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What allergies can cause sore throats, and how to treat them.
Naturally, several illnesses can cause sore throats. The irritation could be due to colds, strep throat, acid reflux, allergies, or even Covid-19. Also, it can be caused by minor issues like too much talking or dry environments.
Having said that, it is important to note that seasonal allergies can cause sore throats, especially during fall or springtime. The fact that allergies causing sore throats are usually complicated. But fortunately, it is possible to prevent sore throats from allergies and even treat them.
Read through the post to learn more about allergies for sore throats and how to prevent them through home remedies and eventually their treatments.
But first, let us understand sore throats.
Understanding sore throats
Also medically known as pharyngitis, sore throat is the feeling of scratchiness, irritation, or pain in the throat that happens with or without swallowing. Pain in the throat is the most common symptom related to it. A sore throat alone accounts for up to 1.3 million visits to hospitals each year.
Mainly, sore throats are caused by infections or other factors like dry air. Though the pain can be uncomfortable, sore throats always go away on their own.
Sore throat is divided into three different categories depending on the part of the throat affected.
Signs and symptoms of sore throats.
Apart from the pain or irritation in the throat, sore throat symptoms may include the following:
Though sore throat symptoms are common across all age groups, they are most common among children between five to fifteen years. Precisely, strep is the commonest of all in children.
The symptoms in children can vary depending on the age, but apart from throat pain, the signs may include the following.
Strep throat is not common in children before three years, and these symptoms are less severe during this age bracket. The doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to prevent future complications.
Since viral infections are the frequent cause of sore throats in children, they will not respond to treatment. However, a doctor will be able to prescribe a medication that will help with throat pains remedy.
These symptoms may vary due to the underlying cause of the sore throat. Still, if the following signs are present, you should check with your medical provider.
Common causes of sore throats.
Though we will discuss allergies for sore throat in this post, it is imperative to provide a detailed outline of various common causes of sore throats.
Most bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. The common among them is called Streptococcus pyogenes, usually responsible for causing strep throat.
Strep throat can lead to severe throat pain accompanied by difficulty in swallowing because of swollen tonsils. If not attended to on time, it can lead to severe organ problems like kidney or heart damage.
Sore throats caused by bacterial infections are responsive to antibiotics, and if noticed at early stages, they can heal very fast.
Viral infections.
Viruses causing common colds and flu are responsible for more than 90% of sore throats. Common viruses include the following:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a health condition where stomach acid moves back to the esophagus- a tube carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. The acid burns the walls of the throat and esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.
Sore throats from acid reflux are usually worse in the morning hours because the acid can follow the esophagus up to the mouth and cause teeth erosion during the night while you are asleep.
Laryngitis from overusing your voice.
This is mainly a cause of sore throats among singers and people using their voice majorly or as part of their careers. It is often accompanied by pain and hoarseness when talking.
Prolonged shouting, crying, and cheering loudly causes the throat to dry, then starts to itch. If it is not addressed in time, the condition can lead to a sore throat. Sore throats are a common complaint among gym instructors, choir directors, and teachers.
Dryness and irritants.
Breathing dry air through the mouth can make your voice dry, scratchy, and rough. Inhaling through your mouth due to nasal congestion makes the throat dry, thus causing pains.
Additionally, major air pollutants like tobacco smoke, chemicals, or dust can cause a chronic sore throat. Also, excessive alcohol intake, chewing tobacco, and spicy foods can irritate your throat, resulting in a painful feeling.
HIV infection
Flu and Sore throat symptoms often appear at the early stages of HIV and AIDs infections. Besides, HIV-positive patients might experience chronic or recurring throat pains because of a viral infection called Cytomegalovirus or fungal infection known as oral thrush.
These infections can be severe in individuals with compromised or weak immune systems. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly conduct full-body checks if you are HIV positive to prevent opportunistic infections that can compromise your immune system.
Allergies.
When the body reacts to allergy triggers like dust, pollen grains, or pet dander, it releases chemicals activating reactions like watery eyes, nasal congestion, irritating throat, and sneezing.
A condition called postnasal drip-flowing back of the excess mucous to the back of the throat can also lead to a sore throat.
Having understood sore throats in detail, let us look at the allergies for sore throats, why they cause sore throats, how to prevent and treat them.
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