Some people, feeling sore throats and not combining them with a cold or a viral infection, wonder if allergies can cause a sore throat? Certainly, this is likely. In addition, this is a rather unsafe situation, since it can end in laryngeal edema, which in especially serious cases can cause death.
Often, if you have a runny nose and a sore throat due to allergies, the symptoms are mistaken for colds, especially if they appear for the first time.
In order to eliminate this oversight, attention should be paid to the general state of he alth: allergic ailments are not accompanied by fever, aching bones, or pus in the larynx.
Another characteristic indicator may be that the signs that determine an allergic reaction tend to worsen on contact with an irritant and weaken when it is not present.
Can a throat hurt whenallergies
It is worth noting that the body of any person is unique, therefore, we all react differently to allergens. However, almost every time the mucous membranes of a person suffer from their penetration, due to the fact that they are the first to contact them. Small particles penetrate through the nose into the larynx when breathing, while they act irritatingly on these areas. There comes a feeling of sore throat, watery and reddened eyes, a runny nose, a sneeze - and a bad mood is guaranteed. But these are the initial symptoms of allergies.
There are a large number of causes of the disease. The larynx can tickle due to the influence of tobacco smoke, in which case an allergic reaction occurs to it, or it can be on flowering plants, for example, poplar, and in the season of molting - on animal hair.
Besides this, household dust, rot can also be an allergen, and sometimes a sore throat is a reaction to cold. Repeatedly, a very dry indoor climate, which also irritates the mucous membranes, was recognized as a factor in the disease. As a result, inflammation of the larynx and eyes appears, it becomes difficult to swallow and breathe uncomfortable.
Often if you have a sore throat and stuffy nose, an allergy is the most likely cause. And especially when a person has a negative reaction to some kind of irritant, the possibility of a sore throat increases. According to statistics, one third of the inhabitants of the Earth at least once, but had severe allergic symptoms, moreover, exacerbations began in the spring-summer period.
Allergy Causes
So what causes a sore throat with allergies? The reasons for the manifestation of such reactions are based on an increase in the susceptibility of the body's immune system to certain substances from the outside world. Safe, in principle, things - odors, products and substances - are accepted by the immune system as hostile, from which a person should be protected. As a result, allergic manifestations are formed, which can be either harmless (exanthema, irritation, runny nose), or life-threatening (laryngeal edema, anaphylactic shock).
Allergic reactions develop when irritants enter the gastrointestinal tract, blood, and mucous membranes. The occurrence of painful manifestations in the throat can generate the following allergens:
- Pollen from flowering plants.
- Pharmacological preparations.
- Room dust generation.
- Mold spores.
- Tobacco smoke.
- Various products.
- Animal wool.
- Household chemicals.
How to recognize a throat allergy
Most often, pain in the throat is taken for inflammatory processes that provoked bacteria or microbes on the tonsils or in the larynx. In this case, the victim's temperature rises rapidly, the state of he alth worsens, the body "aches", the muscles cramp, the larynx hurts and tingles, in some cases the lymph nodes increase. This may be a manifestation of tonsillitis, tonsillitis,colds or other viral illnesses contagious to people around.
Almost always, laryngitis is characterized not only by a boring sore throat, but, in addition, by overstrain of the vocal cords, when it is difficult to talk and the person wheezes and wheezes. In addition, there is a high fatigue in the patient.
A patient with allergies has a sore throat and stuffy nose, but the temperature does not increase, as well as the lymph nodes, most often there is no coughing. These are key differences from the manifestations of SARS or tonsillitis. In addition, the patient feels dryness in the mouth, but not because the mucous layers are dry, but because they are swollen from the influence of histamine secreted in the blood. Among other things, the eyes may water and itch, a runny nose appears with watery and colorless discharge.
Types of throat allergies
When it hurts and tickles in the throat, there may be a suspicion that this is an allergic reaction of the body. Only here, which one? There are a number of different diseases localized in this area. They belong to:
- allergic pharyngitis;
- allergic laryngitis;
- Quincke's edema;
- anaphylactic shock.
They seem to have similar characteristics, but they are not. Let's analyze each allergy separately.
Allergic pharyngitis
It can occur in everyone: in people of respectable age and in children, due to the fact that immunity has decreased for a number of reasons (environment, bad habits, malnutrition, etc.). signsdiseases often resemble a simple viral disease. An allergy manifests itself in the form of a cough, swelling of the mucosa and tongue, the patient feels pain in the throat, nasal congestion. The patient's voice becomes hoarse, it hurts to swallow, there is a feeling of slight swelling in the throat, but there is no fever.
Such feelings are well known to the inhabitants of large cities, who have to breathe dirty air, industrial waste, exhaust gases, various chemicals. elements and dyes. At the same time, the human larynx is incredibly irritated from such an intense influence, and for this reason, coughing often occurs in children. With allergies, this is not uncommon. However, if you seek medical help in a timely manner, you can remove all symptoms. With the right approach, in almost a couple of days, every single sign of allergic pharyngitis should disappear.
Quincke's edema
This type of allergy is the most dangerous, as it occurs unexpectedly, very rapidly and threatens the patient's life. When Quincke's edema appears, it is difficult for a person to breathe because the throat is very swollen. This can cause suffocation and be fatal. For this reason, when diagnosing the symptoms of Quincke's edema, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance, since the patient has only a few minutes, and he will die without first aid. Signs are:
- An unexpected feeling of anxiety and fear.
- The skin of the face turns blue, in some cases it swells, the veins of the neck swell.
- Shortly developing shortness of breath.
- Heartburn and tingling appearthroat.
- Hoarse voice, severe cough.
- When pressing in the throat area, the patient does not hurt.
- Person is breathing heavily, likely to lose consciousness and convulsions.
Allergens provoke Quincke's edema, therefore, since this is an instant reaction to them, the symptoms listed above should not be ignored. The patient needs to be helped quickly so that he can breathe, and then establish the correct therapy.
Allergic laryngitis
This disease also affects the throat and is a consequence of the activation of the harmful microflora that lives in it. However, it expresses itself only in specific circumstances. The following conditions contribute to the occurrence of allergic laryngitis:
- hypothermia after exposure to a cold drink or air;
- chem. elements that irritate the mucous membrane of the throat;
- exposure to dust and smoke;
- tobacco smoke;
- insect bites;
- certain foods that trigger allergies.
Cough is a symptom of the onset of laryngitis. You need to know that sometimes these symptoms are a manifestation of other diseases. It can be, for example, allergic rhinitis. A sore throat and sore throat, accompanied by a cough, speak of its onset, although it is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, not the throat.
When inflammation occurs due to an allergic reaction, swelling of the larynx appears, in some cases it spreads to the lower part of the face. The patient has difficulty swallowingthe voice becomes hoarse or completely disappears, there is a feeling of lack of air and dry mouth.
Anaphylactic shock
This is the most severe allergic reaction of the immediate type, blocking the upper respiratory tract. In some cases, the disease can be fatal.
Frequently anaphylactic shock is stimulated by insect bites, medicines, foods and dyes, dust or pollen. Almost instantly after the allergen enters the body, a person feels a sudden pain behind the sternum, convulsions, spasms in the throat, a feeling of heat in the body and fear, a headache and swelling of the larynx appear.
Due to respiratory failure, the patient's blood pressure drops, and he may lose consciousness. Such an allergic reaction is very rare and indicates a low immunity in humans. It is necessary to treat the disease only under the supervision of a doctor in special medical facilities.
Diagnosis of allergic diseases
Only a doctor can diagnose an allergic reaction. There are many methods for identifying the allergen, as a rule, appoint:
- Skin research. A group of different allergens are injected in small quantities under the skin. If redness and swelling occur, then such an element is considered an irritant. This method of identifying allergens is one of the most effective.
- Laboratory research. Conduct a blood test. An increase in the value of eosinophils and leukocytes indicates the presence of an allergic reaction.
- Immunologicalblood test. Sets the presence of antibodies.
At the appointment, the doctor conducts visual control, examines the patient's history, listens to his complaints. Visually, the larynx looks painful, clearly stenosis of the pharynx. In order to establish a reliable diagnosis, an ENT consultation may be required.
Principles of treatment
Many do not know what to do when a sore throat with allergies, what to do first. The allergist prescribes complex therapy. It contains such steps as the elimination of an allergic reaction, the elimination of inflammation and swelling, the mitigation of pain in the larynx, the cleansing of the entire body and the raising of immunity.
First, you should get rid of the influence of the irritating allergen in order to reduce the production of histamine in the body. The patient instantly becomes easier to breathe, dry mouth disappears.
Only after determining the provocative element, the doctor has the right to prescribe a course of therapy. You must be aware that if you do not go to the doctor because of a sore throat, but decide to be treated at home with national remedies, like with the flu, then this can lead to very sad consequences.
With allergies, pain in the throat is relieved by taking antihistamine pharmaceuticals ("Suprastin", "Diazolin"). In some cases, hormonal medications are prescribed. It is very important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and remove the allergen sooner. Doctors advise gargling with saline solution (a spoonful of table s alt in a glass of hot water).
Requiredhumidify the air where the sick person sleeps. In addition, he is prescribed therapy to support immunity. In addition, if you have a sore throat with allergies, you can rinse with a decoction of motherwort, valerian.
Prevention
Can a sore throat with allergies due to adverse living conditions? Yes. Is there really only one way out - to change the place of residence? Not necessary. You need to adhere to elementary rules in order to protect yourself from allergic reactions to the maximum:
- Support immunity, consume only natural foods.
- Change aggressive household chemicals for more gentle products.
- Constantly carry out wet cleaning at home, wipe the dust.
- Humidify the air at work and at home.
- Be sure to change into clean clothes at home.
- If you are aware of the possibility of a seasonal allergy, discuss with your doctor what medications you need to take to prevent a relapse.
- Get rid of bad habits and, of course, try to get more outdoor recreation.
Dangerous complication
Quincke's edema is considered a particularly terrible complication of coughing and allergic sore throat. Without the provision of urgent medical care, he is able to provoke death from suffocation. To prevent this from happening, you should be especially vigilant if the patient develops the following symptoms:
- choking cough;
- pain in the throat when swallowing;
- changing the timbre of the voice - sipoty,hoarseness, dumbness.
And immediately call an ambulance if the following symptoms are added to this clinical picture:
- shortness of breath;
- shortness of breath;
- increased heart rate;
- alarm;
- blueness of skin and nails.
Also, emergency medical care is needed if symptoms of Quincke's edema occur - swelling of the face or suffocation.
After you have learned whether a sore throat can be caused by allergies, you should listen more carefully to your body in order to avoid the development of pathology.
