Sore Throat Can Be Symptoms of Allergies
Do you remember when you were a child, eating throat relievers made your sore throat go away? But now, your itchy throat can last for several days or weeks, no matter what you eat. When your sore throat is irritated due to an allergic reaction to airborne particles, the treatment becomes a little more complicated. Overcoming the exact cause of your allergy can help you ease a sore throat forever.
Allergy as a cause of sore throat
Postnasal drip is a major cause in allergic cases due to strep throat. As a result of allergen exposure, postnasal drip occurs when a sinus congestion runs into the throat, causing a tickling or itching pain. Flow can also cause:
- Cough
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Throat irritation
- Difficulty speaking
Many allergies, such as pollen allergies, are seasonal allergies. If you experience allergic symptoms throughout the year, your symptoms will worsen during high air irritation seasons, such as pollination of flowers and trees. A more common include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Dust mites
- Mold and mildew
- Pet fur (especially cats and dogs)
Common allergic symptoms include a blocked nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and cough. If you have a sore throat with fever and body aches, it is likely the result of a virus, such as a cold or flu.
A sore throat is another way to determine whether you have a sore throat caused by an allergy. In addition to the discomfort that results from postnasal drainage, particles that enter the respiratory system directly can cause itching.
Treat sore throat due to allergies
Preventing allergies is very important in reducing sore throat and other related symptoms. The first step is to limit exposure to irritants as much as possible. Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke and pet dander when you can. Keep the window closed or wear a mask outside to protect yourself from airborne allergens.
Unfortunately, you cannot always avoid allergens. This condition is where medicine can help. Antihistamines on the market such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can be produced daily during the worst times of the year to relieve allergic symptoms. These medications work by preventing the body from responding to the formation of histamine from allergens that attack your system.
Your doctor may recommend prescription drugs with strong doses if your allergies are severe or consistent. They can also recommend decongestants or nasal sprays to help prevent postnasal drip which can cause a sore throat.
An allergist can do a skin test and blood test that will tell you your allergies. Not only can this help you avoid allergens, but it can also help determine whether you can do immunotherapy such as allergic injections.
Allergy shots can help you maintain an allergy-free life with long-term treatment. This treatment consists of administering small doses of allergens which from time to time will reduce your body's reaction. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, most patients need one to two injections per week for six months. Monthly maintenance injections are required on average for three to five years.
