{"id":627557,"date":"2024-04-01T09:30:23","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T13:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627557"},"modified":"2025-04-17T12:59:23","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T16:59:23","slug":"can-allergies-cause-sore-throat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-allergies-cause-sore-throat\/","title":{"rendered":"Do allergies cause sore throat?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sore throat is a classic symptom of viral infections, such as the common cold and flu. These types of sore throats typically clear up on their own. However, sore throat is also common in bacterial infections, like strep throat However, sore throats caused by bacterial infections may require antibiotics to prevent the bacteria from spreading<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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While viruses from infections can cause a sore throat, it can also be a symptom of <\/span>allergies<\/span>. Board-certified allergists weighed in on the relationship between allergies and sore throat, and the consensus was a resounding yes\u2014allergies can cause sore throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sore throat from allergies<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both seasonal and year-round allergies (aka allergic rhinitis or hay fever) can cause sore throats, says <\/span>Jenna Podjasek, MD<\/span>, a board-certified allergist based in Chicago. You may be surprised to find that allergic sore throats don\u2019t always begin in the throat but sometimes in the nose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many allergy symptoms start in the nasal passages and sinuses, such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Allergies can also cause postnasal drip, which affects not only the nose but also the throat. \u201cPostnasal drip occurs when mucus accumulates and drips down the back of the throat, which can cause a sore or irritated throat,\u201d Dr. Podjasek<\/a> explains. The soreness and irritation are a result of <\/span>swelling in the throat<\/span><\/a> from postnasal drip, which is a common cause of sore throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain allergens can also trigger a sore throat. When you come into contact with an allergen, the immune system may mistake it for a harmful substance. An overreactive immune system then creates chemicals called histamines, <\/span>which trigger symptoms of allergies<\/span><\/a> like excess mucus, swelling, and itchiness, according to the National Library of Medicine. Together, these symptoms can contribute to an itchy, scratchy throat or even swelling in the back of the throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many substances can cause an allergic reaction, but common allergens associated with a sore throat are those that can be inhaled through the nasal passages. \u201cAirborne allergens that may cause postnasal drip and sore throat include pollens, dust mites, molds, and pet dander,\u201d says <\/span>Susanna Silverman, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified allergist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York, New York.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to know if a sore throat is from allergies<\/span><\/h2>\n

With so many potential causes of sore throat, it can be difficult to know if the underlying cause is due to allergies or a more serious infection, like strep throat. \u201cDifferentiating between a sore throat caused by allergies and one caused by an infection can be challenging,\u201d says <\/span>Patrick DeMarco, MD<\/span><\/a>, an allergist and founding physician of Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida. It mainly comes down to your symptoms, he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergies can certainly cause sore throats, particularly if you notice a scratchy throat or tickling sensation in the back of your throat. \u201cAllergic sore throats are often accompanied by other common allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes,\u201d Dr. DeMarco says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Infections, on the other hand, may present with different symptoms that don\u2019t usually overlap with symptoms of allergies. \u201cAdditional symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, white patches on the tonsils, and body aches can signal an infection,\u201d notes Dr. DeMarco. Symptoms from an infection also tend to arise quickly, while allergies can be ongoing.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re unsure if your sore throat is caused by allergies or infection, check with your healthcare provider. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and also prescribe the appropriate treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does a sore throat from allergies last?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A sore throat from allergies can last as little as a few days, but according to Dr. Silverman, it can also last for weeks or months. The duration depends on whether you have seasonal or year-round allergies and how long you\u2019re exposed to the allergen triggering your symptoms without avoiding it or seeking treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re someone with seasonal allergies, you know that they can flare up at different times of the year. \u201cSome allergens are present for shorter periods, such as tree pollen in early spring and ragweed pollen in late summer and early fall,\u201d Dr. Silverman explains. \u201cBecause others are present year-round, such as pet dander and dust mites, they may cause chronic postnasal drip and sore throat.\u201d Essentially, a sore throat could persist as long as you\u2019re exposed to the allergen triggering your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are a few ways to get relief at home or with the help of a healthcare provider. With the right treatment, you may notice improvements in as little as a few days, says Dr. DeMarco.<\/span><\/p>\n

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