergies, are seasonal. If you experience symptoms year-round, your symptoms will worsen during seasons of high airborne irritants, such as pollinating flowers and trees during springtime.
Other common allergens include:
- cigarette smoke
- dust mites
- mold and mildew
- pet dander (especially cats and dogs)
Allergy symptoms generally include congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing. If you have a sore throat with fever and body aches, it’s likely the result of a virus, like a cold or flu.
Scratchiness is another way to determine if you have an allergy-induced sore throat. In addition to the “raw” feeling that results from postnasal drainage, particles that directly enter the respiratory system can cause a scratchy feeling.
Treating an Allergy-Induced Sore Throat
Preventing allergies is essential in alleviating a sore throat and other related symptoms. The first step is to limit your exposure to the irritants as much as possible. Avoid known irritants like cigarette smoke and pet dander when you can. Keep your windows closed or wear a surgical mask outside to protect yourself from airborne allergens during the worst seasons of the year.
Unfortunately, you can’t always avoid allergens. This is when medications can help. Over-the-counter antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) may be taken daily during the worst times of the year to alleviate allergy symptoms. These medications work by preventing the body from mounting a histamine-response to allergens that attack your system. Read more
