Throat Allergy: Definition, Symptoms & Treatment Explained

Have a sore throat for a week or two? Tried various remedies and yet failed to treat it completely? It can either be a throat allergy or a simple cold and flu; you never know.

Allergies are very annoying, specifically those involving ears, nose and throat. Itchy throat, runny nose, and frequent headaches are the most common symptoms of throat allergies. Go through the article to find answers to your sore throat.

Sore or itchy throat is the basic symptom of a throat allergy. It is caused when an antibody fights to fend off foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, etc., that threaten your body. The most common allergic reactions are caused by the antibody immunoglobulin (IgE).

The reaction of IgE antibodies results in inflammation that causes an itchy throat. Furthermore, various environmental substances are also susceptible to allergic reactions, like food materials, certain medicines, animal bites, etc.

Anyone can acquire a sore throat due to seasonal changes. Still, there are some factors that make people more susceptible to itchy throats. They are listed below.

• Age group– Children between the ages of 3 to 15 years are more likely to develop a sore throat due to common bacterial infections.
• Consumption or exposure to tobacco smoke – Apart from a sore throat, smoking increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and voice box.
• Seasonal or other ongoing allergies – Symptoms of dust allergy in the throat, moulds, or pet dander also increase the risk of throat allergies.
• Exposure to chemical irritants – Particles from burnt fossil fuels, chemical factories or households can instigate an itchy throat.
• Chronic or frequent sinus infections – A runny or clogged nose can further irritate your throat.
• Infections transferred from other hosts – Gatherings can provoke bacterial or viral infections to move from one host to another.
• Weak immunity – An individual is more susceptible to infections with low resistance power. People who suffer from HIV, diabetes, or are on chemotherapy drugs or a poor diet are liable to suffer from throat allergy.

Throat allergy symptoms and signs generally depend on the cause. It includes –

• A sensation of pain and itching in the throat
• Difficulty and pain while swallowing food
• Inflation of glands and tonsils or other parts of the neck and jaw
• Formation of white patches or pus on the tonsil
• A cracked or cloaked voice

Other signs and symptoms caused due to infections include –

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion

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 include –

• Common cold
• Flu (influenza)
• Mono (mononucleosis)
• Measles
• Chickenpox
• COVID-19
• Croup

Other causes of throat allergies caused from food materials or surroundings include –

• Pollen (grass, trees, and weeds)
• Dust mites
• Mould spores
• Cockroaches
• Dog/cat dander
• Eggs
• Soy products
• Milk
• Tree nuts
• Peanuts
• Fish and shellfish
• Apple skin
• Wheat

Doctors review the symptoms and medical history to diagnose a person. A physical examination is conducted by a doctor, which comprises the following procedures.

• Uses a torch to check the passage of the throat, ears and nasal.
• Taps to check for any swollen glands from neck to cheek.
• Uses a stethoscope to check for breathing irregularity, if any.
• In some cases, a simple swab test is done to detect streptococcal bacteria.

A variety of throat allergy treatment methods are available, including some home remedies. Some of these increase immunity, while others comfort your throat.

• 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.
• 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.

Prevention is better than cure, and you can easily get rid of throat allergies in the following ways –

• Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds.
• Do not touch your face unnecessarily.
• Do not share food, drinks, etc.
• Always cover your mouth while you sneeze or cough.
• Alcohol-based sanitisers are a must every time you touch something or sneeze or cough.
• Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces or things you use.
• Avoid gatherings.

Anybody can be diagnosed with a throat allergy regardless of age. Seasonal changes, viral or bacterial infections are among the most common causes of itchy throat allergies. The symptoms are pretty annoying but once identified, avoid contact with others. Reach out to your doctor and take the necessary steps to prevent further spread. Otherwise, it can lead to various other complications.