Can Allergies Cause Throat Infection

How Allergies Affect Your Ears Nose And Throat

EarsNoseThroat

The best way to avoid your symptoms is to avoid what causes your allergies in the first place. With help from our Hagerstown, MD ENT doctor, you can successfully control and alleviate your allergy symptoms. Dr. Kirby Scott will perform various tests in order to come to a proper diagnosis, allowing you to breathe easily once again.

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 Types Of Sinusitis And Sinus Infections

Sinusitis may be classified in several ways, based on its duration and the type of inflammation . The term rhinosinusitis is used to imply that both the nose and sinuses are involved and is becoming the preferred term over sinusitis.

• Acute sinus infection usually lasts less than 3-5 days.
• Subacute sinus infection lasts one to three months.
• Chronic sinus infection is greater than three months. Chronic sinusitis may be further sub-classified into chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps, or allergic fungal sinusitis.
• Recurrent sinusitis has several sinusitis attacks every year.

There is no medical consensus on the above time periods.

• Infected sinusitis usually is caused by an uncomplicated virus infection. Less frequently, bacterial growth causes sinus infection and fungal sinus infection is very infrequent. Subacute and chronic forms of a sinus infection usually are the result of incomplete treatment of an acute sinus infection.
• Noninfectious sinusitis is caused by irritants and allergic conditions and follows the same general timeline for acute, subacute, and chronic as infectious sinusitis.

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Drink More Water Than Usual

Drinking water is critical when you want to avoid tonsil stones. Since tonsil stones are formed by bacteria in your throat, drinking lots of water can flush out infections and dislodge any debris and bacteria that grows around your tonsils. Water also makes your mucus runnier and thinner, which can keep it from sticking to your tonsils and throat.

Drinking plenty of water also helps your body flush toxins such as bacteria and viruses out of your body, which can help you fight tonsil stones before they form.

Water can also increase saliva production, which changes the chemistry of your mouth and introduces more oxygen, allowing you to eliminate bacteria from your throat.

Could It Be Gerd

While gastroesophageal reflux disease does not cause post-nasal drip, it can cause the same sensation. If you have what seems to be post-nasal drip without a confirmed cause, see your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have accompanying symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, or abdominal pain. Not only does having reflux affect your quality of life, but it can have health complications.

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Personal Asthma Action Plan

As part of your initial assessment, you should be encouraged to draw up a personal asthma action plan with your GP or asthma nurse.

If youve been admitted to hospital because of an asthma attack, you should be offered an action plan before you go home.

The action plan should include information about your asthma medicines, and will help you recognise when your symptoms are getting worse and what steps to take. You should also be given information about what to do if you have an asthma attack.

Your personal asthma action plan should be reviewed with your GP or asthma nurse at least once a year, or more frequently if your symptoms are severe.

As part of your asthma plan, you may be given a peak flow meter. This will give you another way of monitoring your asthma, rather than relying only on symptoms, so you can recognise deterioration earlier and take appropriate steps.

Want to know more?

• Asthma UK: personal asthma action plan

What If My Strep Throat Isn’t Getting Better

If your strep throat is not getting better, let your healthcare provider know right away. Do not stop taking your prescribed medicine unless your health care provider tells you to. Call your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur:

• Fever one or two days after feeling better
• Dark urine, rash, or chest pain

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Why See An Allergist For A Sinus Infection

If you get sinus infections often, then it is important to identify the cause of the inflammation. Chronic sinusitis that is not treated can cause ear and upper and lower respiratory infections. When these infections start to interfere with your enjoyment of life, then its time to get help. An allergist is trained to identify allergy triggers that may be making your sinus infections occur more often. Our highly trained staff can help you find a solution that helps you take back control and live sinus infection-free.

Schedule an appointment at one of our local offices with a board-certified allergist to start a path to living without sinus infections.

When To See A Doctor

You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. The exception is if youve never been diagnosed with allergies before or if your allergies seem to be getting worse.

You should also see your doctor if your OTC antihistamines arent working. They might recommend prescription medications instead. If your allergies have you particularly congested, they might also prescribe a .

Since sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics dont generally help. However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief.

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Can Allergies Cause Fever

The short answer is allergies dont cause fever. But, allergy symptoms can make you more vulnerable to a viral or bacterial infection, which can lead to a fever. So, its common to blame a fever on your allergies, even though technically that isnt the cause.

Allergies are caused when your immune system overreacts to common things in the environment such as tree and grass pollen of common dust mites in your home. The typical allergy symptoms most people experience include:

• Coughing
• Diarrhea or nausea are common if you have food allergies
• Headache or sinus pain
• Wheezing or asthma

If you have a fever, body aches, and a sore throat, its likely caused by a viral infection from a cold or flu.

Avoid Allergens And Illness

Exposure to allergens can cause the body to produce more mucus than normal. Allergens can include animal dander, pollen, dust mites, fragrance, certain foods, and much more. If you have allergies, avoiding these things can help reduce excess mucus production. Additionally, getting sick with a cold can cause mucus to build-up in your throat and sinus cavities. As the common cold season is approaching, wash your hands frequently, support your immune system, get enough sleep, and keep your distance from others.2

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Socan Allergies Cause Coughing Give It To Me Straight

In short, yes. Usually, create dry coughs . If thats the case, youll likely have other symptoms . Headaches and wheezing often come with allergies, too, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Timings also a factor. If youre allergic to pollen , for example, youll likely notice symptoms almost immediately, or within an hour of being exposed. And those symptoms could last for hours after youve been exposedeven after the allergen isnt nearby anymore.

Coughs related to allergies are also dependent on patterns, so doctors always try to look at the big picture. Say you get a cough every single March. That could be a sign youre actually suffering from allergies, instead of the common cold. You need to look at everything thats going on, says Paul Bryson, MD, an otolaryngologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Your best defense for a cough from allergies? Antihistamines like Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec, which are all available over-the-counter. Other options include steroid nasal sprays and immunotherapy shots, which can work to regulate your bodys response to allergens, instead of just relieving the symptoms.

Can Allergies Cause Loss Of Taste And Smell

Its springtime, which means that seasonal allergies are in full swing. If you suffer from allergies, then you are probably used to a range of symptoms: sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and more. However, in light of the pandemic, you might also be thinking about another potential symptom. Can allergies cause loss of taste and smell, or is this always a COVID symptom? The answer can be confusing. Well break it down in the article below.

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Change Your Oral Hygiene Habits

We all know that gargling and flossing is a critical part of keeping our mouths in tip-top shape, but how many people actually do these things daily? If you are prone to tonsil stones or have one, gargling with hydrogen peroxide or saltwater can help you fight the infection in your mouth and make it inhospitable for the bacteria living in your throat.

Gargling can also break up the mucus in the back of your throat, making it less likely that you will develop tonsil stones. Check out my recipe for a tonsil stone dissolving gargle that you can make at home.

Regularly flossing and brushing your teeth can also help you prevent and treat tonsil stones since these practices remove bacteria, sugars, and food debris from your mouth, keeping them from accumulating and forming tonsil stones.

If you suffer from chronic tonsil stones, you will want to invest in a water flosser or an oral irrigator. These tools are fantastic for flushing out the bacteria in your tonsillar area, and if you use them in the gentlest setting, they are great for removing tonsil stones quickly and painlessly.

I have a dedicated post on the best tonsil stone removal tools that you should also check out.

How Can Allergy Symptoms Be Treated By A Doctor

Allergists, like Dr. Kevin Farnam, MD, are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of allergies and asthma. These specially trained clinicians can treat your stubborn allergy symptoms by first, diagnosing, and then prescribing medications that can help.

Many mild allergy cases can be treated without seeing a doctor. When allergies interfere with your day-to-day activities, you can take back control of your life by seeing an allergist.

An allergist can treat all kinds of allergy problems including:

• Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is a reaction that occurs primarily from environmental allergens
• Anaphylaxis is rare and a potentially fatal allergic reaction caused by triggers such as food, a medication, or an insect sting
• Asthma is an allergy symptom that causes muscle spasms in a persons breathing airway that blocks air to the lungs
• Atopic or contact dermatitis are allergies that cause hives or dermatitis on the skin

Visiting an allergist could include:

• A complete history and physical exam
• Allergy testing to see what is causing your symptoms
• Education to help prevent allergies by avoiding them
• Medication to treat symptoms
• Allergy shots to alleviate symptoms

You should see an allergist if your allergies are causing chronic sinus infections, difficulty breathing, or the discomfort of sneezing, wheezing, or other symptoms that disrupt your life.

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Sore Throat Caused By Allergies

Got a sore throat? Allergies might be to blame. Though many sore throats can be caused by viruses, such as the common cold or flu, or bacteria such as strep throat, allergies are an over-overlooked culprit. If you suspect your sore throat might be caused by allergies, heres what you need to know about treating the problem and alleviating the symptoms.

When To Seek Medical Help

Postnasal drip can be annoying, but it usually isn’t dangerous, as Harvard Medical School explains. However, there are some circumstances when you should seek medical help. See your doctor or dentist if your symptoms get worse or if they aren’t relieved by home remedies. You should also see your doctor if your sore throat is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, such as an unexplained fever or bloody mucus.

Allergy season has arrived, and while you may experience a sore throat from allergies, rest assured that there are many home remedies that can help to soothe your symptoms. If these home remedies aren’t enough, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

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Are You Treating Multiple Symptoms

For a cold, get extra rest and drink plenty of fluids, including water, tea, or soup with lots of broth. For allergies, it can help to shower and change your clothes often because allergens cling to skin, hair, and clothing. For both colds and allergies, over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers may help you feel better, although they wont make a cold go away any faster. And no matter what ails you, avoid medications that treat multiple symptoms, especially if you dont have some of the symptoms the medication is meant to treat.

If home treatments arent working and you still dont feel well, connect with our Consulting Nurse Service or if you are in the Seattle area, visit a CareClinic by Kaiser Permanente at Bartell Drugs.

Can I Prevent Allergy Symptoms

If youre suffering from allergy symptoms you can try to limit your exposure to the allergens whenever possible. Some suggestions include:

• Stay away from cigarette smoke and pets
• If you have seasonal allergies, you can also keep your windows closed during the peak months when your symptoms flare-up
• If you do go outside, wear a mask to protect yourself
• Delegate allergy triggers such as mowing the grass
• Keep your home or office as clean as possible if you know dust mites are a problem
• If you have food allergies, avoid those foods
• Use over-the-counter allergy medications to help control your symptoms
• Use air conditioning in the car or home
• Use a dehumidifier to keep the indoor air dry in your house
• Select a high-efficiency filter for your HVAC unit and follow recommended maintenance to care for these units
• Clean your home with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter

There are all kinds of over-the-counter medications that you can try. They could potentially help for a time. Nonprescription medications could include:

• Antihistamines or decongestants
• Nasal sprays
• Saline or nasal irrigation

However, you cant always avoid or limit your exposure to the things that cause your allergies, such as pollen, pet dander, or mold. Over-the-counter medications may not alleviate your symptoms. Fortunately, your doctor can help with medications to alleviate your symptoms.

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Choose Hot Liquidy Foods And Drinks

Everyone knows that chicken soup is supposed to help alleviate symptoms like congestion, but it does not have to be chicken soup to be effective. Hot liquids like soup and herbal tea break down mucus and keep you hydrated, helping you fight infections and expel excess mucus. Hot beverages can also break down and soften tonsil stones, which might help you get rid of them for good.

When To See A Doctor For Chronic Sore Throat

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, its a good idea to see a doctor if a sore throat lasts longer than five to seven days. If youve experienced a consistent sore throat for several weeks, you should consult with a doctor. Diagnosing the cause of a sore throat is often easy and treatment can be very effective, but its important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

• high fever
• swelling in the throat that makes breathing, talking, or swallowing difficult
• severe pain on one side of the throat
• severely swollen glands
• a lump or obstruction in the throat

Seeing a doctor is the best way to stop your chronic sore throat at the source. Home remedies can be helpful to soothe an irriateted throat, but a doctor will be able to diagnose the root cause and recommend a treatment to help you find lasting relief.

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Allergic Rhinitis And A Sore Throat

When the immune system over-reacts to things like pollen and dust mites it results in allergic rhinitis and various symptoms like congestion and sneezing. However, accompanying these things is often the problem of a sore throat as well.

During a reaction, the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose produce more mucus in an attempt to wash out and trap allergens. This mucus can then cause a runny nose or it can also drip down the back of the throat in a process called the post-nasal drip. This irritates sensitive tissues at the back of the throat so that they eventually become tender. Also, the feeling of mucus dripping down the back of the throat may stimulate a cough which, if persistent, also contributes to a sore throat.

On top of this, a dry or itchy throat is often associated with allergic rhinitis which causes throat tissues to become inflamed a problem wed then call a sore throat.

Treatment For Chronic Sore Throat From Allergies

If it is determined that allergies are the reason for your sore throat, there are several ways to treat these allergies in order to relieve throat pain. Consulting with an ENT specialist will help you determine which is the best approach for your lifestyle and allergies.

Oral Medications

Allergy medicine such as oral antihistamines can be taken daily to help alleviate allergy symptoms like sore throat. This is a good solution for short term relief, but you can end up relying on the daily oral medicine and even building a tolerance to the medication making it less effective. If sore throat is being caused or worsened by acid reflux, oral antacid medicines can also be effective to reduce this symptom.

Allergy Drops

Allergy experts recommend immunotherapy to treat allergies, which involves small regular doses of the allergen to prevent a histamine reaction. Traditionally, immunotherapy was delivered by doctors through a monthly allergy shot. These days, sublingual immunotherapy or allergy drops allow patients to simply put a few drops under their tongue each day at home to effectively eliminate and prevent allergies. These drops are customized for each persons unique allergies, which are determined through an easy and accurate allergy test.

Home Remedies

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