How a Sore Throat is Linked to Allergies
In the spring and fall, many find that the high amounts of pollen in the air cause them to have allergies. Allergy symptoms are most commonly noticed as a stuffy or runny nose, but they can also present themselves as a sore throat.
When people experience a sore throat, they often think they might have strep throat or some other kind of infection. However, a sore throat is actually a common side effect of seasonal allergies. This is due to a condition called postnasal drip. A Los Angeles postnasal drip specialist can tell you that this is almost always the cause of an allergy-induced sore throat.
When the sinuses are stopped up with mucus, it can begin to drain down the throat. This often causes the feeling of a tickle or scratching in the throat.
The drainage in your throat can also cause:
- Coughing
- Excessive swallowing
- Throat irritation
- The need to clear the throat
- Difficulty or pain when speaking
While the cold and flu are caused by viruses or infections, allergies are your immune system’s response to foreign substances it thinks may be harmful to your body. You may be able to visit an allergy clinic in Los Angeles to see what exactly is causing your allergies. Allergy testing is conducted by placing different allergens on your skin in a grid pattern. Based on which spots swell up, the doctors can determine what you are allergic to.
The most common allergens and irritants include:
- Dust mites
- Mold and mildew
- Pet dander, especially that of cats and dogs
- Cigarette smoke
- Ragweed
Oftentimes, the discomfort caused by postnasal drip is caused by the body’s inability to clear mucus, usually caused by congestion.
You are most likely to experience your allergies and sore throat during seasons where the population of airborne irritants is high. You’ll notice that your sore throat is worse after you’ve been outside for a period of time.
In order to treat your sore throat, you may want to take over-the-counter allergy medication. You can also try drinking soothing tea or eating hot soup to soothe your throat. Both of these also hydrate you, thinning out your mucus to make drainage easier. Nasal sprays are also known to moisten your nasal passages and minimize postnasal drip. Manual sinus irrigation tools like neti pots or sinus rinses can also flush out excess mucus.
If you are experiencing a chronic sore throat that doesn’t go away, you should contact an ENT doctor in Los Angeles to find relief. You may need a more serious solution.