Dealing With A Sore Throat From Allergies
A sore throat is one of the most irritating throat problems that cause a lot of discomforts. Most of the time, it is a sign of a cold and fever. A sore throat usually occurs because of viruses. The virus infected sore throat cures on its own, over a few days.
What is a sore throat?
A sore throat is a condition which causes irritation and itchiness in the throat. It is a painful and a dry feeling that occurs in the throat. Sore throats are generally caused by viruses. It can be treated through home remedies.
A sore throat causes scratching and burning sensation in the throat. The symptoms cause a lot of trouble while swallowing. Sometimes, a sore throat can cause fever and swelling of the lymph nodes. In such situations, one must consult the doctors.
Causes
There are many causes of a sore throat. The most common causes are as follow.
- Virus
There are different viruses which cause a sore throat. These viruses cause colds and other respiratory infections. The viruses responsible for flu and other infections also cause a sore throat. - Bacteria
A few bacterial infections like strep throat and diphtheria can cause a sore throat. - Toxins and Irritants
Sometimes, factors like pollution and chemicals are the
reasons for a sore throat. - Allergies
A sore throat can also occur due to allergies. A sore throat from allergies is more irritating than the normal one. It may not be possible to cure the allergy through home remedies. It is necessary to find out the exact cause behind the allergy to treat a sore throat.
In case of a sore throat from allergies, post nasal drip plays a major role. The postnasal drip occurs when there is exposure to an allergen. The sinus congestion causes draining of the throat.
Post-Nasal Drip
The nose and the throat produce mucus every day, which provides moisture in the nose and throat region. The mucus helps to keep the bacteria and other foreign bodies away. It prevents the virus and bacteria from causing allergies and infections. In normal conditions, one does not feel the presence of mucus and swallows it.
Sometimes, the body produces more mucus than needed and makes it more evident. The mucus is produced in excess when a person has a cold and other such infections. During this time, the mucus is thicker than normal. One can feel the mucus running down at the back of the nose and throat. This is known as the postnasal drip.
Treatment
Almost always, sore throat allergies lead to symptoms like sneezing and congestion. There is an increase in coughing and itchiness of the eyes. It may also lead to fever and body pains. All these symptoms cause a lot of discomforts and worsen during certain seasons. There are various medications which help in treating the sore throat.
Medications like antihistamines help to reduce discomfort and allergy symptoms. The medicines act as a defense mechanism and prevent the allergies from occurring. In case of severe allergies, the doctors may suggest the use of decongestants.
The allergy tests help to find out the causes of the allergy. This helps the patients to avoid the allergic elements. Determining the cause of allergies helps to provide a more personalized treatment. It helps to eliminate the triggers and manage the allergies.
In case of severe symptoms, the doctors may suggest immunotherapy. This treatment induces allergy shots that strengthens the immune system. Immunotherapy is a long-term solution as it defends against the allergens. It helps to eliminate all the symptoms of a sore throat caused by allergies.
Home remedies
Natural home remedies can help in reducing the symptoms of a sore throat to a great extent. They may not provide a permanent solution to a sore throat from allergies, but they are very helpful in providing a temporary relief. The problem of a sore throat can be solved by drinking a lot of fluids. Fluids help reduce the dryness in the throat and avoid congestion. Drinking water often helps to reduce the discomfort too.
Along with water, one may also drink warm or hot liquids such as soup or tea. It provides comfort to the throat and reduces the pain. A lukewarm salt water gargle also helps to relieve the pain and irritation of the throat. Avoiding caffeine and related drinks can also be helpful. One can also use neti pots that help in relieving congestion. It involves pouring the salt and water mixture into the nasal cavity.
A sore throat from allergies is one of the problems that one should not neglect. Although the home remedies provide some relief, one has to be careful about it. It is important to seek a professional advice when the symptoms are severe.
