More than 50 million people in the United States have an allergic reaction each year. Allergies occur when your immune system releases antibodies to attack a substance, also known as an allergen, it perceives as harmful, even if it isn’t. The response can cause an allergic reaction manifesting with hives, congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, anaphylaxis and a sore throat.
An allergy sore throat can be irritating and, unfortunately, cannot be treated with only a cough drop or honey and lemon tea. Let’s discuss why allergies may result in a severe sore throat and how you can treat it.
Why Does a Sore Throat From Allergies Occur?
Allergies can cause an overload of mucus production, leading to postnasal drip. Postnasal drip occurs when an excess of mucus remains in the nose and drips down to the throat. Symptoms of postnasal drips may include:
- Chronic cough
- Excessive throat clearing
- Dry or sore throat
- Feelings of mucus in the throat
- Hoarseness
- Gurgling
- Bad breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ear infections if mucus clogs the Eustachian tubes
When you experience a cough, excessive throat clearing and dryness from postnasal drip, your throat will likely become sore. The combination can lead to a severe sore throat because allergies can cause both postnasal drip and a cough.
How Can Allergy-Induced Sore Throat Be Treated?
Treatments for an allergy-induced sore throat may include but are not limited to:
- Avoid allergens. Avoiding allergens is the first step to reducing allergies. If you know what allergens are causing your reaction, limit your exposure to them. If you are unsure what is causing your reaction, consider seeing an allergy specialist. They will likely perform a skin scratch test to determine if you have allergies to common allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, foods, pollen and more.
- Stay hydrated. Allergies and postnasal drip can dry out your throat. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and help thin out the mucus in your throat.
- Drink hot tea with honey. Hot teas will help thin out and drain the mucus. Honey can help decrease inflammation and irritation in your throat. Adding a spoonful to your tea will help soothe your sore throat and make for a tasty beverage. Try buying some local honey or herbal tea at Hub City Farmer’s Market to calm down your sore throat.
- Gargle salt water. Similar to honey, saltwater can calm inflammation in your sore throat. Try to gargle for about 15 seconds.
- Saline flush. Pouring a saline solution through your nasal passages can help clear the excess mucus before it can slide down your throat. Use warm, purified water and nasal saline only.
Contact Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment with an allergy specialist.
