Can Allergies Cause a Sore Throat?

Seasonal allergies can cause an itchy or scratchy sore throat, as well as sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes. Allergies usually cause a sore throat if mucus is draining down into your throat, which irritates it. This is known as post-nasal drip. A sore throat typically lasts as long as you are exposed to allergens.

It can be tricky to figure out if you're dealing with a sore throat from allergies or a cold, both of which cause similar symptoms. Read on to learn when a sore throat is caused by allergies and how to relieve symptoms.

Do Allergies Cause a Sore Throat?

A sore throat can be caused by mucus draining down into your throat or by post-nasal drip. Increased mucus in the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat, which irritates it. Post-nasal drip can also cause the sensation of something getting stuck in your throat, tickling, or itching. You may also have a cough from the irritation.

No single allergen is more prone to causing sore throat than others. The more potent the allergen, the more likely it is to cause allergy symptoms.

Common allergens include:

• Dust
• Foods like animal products, peanuts, and wheat
• Insect bites and stings
• Latex
• Medications, such as antibiotics
• Mold 
• Pet dander
• Pollen

Is It a Cold or Allergies?

A sore throat, especially in winter, can signal a viral infection, such as a cold. It can be challenging to differentiate between a cold and allergies. The best way to tell the difference between the two would be the length of symptoms and history of allergies.

Both allergies and the seasonal cold can cause runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough. Certain symptoms, such as a runny nose or itchy, watery eyes, are more common with allergies than a cold. You most likely have a cold if you're also experiencing aches and pains or a fever.

Cold symptoms typically last only a few days, while allergy symptoms will often last several weeks to months. The cause of symptoms can also vary. Allergy symptoms are triggered by an allergen, while viruses cause a cold.

Allergy symptoms typically flare up during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Colds usually come during the winter. The exception is mountain cedar allergy, which typically flares in the winter.

Symptoms of Allergies

A sore throat from allergies typically causes a dry, scratchy feeling. Other common symptoms associated with allergies include:

• Anaphylaxis, or a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction
• Asthma
• Itching
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Sneezing
• Swelling

Prevention

Prevention is key. Try to avoid triggers if you know what you're allergic to. You can also talk to a healthcare provider about trying immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is when you receive injections of whatever you are allergic to. You become less sensitive to the allergen over time as a result.

Another type of immunotherapy involves giving a small dose of the allergen under the tongue. This is called sublingual immunotherapy.

How To Soothe a Sore Throat From Allergies

A sore throat from allergies typically lasts as long as you are exposed to what you're allergic to. You may need antihistamines, steroids, nasal sprays, nasal rinses, or pain relievers if allergies are causing a sore throat. It's also important to avoid triggers.

Allergy Medication

You may take an oral antihistamine and use a nasal steroid during your worst allergy season. Commonly available antihistamines include Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), or Zyrtec (cetirizine). Nasal steroids include Flonase (fluticasone) or Rhinocort (budesonide).

An allergist may recommend a nasal antihistamine like azelastine. They might also prescribe oral steroids to reduce the inflammation that's causing a sore throat.

Home Remedies

You can take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) as directed by the label to reduce pain from a sore throat. A saline spray may be enough, but you can also try nasal rinses. Popular nasal rinse products include Neil Med and the Navage device.

Non-medical therapies, such as salt water gargles or tea with honey and lemon, may also work for certain people. These treatments are generally not as effective as medications.

Trigger Avoidance

Avoiding triggers is one of the best ways to prevent and reduce allergy symptoms, including a sore throat. Here are some ways to limit exposure:

• Avoid hanging clothing outdoors to dry.
• Bathe your pet weekly, and wash your hands after petting them.
• Check the pollen counts and stay indoors when they are highest.
• Close windows during the pollen season.
• Keep pets outside of your bedroom. 
• Take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes after being outdoors.
• Try cleaning floors with a mop instead of sweeping.
• Use dust-proof covers on box springs, mattresses, and pillows.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors.

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

Reach out to a healthcare provider if you have a sore throat that lasts longer than a few days or does not go away after removing the allergen. Get medical attention right away if you have trouble breathing.

Talk to a healthcare provider if you have:

• A high fever
• Rash
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck

A Quick Review

Seasonal allergies can cause an itchy or scratchy sore throat due to post-nasal drip. Other symptoms typically include sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes. Talk to a healthcare provider if you're unsure whether you're dealing with a sore throat from allergies or a cold. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan.