If you’ve been suffering from allergies this season and have been experiencing a sore throat, you may be wondering if they’re related. Over 30% of Americans have some type of allergy, and most of those suffer from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies prompt a wide variety of symptoms, including congestion, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes, a runny nose and sneezing. Allergies can also cause a sore, itchy throat, making necessary activities like conversing and eating uncomfortable or even painful.
How Do Allergies Cause a Sore Throat?
Allergies occur when a substance, also known as an allergen, enters your body, and your immune system perceives it as harmful, even if it isn’t. In response, the immune system releases antibodies to attack that allergen. Common allergens are dust, pollen, pet dander and mold.
Your immune system’s response to the allergen causes your irritating allergy symptoms. It releases histamines, a chemical that causes inflammation in the affected area, to ward off the supposed threat. Here’s how that can lead to a sore throat.
Postnasal Drip
The primary way allergies lead to a sore throat is through postnasal drip, which occurs when an excess of mucus in the nose drips down to the throat. Mucus occurs naturally in the nose and throat, and its purpose is to catch and flush out foreign invaders and to keep your sinuses and throat hydrated.
Mucus production is increased when you’re experiencing an allergic reaction, and the inflammation caused by histamines can lead to a mucus buildup in the nose. Instead of draining out the nose, that mucus flows the other way, down the nasopharynx, and into the throat. The presence of excess mucus in the throat causes scratchiness, constant throat clearing, coughing and inflammation.
Mouth Breathing
Another way allergies cause a sore throat is increased mouth breathing. If your nose is too congested, you’ll breathe through your mouth, especially during sleep. The increased dry air flow through the throat dries it out, leading to a burning or scratchy feeling.
Direct Allergen Exposure
If the allergen lands in your throat, the tissues in your throat and respiratory tract will become inflamed. Remember that your body thinks the allergen is a threat, like a virus, so it will treat it as such to neutralize it. Inflaming tissues that come in contact with the perceived threat is one such defense mechanism.
Constant Coughing and Throat Clearing
Allergies cause coughing and sneezing, especially if you’re suffering from postnasal drip, as discussed above. Coughing and clearing your throat can dislodge excess mucus, but doing it persistently will further irritate the throat issues, making the discomfort worse.
Is My Sore Throat from Allergies or Something Else?
While allergies are one potential culprit, your sore throat could also be caused by something else. Other common causes are the common cold or a virus, bacterial infection like strep throat, dry air, acid reflux, strained vocal cords (or laryngitis) and tonsillitis.
Your first clue as to whether your sore throat is caused by allergies or something else is the duration. Your allergy symptoms will last as long as you’re exposed to the allergens you’re sensitive to, so if the sore throat has lasted weeks or months, it’s probably allergies. With a virus or bacterial infection, it’s more likely to last three to ten days.
Your next clue is the presence of a fever. Allergies rarely cause a fever, so if your sore throat is accompanied by a fever, it’s probably not allergies but an infection.
How Can I Prevent a Sore Throat from Allergies?
To prevent a sore throat from allergies, you’ll want to take steps to minimize your allergic reactions. Try to limit your exposure to the substances you’re allergic to. Try strategies like:
- Keeping your doors and windows closed.
- Watching the pollen count forecast and staying indoors on days with an especially high pollen count.
- Wearing a face mask outside during allergy season.
- Taking a shower after spending time outdoors and changing your clothes.
- Washing any clothing you wore outside.
- Allergy-proofing your home with air purifiers, HEPA filters and hypoallergenic blankets and bedding.
How Can I Relieve a Sore Throat from Allergies?
Allergens can’t always be avoided, and sometimes you’ll end up with a sore throat after exposure. Fortunately, there are home remedies you can try to soothe a sore throat caused by allergies:
- Stay hydrated. Keeping yourself well-hydrated can help thin out excess mucus while keeping your throat from drying out.
- Warm drinks. Tea with honey and soup broth may soothe a sore throat.
- Elevate your head while you sleep. If your allergy-related sore throat and congestion are keeping you up at night, try propping your head up with extra pillows to prevent mucus from collecting in the back of your throat.
- Gargle saltwater. Gargling a mixture of ½ teaspoon of salt per one cup of warm water can ease inflammation and irritation in your throat.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Many OTC allergy medications are available, including throat lozenges, antihistamines and decongestants. Some brands can be taken at regular intervals throughout the day to mediate symptoms, while others can be taken daily for long-lasting effects.
These remedies can provide temporary relief for a sore throat, but they won’t prevent future episodes. For a more permanent treatment, consider immunotherapy, like allergy shots or allergy drops. Immunotherapy is a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over time. Call South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan to find out more or make an appointment.