Can You Get A Sore Throat And Cough From Allergies

What Are The Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis

Hay fever symptoms can appear throughout the year. Outdoor allergies are worse in the spring, summer and early fall. In warm weather, weeds and flowers bloom, and pollen counts are higher. Indoor allergies, such as those that result from pet dander and dust mites, can get worse in winter because people spend more time indoors.

Symptoms of hay fever include:

• Nasal stuffiness , sneezing and runny nose.
• Itchy nose, throat and eyes.
• Headaches, sinus pain and dark circles under the eyes.
• Increased mucus in the nose and throat.
• Fatigue and malaise .
• Sore throat from mucus dripping down the throat .
• Wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.

Can Allergies Cause A Sore Throat

So, the short answer here is yes, said Evan Li, MD, an allergist and assistant professor of medicine specializing in immunology, allergy, and rheumatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. A sore throat can be from mucus draining down into your throat.

Incessant sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and nose, and runny nose are the most common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, said Kelly Simpson, MD, an allergist at Austin Regional Clinic in Austin, Texas.

But sore throat can also be added to that list, often caused by what’s referred to as “postnasal drip.” That’s when increased mucus in the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat. As it drips down, it irritates the throat.

“Postnasal drip, other than causing sore throat, can also cause the sensation of something getting stuck in your throat, tickling or itching in the back of your throat, and also irritation that leads to cough,” explained Dr. Li.

No one allergen is more prone to causing sore throat than others, but the more potent the allergen, the more likely it is to cause symptoms of allergies overall, added Dr. Li. Some of the most potent allergens are grasses, ragweed, dust mites, and cat dander.

Strep Throat Symptoms In Children

While strep symptoms are basically the same for kids and adults, young children may have trouble communicating what they are feeling. Some clues that may prompt parents to check little throats for redness or white spots include:

• Trouble swallowing or refusing favorite foods
• Unexplained fever
• Unusual drooling

Strep is very painful and can lead to more serious illnesses, so call your childs primary care manager or stop by an urgent care facility to request a rapid antigen test if you discover strep symptoms.

If your child is diagnosed with strep, keep in mind that its very contagious. Watch the rest of your family members carefully for symptoms, and keep your child away from others for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic medications.

Your child should finish the medication exactly as prescribed, or there is a risk of a stronger reoccurrence of the infection.

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How Do I Get Rid Of Construction Dust In My House

First, itâs important to make sure the source of the dust is eliminated. If the construction dust is still being generated, itâs important to wear a dust mask while continuing to work on the project and to wear safety goggles if necessary.

In addition, you will want to contain the dust with plastic sheeting or canvas drop cloths that you can use to capture the dust before it has a chance to spread. You may also want to use a fan to help blow the dust outside, as long as it is away from doors, windows, and intakes.

Next, start cleaning. You will want to use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner to start removing the dust that is already in the area. You may want to use a scrub brush for the walls and any other items that need extra attention.

You may also want to use a wet mop, to help dislodge the dust.

All surfaces should be wiped down and vacuumed after the dust and debris is removed, and you should dispose of any materials outside of the house. A professional cleaning company may also be able to help with any dust that is difficult to remove.

Finally, make sure to change the filter in your air conditioning and ventilation system. This will help filter the air and make sure that dust particles donât just recirculate back into your home.

Some Of My Symptoms Match Each Virus How Do I Know What Im Sick With

Getting tested for COVID-19 and the flu is the easiest way to narrow down what might be making you sick.

You should get immediate emergency care if you have:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

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How Long Do Dust Allergy Symptoms Last

Dust allergy symptoms can last anywhere from minutes to weeks depending on severity and the amount of exposure to the allergen. Short-term symptoms can occur after brief exposure and last minutes to a few hours.

Long-term symptoms can last days to weeks, and may be recurring in certain cases. The most common symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, and itchy skin or throat. In rare cases, dust allergies can also cause anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that requires emergency medical attention.

If dust allergies are recurrent or severe, it is important to seek professional medical advice and treatment.

How Can You Tell That You Have An Allergy Cough

In order to tell whether you have an allergy cough, its important to check what type is it. Allergies trigger a dry or wet cough even though after nasal dripping, theres usually a dry cough. There is also a third kind of cough which is the chronic cough that lasts at least 3 weeks. This is a major sign of an allergy. A cold cough never lasts more than 14 days so if your coughing exceeds this number, you definitely have an allergy cough. Another thing that sets it apart from a cold is the fever. If you have no fever then you definitely have been exposed to an allergen thats caused this coughing symptom.

If youre still confused about it then you should ask yourself questions like when did you start coughing? Do you feel any fever or aches in your body? How long have you been coughing? All of these will bring everything into perspective for you.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Coronavirus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , COVID-19 symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and a fever. You just dont get fevers from allergies like you do with the flu, COVID-19, or the common cold, Kobernick says.

It is also rare to have a stuffy or runny nose with COVID-19. The disease causes symptoms like body aches and tiredness that arent associated with environmental or perennial allergies.

Unlike allergies, a viral infection occurs as a cascade of events, mediated by chemical messengers as a result of being infected. The cause is different, says Kobernick, but the end result can look very similar.

Allergies are generally prolonged, whereas COVID-19 symptoms are contracted and progress more seriously over a shorter period of time.

Is It An Allergy Sore Throator Something Else

A sore throat, especially in winter, can signal a cold or a virus, making it hard to tell what you’re dealing with.

It can be challenging to differentiate between a cold and allergies. Still, the best way to tell the difference between the two would be the length of symptoms and history of allergies, according to Dr. Li.

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Coughs: Sign Of Both Colds And Flu

Colds and flu are respiratory illnesses, which affect your airways, so both can cause coughing.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be a complication of the flu. Call your doctor if you have a persistent cough, fever higher than 102 F and chills, a hard time breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain when you cough.

White Spots On Throat

Another symptom of a bacterial throat infection is distinct white spots, splotches, or streaks on the tonsils, along with a red sore throat. If a patient notices this, its best to be seen by a clinician to get tested for strep. Testing is important because many infections are caused by less dangerous bacteria and dont require antibiotic treatment.

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How You Get Strep Throat

Group A strep bacteria are very contagious. Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through

• Respiratory droplets

Rarely, people can spread group A strep bacteria through food that is not handled properly .

It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep bacteria to become ill with strep throat.

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 Happens When Exposed To Allergens

An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. After youve been exposed to an allergen, your body identifies it as a threat, and your immune system kicks into high gear to protect against the perceived threat. Your body will release histamines into your bloodstream, which is what leads to allergy symptoms, such as a sore throat.

Histamines also trigger your body to produce extra mucus to keep your mouth, nose, and throat from drying out. Most days, you dont notice your bodys mucus production. But when your immune system releases too many histamines after being exposed to an allergen, this vigorous response leads to congestion, postnasal drip, and a sore throat.

When Should You Contact A Healthcare Provider

âIf you suspect you have the flu, then you should see within 48 hours because medicine has to be taken very quickly,â said Dr. Peterson. âErr on the side of caution.â

Dr. Khabbaza added that if youâre unable to go about your normal routine, you should consider heading to a healthcare provider. Also, if certain symptoms get worse, that could be an indication of the flu or another serious condition, not just a chest cold, and you, again, should consider getting checked out as soon as possible.

For example, if your body aches progress âto the point you can barely move around,â or if your symptoms are causing difficulty breathing, itâs definitely time to head to a healthcare provider, said Dr. Khabbaza.

Shortness of breath or chest pain, in particular, can indicate many medical emergencies, such as a pulmonary embolism , that require prompt treatment.

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When To Go To The Doctor For The Flu

In most cases, the flu causes some discomfort for a few days but it ultimately resolves on its own within a week or so. But not always. For some, the flu can cause life-threatening, serious complications, as seen with older adults. The CDC estimates70% to 85% of flu-related deaths are among people aged 65 and older. Anyone with one or more of the following risk factors for flu complications should visit a healthcare provider to prevent severe illnesses or infections:

• Older than 65 years of age
• Younger than 5 years of age, especially less than 2 years of age
• Chronic medical conditions
• Compromised immune system

Otherwise, most people can weather the storm until symptoms end. Some symptoms do indicate a more dire situation and require medical care. According to Dr. Peters, anyone experiencing the following emergency symptoms should see a professional:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever or cough that improve, then come back
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions
• Lack of urination

People experiencing these symptoms, especially if theyre part of a high-risk population, should visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

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What Other Symptoms Are Caused By Allergies

There are lots of symptoms caused by allergies, sometimes depending on the person and also the allergen.

Klarify say: There are lots of telltale signs to look for if you think you might be experiencing allergy symptoms. Signs such as frequent sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and a congested nose. You may experience problems when you eat certain foods.

The NHS website explains the symptoms of an allergic reaction:

Allergic reactions usually happen quickly within a few minutes of exposure to an allergen.

They can cause:

• a runny or blocked nose
• red, itchy, watery eyes
• a red, itchy rash
• worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms

Most allergic reactions are mild, but occasionally a severe reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can occur.

This is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment.

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When Testing May Be Recommended

Testing by a specialist known as an allergist may be recommended if allergy symptoms are severe and/or are interfering with your quality of life.

The aim of the testing is to determine which allergens you are hypersensitive to. In some cases, allergy shots may be given to gradually desensitize you to those allergens.

The two tests commonly used to diagnose allergies include:

• Skin prick test: This involves the insertion of tiny amounts of suspected allergens beneath the skin to see if a reaction occurs.
• Blood tests: These are IgE-specific tests, also known as RAST testing, that can detect antibodies associated with certain allergens.

An allergist can also help determine if your cough is related to allergic rhinitis or asthma. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial as each of these two conditions is treated differently.

How To Treat Flu Symptoms

After contracting the flu virus, theres no way to eliminate it completely. In most cases, it will simply run its course. However, there are treatments to help manage and mitigate the symptoms. For example:

• Antiviral drugs: Since influenza is a viral infection, prescription antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Relenza can reduce the duration and severity of its symptoms.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can alleviate muscle aches and reduce fever.
• OTC flu and cough medications: Cough and cold medicine like DayQuil can ease a cough, runny nose, sore throat, and other flu symptoms.
• Fluids: Helps with hydration and breaks up mucus, making it easier to dispel. Good options are water, real fruit juices, tea, and sports drinks, but avoid alcohol or excessive caffeine.
• Rest: Allows the body to focus on your immune system and helps avoid the exacerbation of fatigue and body aches. Staying home from work or social engagements also prevents the virus spread.
• Humidifiers and steam: Can alleviate a stuffy nose and cough.
• Cold compresses and tepid baths: This will help manage body temperature or at least keep the body feeling cool.

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Does A Sore Throat Mean Im Sick

Sure, a sore throat can be a sign of illness, such as a cold, strep throat, or even COVID-19. But a sore throat by itself doesnt necessarily mean much. Many things can cause your throat to feel dry, scratchy, or sore, such as: Acid reflux, especially if you wake up with a sore throat that goes away during the day.Feb 19, 2021

Keep Your Throat Moist

Sip plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. Warm drinks — not hot ones — can soothe your throat. Try broth or herbal tea with honey or lemon. Caffeinated drinks like coffee or soda may dehydrate you, so skip them.

Suck on a throat lozenge, crushed ice, ice pop, or a piece of hard candy to get your saliva flowing. Try a peppermint, since its main ingredient, menthol, thins mucus and helps break up it up.

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Sore Throat From Allergies: Symptoms And Remedies

Among the allergy symptoms that can affect day-to-day life, getting a sore throat from allergies can be especially irritating. Together with a runny nose and itchy eyes, a sore throat can cause discomfort and disruption to your routine.

Allergy symptoms of a sore throat can include a dry, scratchy feeling in your throat. It could be caused by different kinds of allergies, whether seasonal or something in your home that is affecting you.

There are various steps you can take to help manage or even reduce the symptoms.

Find out more about potential sore throat allergy remedies with our helpful guide.

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.

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