So, you have a sore throat, cough, runny nose and congestion. Have you caught a common cold or do you have allergy symptoms? Sometimes, it is even difficult for doctors to distinguish between the two, because their symptoms can be so similar. If you have persistent throat discomfort accompanied by other allergy symptoms, consider that you may have a sore throat due to allergies. Show
Causes and concernsOne of hundreds of different kinds of cold-causing viruses can enter your body. As a defense mechanism, your immune system will attack these pathogens. The result of this response is classic cold symptoms, including sore throat, cough, fever and nasal congestion. Allergies occur when you have an overactive immune system. For unknown reasons, the body confuses harmless substances (allergens) like airborne dust and pollens for germs and attacks them. When you have allergies, your body releases chemicals (called histamines) and they fight the allergen in the same manner as when you battle a cold bug. You can develop swollen nasal passages, runny nose, sneezing, cough and a sore throat. Unlike the common cold, allergies are not contagious. Symptoms and signsWhile there are some differences, cold and allergy symptoms can also overlap. For example, you will sometimes feel achy or feverish with a cold but never with allergies. You will often get a sore throat as the first symptom of a cold. However, you will rarely develop a sore throat as part of an allergic reaction. However, when it does occur it is called allergy sore throat, and it results when persistent drainage irritates the back of the oral cavity. The main difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold normally last for two weeks at the most, while allergies will typically be more seasonal and chronic. If you have cold-like symptoms after 14 days, you should consult an allergy specialist. Your symptoms could be caused by allergies or they could be potential warning signs of a more serious problem such as asthma. Common symptoms and signs of allergies that accompany allergy sore throat include:
Solutions and optionsEven though allergy and cold symptoms are very often similar, their causes are not. Therefore different tactics are needed to prevent colds and allergies. In order to avoid the nasty symptoms of a cold, try not to let any of the many common cold viruses enter your body. Stay as far away as you can from anyone who exhibits signs and symptoms of a cold. Wash your hands frequently. To prevent spreading your cold, always cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Also, use either a tissue or your sleeve instead of your hands. In order to lessen the chances of developing allergic reactions, including an allergic sore throat or cough, avoid direct contact with your known allergens (like substances you know cause your adverse reactions). Common allergens include:
Always talk to your doctor before taking any medications you can buy in a drugstore without a prescription. This is especially important if you take prescription medications to prevent possible drug interactions. While there is no known cure for either common colds or allergies, there are ways to ease your symptoms. To treat both cold and allergy symptoms, try some of these home remedies:
While cold and allergy symptoms are rarely serious on their own, they can lead to other conditions like asthma, ear infections and sinus infections. If you think you have an allergy sore throat from persistent allergies, consult one of our caring allergy specialists. The doctor can help you find a solution to your symptoms. Among the allergy symptoms that can affect day-to-day life, getting a sore throat from allergies can be especially irritating. Together with a runny nose and itchy eyes, a sore throat can cause discomfort and disruption to your routine. Allergy symptoms of a sore throat can include a dry, scratchy feeling in your throat. It could be caused by different kinds of allergies, whether seasonal – or something in your home that is affecting you. There are various steps you can take to help manage or even reduce the symptoms. Find out more about potential sore throat allergy remedies with our helpful guide. Can Allergies Cause A Sore Throat?Yes, sometimes allergies can cause a sore throat – among other symptoms. It’s all part of the way your body protects itself against allergic reactions.
Histamines are your body’s natural reaction to any allergy trigger. So whether you’re exposed to pollen as a hay fever sufferer, or to dust by opening an old book, your body springs into action – resulting in the discomfort you feel during an allergic reaction. If you’re experiencing a sore throat as an allergy symptom, there are potential ways to find relief. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an annoyance! So let’s find out how to help or stop a sore throat being caused by allergies. How To Help Prevent A Sore Throat From AllergiesIf your allergies are leading to issues with your voice, or consistently causing discomfort, it may help to try and reduce your exposure to the things which trigger them. Here’s how you can try and prevent a sore throat if you have one of the most common allergies. Pollen allergyTree pollen in spring4, grass pollen in the summer and ragweed pollen during the fall can all cause especially high levels of discomfort at those times of year, if you’re allergic to any of those allergens. Try to reduce your exposure by staying indoors when the weather is especially windy – which can ‘whip up’ pollen into the air. The best time to be out is usually after rainfall, which helps clear up airborne pollen. Remember to change clothes when you’ve been outside and avoid extensive gardening duties if possible5. In the summer, it’s a good idea to turn up the AC – which may help disperse pollen more effectively, and prevent it from settling on or near you. Pet allergiesThe main cause of pet allergies – including dog and cat allergies – is dander, or shed skin cells – though pet saliva can be a problem too, as this can linger when it is dried and airborne. A HEPA air purifier may help reduce the amount of allergens in your home, such as dander and dried saliva6. Avoiding prolonged exposure to our furry friends can help too – try to bathe them once a week to reduce dander, wash your hands after petting animals, and keep pets out of the house as much as you can7. Help Soothe A Sore Throat From Allergies With These Remedies8HELP SOOTHE A SORE THROAT DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS USE A HUMIDIFIER (OR STEAM ROOM) RELAX, AND REST YOUR VOICE DRINK WARM LIQUIDS It’s one thing to try and avoid allergens as much as possible, but if you’re suffering from a sore throat as the result of an allergy, you’ll want to know how to soothe it as quickly as you can. Fortunately, there are a number of home-based and over-the-counter methods to help a sore throat caused by allergies. Drink lots of fluidsTry to keep your throat from drying out, and avoid dehydration by drinking lots of fluids – especially water. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can have a dehydrating effect, is also advised. Use a humidifier (or steam room)Dry air may make your sore throat feel worse. A cool-air humidifier can improve the air circulation in your home or working environment and prevent that from happening. Steam, meanwhile, can have a similarly positive effect. Drink warm liquidsSoothing a sore throat with a warming drink, such as warm water with honey, or a broth, can help provide some relief. Just be sure to check the temperature isn’t too hot first though, as that could cause further discomfort. Relax (and rest your voice)Taking a temporary vow of silence – or at least speaking only when necessary – may help you to stay more comfortable. Get plenty of rest too – relaxing at home in a controlled atmosphere may help minimize your exposure to allergens. Zyrtec medications are not indicated for sore throats. However, Zyrtec does provide 24-hour relief from other symptoms of allergies, such as a runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat. FAQsHow do you tell if it’s allergies or a cold?9When you’re experiencing an allergic reaction, you may get some of the same symptoms as you would when catching a cold, including a sore throat. A cold, however, may also give you a fever or raised body temperature due to viral infection. Find out more information on the differences between allergies and colds, and how to tell the difference. What should you not eat with a sore throat?8Eating certain soups, and drinking warm water with honey, can help soothe a sore throat. But some types of food are best avoided. These include anything especially acidic or spicy, as that might irritate your throat, causing further discomfort. Is ice cream bad for a sore throat?8On the contrary, if you ever needed an excuse to enjoy an ice cream, it’s having a sore throat! A cool treat such as your favorite ice cream, or an ice pop, may help soothe a sore throat – and bring some welcome relief. References:
What allergy medicine is best for sore throat?Allergy medications are usually the best place to start if pollen or other irritants are causing your sore, scratchy throat. Antihistamines, including Claritin, Zyrtec, or Benadryl, can help tame inflammation and ease your symptoms overall, Dr. Mehdizadeh explains.
What kills a sore throat from allergies?According to Dr. Burgert, you can treat allergy-induced sore throat with over-the counter-pain medication like Tylenol or Motrin. Even better, you can eliminate the cause of the sore throat (allergy-induced postnasal drop) with antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra.
How do I know if my sore throat is from allergies?The only ache you may feel with allergies is a headache from all that congestion. Allergies can cause a sore throat if there's enough irritation from post-nasal drip and coughing, but if you're experiencing a sore throat or mild body aches, they're more likely a sign of a bad cold.
Can allergy medicine get rid of sore throat?Antihistamines. Antihistamines can be used as sore throat medications and can help stop or even prevent an itchy throat. These medications work by blocking histamine release in the body, which is a chemical that can cause allergic reactions.
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