Indulge In Local Honey
Local honey is made with local pollen. This means it contains many of the local pollens to which youre reacting. By consuming a small amount of local honey each day, you can help your body build up a tolerance to its native environment so that spring doesnt overwhelm your system.
Its important to remember, this isnt a tactic that offers immediate relief. Rather, its a long-term step youll want to start taking as soon as possible.
Talk With A Doctor Or Clinician To Create A Personalized Treatment Plan
If you arent sure if its a cold or allergies, or if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, its best to connect with a care provider to get an official diagnosis and treatment plan.
If your allergy symptoms are left untreated, you could become more prone to getting sinus infections or other upper respiratory infections, or they may lead to poor asthma control.
Also, a common cold can turn severe. So if your cold has had you laid up longer than a day or two, get in touch with your doctor.
You have a couple options:
Make an appointment for face-to-face care from a primary care doctor or clinician. Whether you choose a video visit or in-person appointment, your doctor will listen to your symptoms, answer questions and work with you to create a tailored treatment plan including connecting you with an allergist or an otolaryngologist if needed.
Start a virtual visit anytime, anyplace through Virtuwell. With Virtuwell, no appointment is necessary and treatment is available 24/7. Getting started is easy. Well ask you a few questions, and youll get your diagnosis and treatment plan from a board-certified nurse practitioner. Each visit is just $59 or less, depending on your insurance.
How Do I Know If I Have A Sore Throat Cold Or Allergies
Both allergies and colds may cause a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a cough, and fatigue. Itchy eyes, post-nasal drip, and dark circles under your eyes are more common with allergies. Symptoms more commonly caused by a virus include sore throat, cloudy or discolored nasal discharge, fever, and general aches and pains.
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Allergens And Their Effects
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:
- runny nose
If you have a sore throat with fever and body aches, its likely the result of a viral infection, such as the cold or flu.
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.
Seasonal Allergies Come With A Runny Nose And Sneezing But Can They Also Cause A Sore Throat Here Experts Discuss The Link Between Postnasal Drip And Throat Irritation
Sore throats can be tricky symptoms in kids. Does the scratchiness mean they have a cold or the flu? What about strep throat or COVID-19? As it turns out, an irritated throat can sometimes be nothing more than allergies. Keep reading to learn why allergies cause a sore throat and how to ease the irritation.
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How To Prevent A Sore Throat From Allergies
To prevent a sore throat from allergies, youll want to take steps to limit your exposure to the substances you are allergic to.
Do your best to avoid known irritants, such as pet dander and cigarette smoke. If you have seasonal allergies hay fever caused by pollen when trees and flowers are in bloom, there are a few things you can do:
- Keep your doors and windows closed
- Wear a pollen mask outside during allergy season to protect yourself from airborne allergens
- Shower after coming in from outdoors
- Wash any clothing you wore outside
Can Pollen Cause A Sore Throat
According to Tottori Allergy and Asthma Associates, tree pollen can indeed cause the same itchy, scratchy sore throat as other allergies. This is generally thought to be caused by inflammation, which builds up sinus pressure in the sinuses. Sore throats caused by allergies tend to be long-lasting and accompanied by other sinus symptoms like a runny nose or persistent cough. The intense sinus pressure can result in powerful headaches as well.
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Enjoy The Fragrant Scent Of Eucalyptus
The 2010 study, Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices, found the scent of eucalyptus could help soothe respiratory problems. It can be introduced through incents. You may consider rubbing some eucalyptus oil on your chest. Or you might want to take a small bit of eucalyptus oil into your steamy shower.
What Are Other Tree Pollen Symptoms
Tree pollen can also trigger other medical conditions such as asthma, making breathing difficult and leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
While these symptoms may seem mild at first, over time they can cause progressive impairment of quality of life, work and sleep. More severe reactions may occur in people with asthma and other respiratory problems.
In addition to the above symptoms, some of our patients report feeling as if they have the flu for months and just feel physically drained. Tree pollen allergies are also described like a bad cold that just wont go away. Some patients will experience benefits with traditional allergy medications, while other patients may require allergy shots for tree pollen. See our blog, Combat Pollen Season for additional information.
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How To Fight Summer Allergies
In the midwest and southern regions of the US, the weather is heating up, and the beginning of summer is quickly approaching. Allergies are usually associated with the spring or fall because pollen is active during these times and causes allergy symptoms in many people across the US. However, summer allergies are also common and are caused by the same allergens as in other seasons. Summer allergy symptoms may be confused for a summer cold or even COVID-19.
Do Allergies Cause A Sore Throat
Yes, allergies can impact your throat. To understand why, you have to know why allergies happen in the first place: If youre allergic to something, your body sees proteins in that substance as a foreign invader. And when those proteins get into your systemsay, by breathing in a whiff of dust or getting pollen blown into your eyesyour immune system launches an inflammatory response in an attempt to protect you.
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Part of that inflammatory response involves producing lots of extra mucus. The mucus helps propel the debris out of your body, but it can give you congestion and a runny nose, which drains into your throat. The ears, nose, and throat are all physically connected, so problems in one area can affect another, explains William Reisacher, M.D., director of allergy services at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.
As a result, that mucus can cause post-nasal drip, when the goopy stuff dribbles down the back of your throat and makes it feel raw and irritated. Allergens can also trigger the tissues in the back of your throat to become inflamed, which only adds to the discomfort, Dr. Mehdizadeh says.
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What Are Other Causes Of A Sore Throat
Sore throats are often the result of post-nasal drip from things like colds, the flu, or allergies. However, its not the only reason your gullet might be feeling achy.
Strep throat is a common infection of the tonsils and throat caused by the _Streptococcus _bacteria. It causes painful soreness in the throat upon swallowing or speaking. Some people are more prone to strep throat than others. For those individuals, its recommended that they get a tonsillectomy in which the tonsils are removed. This can reduce the frequency of strep throat.
Dryness can also be the cause of sore throat. Especially during colder months, air that lacks humidity can dry out the sinuses and throat to make for a scratchy and raspy feeling.
Other causes of sore throat include muscle strain from overuse or acid reflux . The good news is that there are ways to remedy a sore throat and provide yourself with some relief.
How To Tell If A Sore Throat Is From Allergies
Because allergy season is about the same time as cold and flu season, people might be wondering if their sore throat is from allergies or something else. After all, both allergies and illnesses like the cold have many of the same symptoms, such as congestion and headaches.
One big clue is how gradually the symptoms appear. If someone has a cold, then theyâll probably develop a sore throat over several days. But allergies will hit suddenly â as soon as someoneâs exposed to whatâs making them allergic.
If someone has hay fever then theyâll feel the symptoms as soon as they step outside and breathe in pollen. If theyâre allergic to pet dander, they may experience a sore throat after they pet a dog or cat . Dust mite allergy? Spring cleaning may cause a sore throat as soon as they pull out the duster.
While the symptoms of allergies and a cold overlap, there are some symptoms that only happen when a person gets sick. For example, a fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, and is very unlikely to happen when someone has allergies.
Although allergies do not cause a fever, persistent untreated allergies can lead to inflammation in the nose and throat this can increase the chances of getting an infection, and an infection can lead to a fever. For instance, allergies can increase the chances of developing a sinus infection, which can cause a low-grade fever.
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Allergies Rarely Cause Sore Throats Or Body Aches
The only ache you may feel with allergies is a headache from all that congestion. Allergies can cause a sore throat if theres enough irritation from post-nasal drip and coughing, but if youre experiencing a sore throat or mild body aches, theyre more likely a sign of a bad cold.
Can allergies cause chills? No. If you have chills, its more likely you have a cold, the flu or another infection .
How Can You Treat A Sore Throat Caused By Allergies
Allergy medications are usually the best place to start if pollen or other irritants are causing your sore, scratchy throat. Antihistamines, including Claritin, Zyrtec, or Benadryl, can help tame inflammation and ease your symptoms overall, Dr. Mehdizadeh explains. Nasal sprays and nasal glucocorticoids are ideal for easing post-nasal drip, too.
Natural remedies could also make a difference, the experts say. Gargling with warm salt water can help get rid of irritating mucus, and drinking plenty of water or inhaling steam may soothe scratchiness.
Of course, prevention might be the most effective tactic of all. Minimizing your exposure to allergenssay, by keeping your windows closed and showering as soon as you come inside after being outdoorscan keep your symptoms from flaring up and help stop that sore throat before it starts.
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What Is The Outlook For People Who Have Hay Fever
Hay fever can make you feel miserable, but it doesnt cause serious health problems. Most people with hay fever manage symptoms with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication.
People with airborne allergies have a higher risk of ear infections and sinus infections. Because hay fever can make it tough to get a good nights sleep, you may feel tired during the day. If you have asthma, hay fever can make your asthma symptoms worse.
The Effects Of Allergens
An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. When you’re allergic to something, your bodys immune system incorrectly identifies it as dangerous and begins creating antibodies against it. This antibody response is the reason your body produces allergy symptoms.
Common allergens that may cause a sore throat related to postnasal drip include:
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How Is Allergic Rhinitis Treated
Several allergy medications can improve symptoms and help you live with hay fever. These treatments come in many forms, including liquids, pills, eye drops, nasal sprays and injections. Talk to your provider before taking any medication, especially if youre pregnant or have other health concerns. Your provider may suggest:
Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications are available with a prescription or over the counter. They work by blocking the histamine that your body releases during an allergic response. Antihistamines come as pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays and inhalers. They include:
- Loratadine .
- Fexofenadine .
- Levocetirizine .
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol when taking antihistamines, especially if youre going to drive.
These medications relieve congestion in the nose and sinuses. You can take decongestants by mouth or use a nasal spray. They include:
- Afrin® nasal spray.
- Phenylephrine nasal spray .
-
Pseudoephedrine .
Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These sprays and inhalers reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of hay fever. The most common nasal sprays are Flonase®, Nasacort® and Rhinocort®. Side effects include headaches, nasal irritation, nosebleeds and cough.
Your provider might recommend immunotherapy in the form of a pill that you place under your tongue.
Is Immunotherapy Right For Me
Immunotherapy is a treatment of allergy to airborne allergens. An allergy shot involves administering increasing doses of allergens which cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the allergens. Allergy shots are effective for allergies to grass, weeds, tree pollens, mold, dust mite and animal dander. The whole idea of treating you with the very things that make you miserable may seem a bit odd, but in many cases, it works. In other words, allergy shots seem to build a resistance to the things that cause your symptoms, then the next time you run into those allergens, you will tolerate them much better.
If you are ready to find relief from your Las Vegas allergies like pollen, visit us online to schedule an appointment or call 702-240-4233 for our Cheyenne location and 702-432-8250 for our Charleston location.
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How Do I Know If I Have Allergies Or A Cold
Because there is considerable overlap between the symptoms caused by allergies and the symptoms caused by a cold, it can be challenging to know which is causing you to feel under the weather.
There is also some overlap between the symptoms of allergies, colds, and the flu.
One significant difference between the symptoms of allergies compared to colds and the flu is that allergies never cause a fever. If you are experiencing a fever, your symptoms are not the result of allergies and are likely to result from some type of infection.
To determine whether you have a cold or a more significant infection, check the temperature of your fever.
Colds may sometimes result in a low grade fever , while the flu typically causes a high fever that can last between three and four days.
Allergies also do not cause body aches. While some colds can cause mild body aches, body aches are more commonly associated with the flu.
Headaches are also not usually a symptom of colds or allergies but may occur with the flu.
However, there are some symptoms that are unique to allergies, such as itchy, watery eyes, hives, and skin rash and irritation. Colds or the flu will not cause these symptoms, but allergies will.
Regardless of what condition is causing your symptoms, its important to seek medical attention if you find that your symptoms last for an extended period of time or start to get worse.
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.
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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.
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What Are Your Symptoms
Both allergies and colds may cause a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a cough, and fatigue. Itchy eyes, post-nasal drip, and dark circles under your eyes are more common with allergies. Symptoms more commonly caused by a virus include sore throat, cloudy or discolored nasal discharge, fever, and general aches and pains.
