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Can Allergies Cause Swollen Throat

Soothing A Sore Throat At Home

Here are several home remedies that may help soothe a sore throat from allergies, according to Harvard Medical School:

  • Stay well-hydrated to help to thin the mucus.
  • Consume more hot liquids, such as chicken soup.
  • Use a humidifier or inhale steam.
  • Prop yourself up with a few extra pillows at night, since mucus can collect in the back of your throat when you lie flat.

There are also many over-the-counter medications available, including oral decongestants and antihistamines. Nasal decongestants may also be helpful, though Harvard Medical School cautions that they shouldn’t be used for more than one to two days. For help choosing the most appropriate product, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.

While these steps can help soothe a sore throat from allergies, they won’t prevent future allergy symptoms. Pollen, whether from grass, trees or ragweed, is a common culprit of seasonal allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, so avoiding exposure to it can help. The Mayo Clinic recommends staying indoors on dry, windy days and, if possible, keeping your doors and windows closed on days with high pollen counts. If you need to do outdoor chores, such as lawn mowing or weed pulling, wear a pollen mask.

Viral Infections Causing Your Tonsils To Become Swollen

Swollen and inflamed tonsils is known as tonsillitis. Although this condition is usually more common in children, adults can also get tonsillitis. When accompanied by fever, weight loss, lumps in the neck or elsewhere in the body, and if it becomes a chronic problem, adults should see Premier Urgent Care Center right away for treatment.

Viral infections causing swollen tonsils include the following:

  • Adenovirus is the virus that causes the common cold, which is usually accompanied by a sore throat and sometimes bronchitis.
  • Known as the kissing disease,  mono or Epstein-Barr is caused by infected saliva.
  • The HSV-1 or herpes simplex virus can lead to cracked blisters on the tonsils.
  • HHV-5 is a virus which stays dormant in the body, but will flare up in a person with a compromised immune system. This can also occur in pregnant women.
  • Measles is a very contagious virus affecting the respiratory system.

Hand Foot And Mouth Disease

As the name implies, this viral illness usually causes sores to form on the hands, feet, and mouth. Sores can develop in the back of the mouth, near the sides of the throat, and one side may be more affected than the other.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually occurs in children under 5 years of age , but it can also spread to older children and adults.

The recommended treatment usually comprises rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication for pain relief. However, the disease can cause dehydration, especially in young children. A person should see a doctor if they are unable to drink.

Overusing or misusing the voice can lead to lesions or sores on the vocal cords. A lesion may form on one side, causing one area of the throat to be sore.

A person with a vocal cord lesion will usually notice a change in their voice, such as hoarseness.

These types of lesions are usually treatable. Resting the voice and vocal therapy are typically used to correct vocal cord lesions. In some cases, lesions will require surgery.

What Are The Common Signs And Symptoms Of Food Allergy

Allergic reactions usually occur and develop within a few minutes to two hours after ingesting the offending food. It may cause discomfort to affected individuals. Some may even experience severe effects which can be frightening and at time life-threatening. The most common signs and symptoms involved in food allergies were as follow:

  • Tingling sensation and itching in the mouth area

  • Occurrence of eczema and hives

  • Face, lips, tongue, throat swelling after eating

  • Trouble in breathing

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Dizziness and fainting

Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction may be experienced. This is a serious condition that can cause life-threatening signs and symptoms:

  • Tightening or constriction of the air passages

  • Difficulty in breathing due to swollen areas or lump present in the throat

  • Severe drop in the blood pressure caused by shock

  • Rapid or increased pulse rate

  • Lightheadedness leading to possible loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is a critical condition that should be given emergency treatment. If remained untreated, this condition may lead to coma and even death.

Note:

If symptoms or signs of food allergy occur shortly after eating, see a doctor or an allergist immediately. If possible, seek medical help when the allergic reaction is still present as this will help in the diagnosis and treatments. Remember to have emergency treatment when any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis are observed.

Purpose Of Lymph Nodes

Can allergies cause a sore throat, headache and cough? How ...

Helping your body battle infections and other diseases, lymph nodes are bean-shaped, small masses of tissue components of a large lymphatic system. When lymphatic fluid moves through your body, lymphocytes within the lymph glands trap viruses, bacteria and other possibly harmful substances and destroy them. This helps keep these pathogens from spreading any further.

Can You Get A Sore Throat From Allergies And What Causes It

Yep, and how you develop it all comes down to how your body reacts when its exposed to an allergen like pollen. If you have allergies, your immune system will react to being exposed to an allergen by releasing histamines, chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

For many people with seasonal allergies, those histamines can cause a stuffy, runny noseand that can trigger post-nasal drip, i.e. mucus running down the back of your throat, explains Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. And that can cause irritation back there. Cue the sore throat. Often, first thing in morning it will be worse from laying down all night, Dr. Parikh says.

Post-nasal drip isnt the only reason you might develop a sore throat from allergies, though. Coughing and mouth breathing can also mess with the way your throat feels, says Kara Wada, MD, an allergist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Of course, not everyone with allergies gets a sore throat. Allergies can affect each of us differently, Dr. Wada says. There are some things that might make you more prone to struggling with a sore throat from allergies, Dr. Parikh says, including how severe your allergies are and the anatomy of your nose.

Also worth pointing out: If you have allergies to several things that can crop up in the springtime, like pollen and grass, you might be more likely than other people to board the sore throat struggle bus as you’re reacting to all these different triggers at once.

Steps For Managing Your Sore Throat

The first step in managing your allergy-induced sore throats is visiting a professional. From there, we can determine the root cause of your allergy, and help you create a personalized plan for removing the trigger from your life and/or ways to manage your allergies when removing the trigger isnt a realistic solution. 

Short Term Relief

Providing short-term relief for a sore throat can usually be accomplished through the use of simple but effective home remedies. Drink warm liquids, especially tea with honey or lemon, and chicken broth or bouillon. Cold liquids can also help. Suck on Popsicles, hard candy, or throat lozenges to soothe irritation. Gargle with warm salt water several times a day. Use a humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air. 

Long Term Relief

More long-term solutions can involve immunotherapy, which is a series of allergy shots designed to build up your bodys immune system against the allergen causing you and your body stress. 

Causes Of A Swollen Throat

It is important to differentiate between swelling in the neck and swelling in the throat. The neck is the part of the body that connects the head to the torso. Some of the large structures in the neck include muscles, branches of the major blood vessels, thyroid gland and throat. Swelling of the neck is not synonymous with swelling in the throat. Usually a swollen throat is not visible or palpable from superficially.

Sometimes the cause can be as simple as injuring the throat while brushing. At other times throat swelling can be triggered by certain foods and become life threatening within minutes. Swelling of the throat is sometimes associated with laryngitis but the throat lies immediately above the larynx.

Is It Allergies Or A Cold

Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between allergies and the common cold. There are more than a hundred strains of cold viruses. Each tends to become widespread at certain times of the year, which is why you may mistake a cold for a seasonal allergy. Allergies occur at the same time every year and last as long as the allergen is in the air . Allergies cause itching of the nose and eyes along with other nasal symptoms. Colds last about one week and have less itching of the nose and eyes.

Foods That Relieve Or Cause Throat Mucus

Nutrition can play a role in throat mucus, too. Some foods can actually contribute to throat mucus and other foods can help relieve it. Although every person is different and may have their own unique triggers, here are some of the common foods to avoid with mucus in the throat, and foods to enjoy as they can help reduce mucus.

Foods that cause excessive mucus production:

  • Dairy products like milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese
  • High-fat red meat and processed meat
  • Gluten products especially in people with a gluten allergy
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine particularly the variety found in soda
  • Fruits and vegetables, like bananas, cabbage, and potatoes

Foods that relieve mucus:

  • Fruits and vegetables like garlic, celery, onions, parsley, winter squash, berries, oranges, greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and peppers
  • Chicken soup

Related: White mucus causes, treatment, and home remedies

Should You Have Your Tonsils Removed

These days, its not as common for tonsils to be removed. Removal will only be considered if there are frequent bouts of pustular tonsillitis that require antibioticssay, five or more attacks in one year, says Dr. Morrison, especially if the infections dont get better with treatment or theyre getting in the way of daily activities. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, who will ultimately make the final decision regarding surgery.

Stomach Acid Isnt Staying Put

Reflux that affects the throat is called laryngopharyngeal reflux , or LPR. LPR is a very common problem in the U.S., mostly from poor diet, says Dr. Zalvan. When stomach acid travels up and into the throat on the regular, the chronic burning and irritation can cause sore and swollen tonsils.

You might also feel the need to clear your throat a lot, have trouble swallowing, or get saddled with a cough that just wont quit.

If you suspect LPR is whats messing with your tonsils, avoid aggravating factors, such as acidic or spicy foods and drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, says Dr. Morrison, who also recommends sleeping with sufficient pillows to keep yourself propped up, popping antacids as needed, and steering clear of tight-fitting waistbands.

Allergens And Their Effects

Sore throat: Allergy or cold? Plus treatment and prevention

Postnasal drip is the main culprit in cases of allergy-induced sore throat.

Its the result of exposure to an allergen and occurs when congestion in the nose and sinuses drains down to the throat. This causes tickling or scratchy pain.

The drainage also can cause:

  • coughing
  • runny nose
  • coughing

If you have a sore throat with fever and body aches, its likely the result of a viral infection, such as the cold or .

Scratchiness is another way to determine if you have an allergy-induced sore throat.

In addition to the raw feeling that results from postnasal drainage, particles that directly enter the respiratory system can cause an itchy or scratchy feeling.

Other Causes And Treatments Of Swollen Glands

Can allergies cause swollen glands? Sometimes. Other causes of swollen glands include:

Common Infections

  • Metastatic cancer affecting the lymph nodes

 

 

 The treatment of swollen glands will depend on the underlying cause.

  • Swollen lymph nodes due to a viral infection tend to resolve on their own after the viral infection resolves. However, antiviral medications may be recommended.
  • Swollen lymph nodes due to a bacterial infection require antibiotic treatment.
  • Swollen lymph nodes due to HIV/AIDS infection require specific treatment for this medical condition.
  • Swollen lymph nodes due to immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus require treatment directed on the underlying cause.
  • Swollen lymph nodes due to cancers require specific treatment depending on the type of cancer. In general, treatments include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Seek immediate medical help in cases when swollen lymph glands are accompanied with:

  • High fever
  • Redness of the skin over the swollen lymph nodes
  • Night sweats

How To Treat 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 with antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra. Steroid nasal sprays can also decrease the production of watery mucus.

What Are The Possible Causes Of Food Allergy

Food allergies may be due to several factors. These may vary from the foods being ingested to the sensitivity of the body towards several substances and environment, which can cause throat swelling after eating and other signs listed above.

  • Pollen-food allergy syndrome. Food rich in protein may trigger allergies. This may include food sources such as shellfish, peanuts, fish, eggs, milk, wheat, and soy. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices may also cause allergies due to the process is known as cross-reactivity.

  • Age and family history. The person’s age and family history can increase the risk of allergies. Children are more susceptible to be affected by this condition. Family tree also plays a big role as it can also increase the risk of members having asthma, eczema, and allergies.

  • Exercise-induced food allergy. Some foods tend to cause itchiness and nausea after performing exercise routines. Eating foods hours before exercising should be avoided to prevent the occurrence of allergies.

  • Food intolerance and other possible reactions. The food intolerance of a person may vary. Some may eat small amounts of problem foods without suffering from any reactions. However, there are some who may experience allergy even after eating tiny amounts of food. Always be aware of the foods being eaten as well as the ingredients present in each meal.

What Are The Treatments For Allergic Rhinitis

The first and best option is to avoid contact with substances that trigger your nasal allergies . When prevention is not enough, consider using over-the-counter or prescription medicines:

  • Antihistamines are taken by mouth or as a nasal spray. They can relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. They also reduce a runny nose and, to a lesser extent, nasal stuffiness.
  • Decongestants are taken by mouth or as a nasal spray or drops. They help shrink the lining of the nasal passages which relieves nasal stuffiness. These nose drops and sprays should be taken short-term.
  • Nasal corticosteroids are used in nasal spray form. They reduce inflammation in the nose and block allergic reactions. They are the most effective medicine type for allergic rhinitis because they can reduce all symptoms, including nasal congestion. Nasal corticosteroids have few side effects.
  • Leukotriene receptor antagonists block the action of important chemical messengers other than histamine that are involved in allergic reactions.
  • Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that blocks the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, including histamine and leukotrienes. This medicine has few side effects, but you must take it four times a day.

Nasal allergy symptoms may disappear completely when the allergen is removed or after the allergy is treated. Talk to your pharmacist and health care provider about what is best for you.

What’s The Best Way To Manage A Sore Throat From Allergies

Fact: You dont need to suffer through this, and allergists say there are a few things you can do to try to relieve your pain. Ultimately, Dr. Wada says, the best treatment is a combo of tackling your nasal symptoms and sore throat. Try these treatment options.

  • Use an antihistamine. Antihistamines block the effects of histamines, lessening the risk youll develop allergy symptoms, including a sore throat, Dr. Wada says.
  • Try a nasal steroid spray. Nasal steroid sprays help reduce inflammation in your nasal passages, Dr. Wada says, and could help tamp down on post-nasal drip.
  • Gargle with warm salt water. Not only does it feels soothing on your throat, Dr. Wada says, the salt in the water can help pull mucus out of the area and make you feel better.
  • Have some honey. If a cough is behind your sore throat, consider having a spoonful of honey. Research has found that honey can reduce how often and how intensely you cough when youre sick. Honey can also be soothing for sore throats for anyone over age one, Dr. Wada says.

If you have a sore throat from allergies and this is a regular thing for you, Dr. Parikh recommends talking to your doctor or allergist about allergen immunotherapy, which are shots you can take to help reduce your reaction to allergens. These can make you less allergic to the trigger over time, Dr. Parikh says.

Method 2 Of 3:seeking Medical Attention

  • 1Visit your doctor if your swelling persists or is severe. Swelling that doesnt impede your ability to breathe should respond to at-home treatment. If it doesnt get better after a few hours or starts to get worse, you should seek medical assistance. The doctor can prescribe a stronger treatment, such as corticosteroids.
  • You should also see the doctor if youve never experienced swelling before.
  • Seek emergency medical care if youre having trouble breathing, have abnormal breathing sounds, or feel faint.XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source
  • 2Ask your doctor for an oral corticosteroid. These medications reduce inflammation in your body, which in turn reduces swelling. Theyre often used after antihistamines alone have been ineffective at reducing swelling.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • For example, your doctor may prescribe prednisone.
  • Corticosteroids can have side effects, including fluid retention that can cause swelling, high blood pressure, weight gain, glaucoma, mood issues, behavioral issues, and memory problems.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • For a severe reaction, the doctor may administer corticosteroids via an IV.XResearch source
  • Follow all of your doctors instructions for taking your medication.
  • Its A Symptom Of Certain Stds

    Both syphilis and gonorrhea can flare up in the throat area. Syphilis usually appears as sores in the early stages, called chancres, and can crop up at the back of your throat, swelling your tonsils in the process. Symptoms of gonorrhea are more subtle, and can include mouth soreness and burning in the throat.

    Although both STDs have been increasing in prevalence, theyre still considered uncommon, says Dr. Zalvan. The sooner you catch them, the easier they are to treat. If you suspect an STD might be the cause of your swollen tonsils, your doc can do a throat swab to be sureand if positive, prescribe antibiotics, according to the American Dental Association.

    Treatment For Chronic Sinusitis

    What You Should Know about a Sore Throat from Allergies ...

    Antibiotics: The usual method of treatment for bacterial sinusitis is through a prescription for antibiotics. The length of the antibiotics course depends partially on the type of medicine that is taken, and also it depends on how severe or lengthy the case of sinusitis has been. The normal experience for a patient is that the medicine is taken for 3-28 days.

    In light of common issues connected with antibiotics, such as abuse and overuse, there has been an obvious decrease in the effectiveness of these medicines. If a patient has only been experiencing symptoms for a few days, it is likely antibiotics will not be prescribed. If the symptoms are persistent , or worsening, a patient should then acquire a prescription for antibiotics from their doctor.

    The purpose of antibiotics is not to alleviate symptoms, but to attack the bacterium that causes the infection in the first place. Therefore, when the antibiotics are taken, the effects may not be felt for a few days until the bacteria have been fully attacked.

    If a patient needs immediate pain or symptom relief, there are various over-the-counter medications that can help.

    Nasal Decongestant Sprays: Nasal decongestant sprays are not designed to fix the overall issues pertaining to sinus infections, but as a symptom reliever, to reduce swelling in the nasal passages, helping the flow of bacteria and mucus to be facilitated and clear the sinuses.

    Surgery for Chronic Sinusitis

    Diagnosis And Testing For Sinusitis

    There are various tests that can and should be performed to confirm a diagnosis, determine the level of infection and check for other more serious issues.

    A physical examination is completed, which includes a full head and neck examination so that more serious issues can be excluded. Swollen lymph nodes may occur in the neck if an infection is present, which is no different than the swelling of lymph nodes that accompanies an acute sore throat or ear infection .

    Sinus palpation is used to determine the level of tenderness or swelling. When pain is experienced caused by the palpation, in the frontal or maxillary sinuses, it will be taken into consideration. A doctor may also use transillumination to look at the frontal and maxillary sinuses, though this is not always the most effective test.

    The oral cavity and oropharynx is examined to evaluate the palate and condition of dentition, as well as looking for evidence of postnasal drip.

    Anterior rhinoscopy, conducted with a nasal speculum, is used to examine the condition of the mucus membranes  to look for evidence of purulent drainage or to look for signs of polyps or other masses. This examination is carried out with the use of a nasal decongestant, with treatments both before and after.

    An ear examination may be carried out to inspect for possible middle ear fluid. This could be a sign of a mass or growth in the nasopharynx .

    • Conjunctival congestion
    • Lacrimation
    • Proptosis and visual disturbances

    How Can You Tell A Cold From Allergies

    This can be challenging, Dr. Wada says. Still, there are a few signs that you might be dealing with one vs. the other.

    Typically, allergies will last longerweeks to monthswhereas colds will last one to two weeks, Dr. Wada says. Colds also tend to have more body symptoms like muscle aches and even a fever, Dr. Parikh says. And, unless you develop an infection related to your allergies, you shouldnt get a fever from allergies.

    When Mucus In Throat Can Become A Serious Issue

    The color of your mucus in throat is a strong indicator of how severe the health problem is. Generally, thin and clear is the safest, and other colors could indicate a particular infection. Here are some guidelines to know when mucus in throat is a serious issue.

    Thin and clear: Sign of cold or allergies, it could also be a sign of medication side effect or a reaction to certain food.

    Thick and colored: If mucus is very thick, it could be a sign of dryness, which can be caused by heating systems. If mucus appears green, yellow, or brownish, it could indicate a bacterial infection.

    Rattling sound in chest: If mucus is dripping down to your chest, it may be difficult to swallow and may cause a rattling sound, which may be pointing to pneumonia.

    Burning sensation: If mucus is burning, it could be a result of a heartburn or GERD.Paying attention to your mucus can help offer insights into your overall health and give you indications on how to treat the mucus.

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