Can Allergies Cause Sore Throat?

Of all the issues that can be caused by allergies, sore throat is among the most frustrating. While a sore throat is commonly associated with a pollen allergy, voice loss is also a typical symptom. Here’s what you need to know about treating an allergic sore throat, allergic laryngitis, and allergic voice loss.

First comes the tickle at the back of the throat. Then a scratchy sensation, followed by soreness and slight difficulty swallowing.

Oh no… is a cold coming on? Could it be strep throat? Or COVID? Be sure to check out our recent guide: Understanding The Difference Between Allergies, Cold, Flu, and COVID-19 Symptoms

While a sore throat is often caused by an infection – viral (common cold, flu, COVID) or bacterial (strep throat) – it can also be caused by environmental factors. Seasonal allergies are among the most common environmental causes of a sore throat.

A sore throat is one of the most frustrating allergy symptoms. It is caused by post-nasal drip, the persistent flow of mucus from the nose and sinuses to the back of the throat. The mucus irritates the throat, leading to an inflammatory response. Additionally, constantly clearing the throat and coughing exacerbate the irritation. This combination of factors creates a painful and uncomfortable sensation in the throat.

What is a Sore Throat?

Sore throat, clinically known as pharyngitis, is the inflammation of the pharynx, the part of your throat located at the back of the mouth. It is characterized by pain, discomfort, and a scratchy sensation in the throat. In some cases, the tonsils, the back of the tongue, and the roof of the mouth may also be affected.

Symptoms of a Sore Throat

The symptoms of a sore throat might differ from person to person, but some common symptoms include the following:

• Pain: The pain associated with a sore throat can range from mild to severe and is typically felt at the back of the throat.
• Discomfort: In addition to pain, many individuals experience a general discomfort in the throat. This discomfort may include a sensation of tightness, fullness, or difficulty clearing the throat.
• Scratchy Sensation: A sore throat often produces a scratchy or itchy feeling at the back of the throat.
• Difficulty Swallowing: In many cases, a sore throat can make swallowing certain foods or liquids challenging. This difficulty can stem from inflammation or tenderness.
• Weakened Voice: Sore throats can make speaking difficult, resulting in a hoarse or weak voice.
• Coughing: A sore throat may also cause a dry cough, a common symptom associated with inflammation in the throat.

Multiple issues can contribute to the development of a sore throat. Some of the common causes include the following:

• Viral Infections: Colds and flu are the most common causes of sore throats. The virus irritates the lining of the pharynx, causing inflammation and swelling.
• Bacterial Infections: Strep throat and other bacterial infections can also cause sore throats. Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, which can lead to more severe symptoms.
• Allergies: Allergies, especially allergies to environmental allergens like pollen or dust, can trigger a sore throat in some individuals. Allergic responses can cause throat inflammation and irritation.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to irritants, such as smoke, dry air, or polluted air, can contribute to the development of a sore throat.
• Chronic Conditions: Certain chronic conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or post-nasal drip, can contribute to recurring sore throats.

What Causes Allergic Sore Throat?

A sore throat from allergies occurs when an allergic person is exposed to an allergen. This exposure causes the body to release histamines and other chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction. The reaction causes inflammation and congestion in the sinuses, leading to the production of excess mucus and post-nasal drip.

The persistent flow of mucus from the sinuses to the back of the throat (post-nasal drip) causes irritation and inflammation. The mucus irritates the delicate tissues of the throat, leading to swelling and discomfort.

In addition to irritation from the mucus, clearing the throat and coughing can also further exacerbate the discomfort. Clearing the throat involves moving the muscles in the throat and mouth, which can increase irritation and aggravate symptoms.

What is Allergic Laryngitis?

Allergic laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx caused by the immune system’s overresponse to environmental allergens. The larynx serves as the passageway between the throat and the windpipe; through this mechanism, the voice is produced.

Allergic laryngitis is commonly found in individuals allergic to environmental triggers such as pollen, dust, animal dander, or certain foods. When these allergens enter the body, they activate the production of histamine and other chemicals, leading to inflammation and overproduction of mucus. The inflammation causes the tissues around the larynx to swell, making it difficult for the vocal cords to vibrate properly, resulting in hoarseness or a raspy or husky voice.

The symptoms associated with allergic laryngitis include hoarseness, a tight feeling in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent cough.

It is important to note that allergic laryngitis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Treating Sore Throat from Allergies

Treatment for allergic sore throat or allergic laryngitis focuses on managing inflammation and relieving symptoms. Therapies might include the following:

• Taking over-the-counter antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
• Drinking plenty of fluids.
• Avoiding irritants and excessive vocal use.

A doctor may recommend an inhaler or a nebulizer to help soothe irritated airways. However, some over-the-counter allergy treatments might cause excessive drying of the throat, which can intensify discomfort.

While allergic sore throat and allergic laryngitis are common conditions, they can sometimes be mistaken for other respiratory disorders. It is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Allergy Immunotherapy Treatments

Allergy immunotherapy treatments, also known as allergy shots, are an effective treatment option for individuals who suffer from allergies. These treatments minimize the body’s response to allergens, alleviating allergy symptoms. The process involves two phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.

The Build-Up Phase: Low-Dose Injections

During the build-up phase, low-dose injections are administered over a period of months. This phase aims to train the immune system to become less sensitive to specific allergens. By introducing small doses of the allergen, the body’s immune system becomes desensitized, reducing or eliminating allergy symptoms.

The Maintenance Phase: Therapeutic Doses Every Few Weeks

Once the build-up phase is complete, patients enter the maintenance phase of allergy immunotherapy. In this phase, therapeutic doses are given every few weeks. The frequency and dose of the injections are determined by the individual’s specific needs and response to the treatment.

During the maintenance phase, the body continues to build tolerance to the specific allergens. Over time, the injections become less frequent, and patients experience a decline in allergy symptoms. This phase can last several years, providing long-term relief from allergy symptoms.

Advantages of Allergy Immunotherapy

Allergy immunotherapy offers several advantages over other treatment options for allergies. These include:

• Long-term control: Allergy shots can provide long-term relief from allergy symptoms, often lasting several years.
• Reduced reliance on medications: By decreasing the body’s response to allergens, allergy shots can help reduce the need for antihistamines, corticosteroids, or decongestants.
• Avoidance of side effects: Allergy shots are generally well-tolerated by patients, with fewer side effects than medications.
• Personalized approach: Allergy immunotherapy can be customized to an individual’s specific allergens and symptoms, ensuring optimal results.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) Treatments

In Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), the allergen is delivered via FDA-approved tablets administered under the tongue.

Sublingual Immunotherapy tablets are a convenient alternative to traditional allergy shots. Instead of injections, the tablets are dissolved under the tongue, allowing for easy administration and fast absorption into the bloodstream. Check out our new video to see how it works: What is Sublingual Immunotherapy?

Sublingual Immunotherapy tablets introduce tiny amounts of allergens to the body. These tablets are designed to gradually increase the allergen dose over time, aiming to desensitize the immune system. By repeatedly exposing the body to smaller amounts of the allergen, the immune system learns to respond differently, reducing sensitivity and increasing tolerance.

The treatment course for Sublingual Immunotherapy tablets typically involves multiple administrations over a specific duration. The dosage is gradually increased throughout the course, allowing the body to adapt and become more tolerant of the allergen.

Allergies Treated by Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual Immunotherapy tablets are approved for treating allergies related to short ragweed pollen, dust mites, and grasses. These allergies commonly manifest as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sore throat. Sublingual Immunotherapy tablets offer an effective treatment option for individuals who experience recurrent sore throats due to allergies.

Allergy Partners: Effective Immunotherapy and Sublingual Immunotherapy Treatments for Allergic Sore Throat

At Allergy Partners, we specialize in providing a comprehensive range of services proven effective in managing and treating sore throat from allergies and other symptoms.

If you are struggling with an allergic sore throat or other allergy symptoms, Allergy Partners offers a proven and effective solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy treatments.