When springtime blooms or the fall leaves start to drop, many people deal with runny noses, sneezing fits, and itchy eyes. A sore throat or painful swallowing is another common symptom that often catches allergy sufferers off guard. So, can allergies really cause a sore throat? The answer is yes—and here’s why.
What Causes a Sore Throat During Allergy Season?
A sore throat from allergies typically isn’t caused by an infection, like with a cold or flu. Instead, it’s due to postnasal drip. When you’re exposed to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold, your body reacts by producing extra mucus. This mucus can drip down the back of your throat, especially when you lie down, leading to irritation, scratchiness, and discomfort.
How to Tell If Your Sore Throat Is from Allergies
It’s not always easy to tell whether a sore throat is allergy-related or caused by something like a viral infection. However, allergy-related sore throats tend to:
- Occur alongside other allergy symptoms (like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or a runny nose)
- Come and go with exposure to allergens (for example, flaring up when you go outside during high pollen counts)
- Last longer than a typical viral sore throat, often persisting for weeks or even months
- Feel more like irritation or scratchiness than severe pain
Fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes are not typical of allergy-related sore throats—these may indicate an infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How to Relieve a Sore Throat Caused by Allergies
If allergies are the culprit behind your sore throat, managing your allergic response is key. Here are some ways to find relief:
- Use nasal antihistamines: These helps reduce your body’s reaction to allergens and can decrease mucus production while helping with itchy and runny nose symptoms.
- Use nasal steroids: Nasal steroids like Flonase / Fluticasone help with clogged sensations and congestion while reducing mucus production, therefore decreasing post nasal drip symptoms.
- Try a saline nasal rinse: Flushing out your nasal passages can reduce postnasal drip.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Hydration soothes throat tissues and helps thin mucus.
- Run a humidifier: Moist air can ease throat irritation, especially overnight.
- Limit allergen exposure: Stay indoors during peak pollen hours, shower after being outside, and keep windows closed.
When to See a Specialist
While you can use at-home sore throat remedies to comfort a sore throat, if your sore throat is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s time to consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. If you suspect allergies are causing your sore throat, schedule an appointment with one of our Allergists. At Allergy & ENT Associates, we can help determine the exact cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan, whether it’s allergies, sinus issues, or something else entirely.
While a sore throat might not be the first symptom you associate with allergies, it’s common and treatable. Understanding the link between your environment and how your body reacts can go a long way in keeping you comfortable year-round.
Need help managing allergy symptoms?
Schedule a consultation with an allergist at Allergy & ENT Associates today. We’re here to help you breathe easier—and feel better.