Allergies cause some incredibly inconvenient and irritating symptoms: runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and sore throat are all common. A sore throat is characterized by a scratchy, dry feeling in the throat and often causes discomfort when swallowing. Charleston ENT & Allergy is here to help you manage allergy symptoms—including a sore throat.
How Do Allergies Cause a Sore Throat?
Allergies occur when you come in contact with an irritant, and your immune system overreacts to it and perceives it as a threat. These irritants are known as allergens, and the most common allergens are pollen, dust and food. If you encounter an allergen, and if you are allergic to that particular allergen, your immune system releases chemicals called histamines.
Histamines control inflammation, so when they are released, they cause the puffiness and itchiness commonly associated with allergies. Histamines also increase mucus production in the body. Mucus naturally occurs in the throat, nose and mouth to neutralize bacteria and prevent drying out, but excess mucus leads to that bothersome scratchy feeling.
How Do I Soothe a Sore Throat?
There are several ways to alleviate the discomfort of a sore throat, both home-based and over-the-counter.
- Soothe your dry throat with a warm drink, such as tea or warm water. Adding honey will make the soothing effect even stronger; honey has beneficial anti-inflammatory effects that ease sore throats, and it’s been used as a natural cold remedy for much of history.
- Similarly, drink lots of fluids, especially water, to prevent dehydration and keep your throat from drying out. This can help curb mucus production.
- The air you breathe may affect your throat more than you realize. Try using a cool-air humidifier and avoid breathing dry air.
- Over-the-counter cough drops and cough syrups can be very effective and provide fast relief.
How Can I Prevent Getting a Sore Throat From Allergies?
The simplest way to prevent allergy symptoms—like sore throats—is to avoid allergens when possible. For example, if you’re allergic to tree or grass pollen, reduce your exposure by staying indoors and changing your clothes when you’ve been outside.
Antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec, are over-the-counter solutions that decrease the effects of histamines and therefore treat symptoms or preempt them entirely. Some brands can be taken at regular intervals throughout the day to mediate symptoms, while others can be taken daily for long-lasting effects.
If over-the-counter medications aren’t providing the relief you need, consider immunotherapy. Medication eases the symptoms, but immunotherapy treats the condition by reducing the body’s natural response to the allergen, resulting in a permanently reduced immune response. We at Charleston ENT & Allergy are well-equipped to provide immunotherapy and effective, personalized allergy treatment. Call us today with questions or to schedule an appointment.