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Causes of Throat Allergy & How to Treat at Home?

What is a Throat Allergy?

Types of Throat Allergies

What are the Causes of Throat Allergies?

Viruses and bacterial infections are the primary cause of throat allergies. Streptococcus pyogenes is the most common bacterial infection, whereas a sore throat caused by viruses includes:

Viral Causes Description
Common Cold This viral infection can be characterized by mild throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, and rhinorrhea (runny nose).
Flu (Influenza) Flu is a more serious viral infection associated with sore throat, high temperatures, and body aches. It can hinder a person.
Mono (Mononucleosis) Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus and is characterized by severe throat cramps, swollen lymph glands, and extreme lethargy.
Measles An infectious disease that can be easily transmitted. Measles affects people of all ages and often results in severe complications.
Chickenpox A contagious disease that results from the varicella-zoster virus. They are ubiquitous in children.
COVID-19 A viral infection causes pain in the throat, a loss of sense of taste and smell, and pain when swallowing.
Croup It is a viral disease mainly affecting young children and is characterized by a barky cough and a hoarse voice.

Other causes of throat allergies caused by food materials or surroundings include:

Other Causes Description
Pollen (Grass, Trees, Weeds) Pollen of grasses, trees, and weeds irritates people's throats and allergies, especially during the pollination season.
Dust Mites Dust mites, frequently living in hairs, skin flakes or dust, may also provoke an allergic reaction in the Avatar's throat, leading to hypersensitivity. 
Mould Spores Throat irritation and allergies caused by mould spores in wet places can induce coughing and a sore throat.
Cockroaches Throat allergy to cockroach droppings- a common household pest- triggers allergic responses, especially in city settings.
Dog/Cat Dander Dog and cat fur can provoke throat hypersensitivity, leading to inflammation, soreness, or other allergies.
Eggs There is also egg allergy, which causes the throat to itch and swell, especially in people with many allergies.
Soy Products Soy allergy can also cause sore and itchy throats and swelling, although these symptoms vary from mild to strong.
Milk One of the most common food allergies in children is milk allergy, which causes itching or swelling of the throat.
Tree Nuts Tree nut infestation causes severe, constant throat itching, which tends to swell and may lead to anaphylactic shock.
Peanuts Peanut allergy is a major cause of throat soreness and swelling, as well as irritation and other allergic reactions.
Fish and Shellfish Fish and shellfish allergies can cause throat irritation, but allergy symptoms caused by these foods may be rather extreme.
Apple Skin Some people are known to have allergies to apples and their skin, which may cause swelling in the throat or slight irritation.
Wheat Certain wheat allergies are responsible for more than throat problems, among other allergy symptoms that are particularly sensitive.
Artificial Preservatives Sulphites, a common ingredient in industrially produced products, may provoke an inflammatory response in the throat in some people.
Artificial Sweeteners Certain sweeteners, especially aspartame and saccharin, can cause pain or swelling in the throle.
Food Dyes Some food colorants, particularly Tartrazine (Yellow 5), can cause throat allergies and other allergies in some people.
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) Many prepared foods contain MSG- which may provoke allergies, causing irritation and even swelling of the throat.
Latex in Food Packaging Food-grade latex can be found on packaging materials and foods, irritating latex allergy patients' throat.
Certain Spices Spices, including cinnamon or mustard, can irritate the throat or cause swelling in the throat of allergic individuals.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Throat Allergies?

Identifying throat allergies involves understanding their various manifestations. Throat allergy symptoms and signs generally depend on the cause. It includes:

Symptom Explanation
Throat Pain and Itching The feeling of an itchy throat and pain that arises from the period of exposure to the causative agent of allergy.
Difficulty and Pain While Swallowing Pain and discomfort while swallowing food, often due to inflammation caused by throat allergies, make eating or drinking unpleasant.
Inflammation of Glands and Tonsils Swollen neck glands, including tonsils and other soft masses in the area, were so shabby that they caused evident pain on the part.
White Patches or Pus on Tonsils Indicated by the appearance of such white patches and pus collecting around the tonsils returned to hypersensitive tissues.
Cracked or Cloaked Voice Hoarseness is commonly experienced with throat allergies resulting from allergy inflammation.

Other signs and symptoms caused due to infections include:

Symptom Explanation
Fever A state in which the body temperature rises, usually as a reaction to an infection or disease, causing chills and sweating.
Cough A long-lasting cough is usually brought about by an inflammation or infection in the throat or respiratory system.
Runny Nose A condition in which excessive nose secretions are formed and manifested by a very irritating rhinorrhea or a dripping nose.
Sneezing Often referred to as a sneeze, it is the explosive act of forcing air from the lungs, nose, or mouth involuntarily and frequently.
Body Aches A common symptom of all bodily infections, such as influenza, is generally felt body pain or discomfort in muscle regions.
Headache On some occasions, pain in the head region has different intensity levels that act as an irritant.
Nausea or Vomiting It is common in infections and other diseases in the abdomen when nausea or actual vomiting occurs.
Fatigue Fatigue or loss of energy that lasts a long time is usually a consequence of infections that tend to affect a person’s general wellness.
Shortness of Breath This sensation suggests insufficiency in gas exchange or respiratory failure, accompanied by some discomfort in the respiratory tract, infections or extreme allergic concerns.
Congestion The inflammation of the nasal cavity or its obstruction, which hinders one from breathing through the nostrils, creates soreness in the sinuses from inside the head.

What are the Risk Factors of Throat Allergy?

How to Diagnose Throat Allergies?

How to Treat Throat Allergies?

Various throat allergy treatment methods are available, including some home remedies. Some increase immunity, while others comfort the throat.

Treatment Method Description
Antihistamines It blocks histamine reactions in the immune system. Doctors prescribe antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra for throat allergies.
Lozenges and Cough Drops Cough drops and lozenges are beneficial to soothe an itchy throat allergy. It contains menthol or benzocaine which eases throat soreness and irritation.
Fluids Dehydration can also cause an itchy throat. So, drink enough fluid to produce enough saliva, else it can worsen itchy throat allergies.
Honey Honey, when consumed, coats and soothes itchy throat temporarily. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties can help in reducing irritation.
Salt Water Gargle Take a cup of warm water and add a pinch of salt to it. You can use it to gargle every hour to get rid of throat allergies.
Humidifiers and Air Purifiers Humidifiers remove moisture from the air, and air purifiers remove allergens from the air. Thus, they help you to breathe fresh air.

How to Get Rid of a Throat Allergy?

FAQs about Throat Allergy