Some people, feeling a sore throat and not combining them with a cold or a viral infection, wonder if the throat can hurt with allergies? Of course, this is likely. In addition, this is a rather unsafe situation, since it can lead to swelling of the larynx, which in especially serious cases can cause death.
Often, if you have a runny nose and a sore throat with 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 health: allergic ailments are not accompanied by fever, aching in the bones, or the appearance of pus in the larynx.
Another characteristic indicator may be that the signs that determine the allergic reaction, as a rule, are exacerbated by contact with the irritant and weaken if not present.
Can a sore throat with allergies
It is worth noting that the body of any person is unique, therefore, we all react differently to allergens. However, almost every time, human mucous membranes suffer from their penetration, due to the fact that they first come into contact with them. Small particles penetrate through the nose through the nose into the larynx, while they irritate these areas. There comes a feeling of sore throat, watery and red eyes, a runny nose begins, sneezing - and a bad mood is guaranteed. But these are the initial symptoms of allergies.
The causes of the disease are large. The larynx can perspire due to the influence of tobacco smoke, in which case an allergic reaction occurs, or it can be on flowering plants, such as poplar, and in the molting season on animal hair.
In addition, household dust and rot can also be an allergen, and sometimes a sore throat is a reaction to the cold. Repeatedly, a very dry indoor climate was recognized as a disease factor, which also irritates the mucous membranes. As a result, inflammation of the larynx and eyes appears, it becomes difficult to swallow and uncomfortable breathing.
Often, if a sore throat and a stuffy nose, an allergy is an absolutely probable reason for this. And in particular, 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.
Causes of Allergies
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 - smells, 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 both harmless (exanthema, irritation, runny nose), and can be a threat to life (laryngeal edema, anaphylactic shock).
Allergic reactions develop when irritants enter the gastric tract, blood, and mucous membranes. The occurrence of painful manifestations in the throat can cause the following allergens:
- Pollen of flowering plants.
- Pharmacological preparations.
- Room dusting.
- Mold spores.
- Tobacco smoke.
- A variety of products.
- Animal hair.
- Household chemicals.
How to distinguish a throat allergy
Most often, pain in the throat is mistaken for inflammatory processes that provoked bacteria or microbes on the tonsils or in the larynx. In this case, the victim’s temperature rises rapidly, his health condition is aggravated, his body is aching, his muscles are sore, the larynx really hurts and tingles, and in some cases the lymph nodes increase. This may be a manifestation of tonsillitis, tonsillitis, colds or other viral ailments that are contagious to those around you.
Almost always, laryngitis is characterized not only by annoying sore throat, but also by overstrain of the vocal cords, when it is difficult to talk and a person wheezes and wheezes. In addition, there is a high fatigue in the patient.
A patient with an allergy has a sore throat and a stuffy nose, but the temperature does not increase, as does the lymph nodes, and most often there is no coughing. These are the key differences from the manifestations of ARVI or sore throat. In addition, the patient feels dry in his mouth, however, not because the mucous layers are dry, but because they are swollen due to the effect of histamine released in the blood. Among other things, eyes can water and itch, a runny nose with watery and colorless discharge appears.
Types of Allergies in the Throat
When it hurts and perspires in the throat, a suspicion may arise that this is an allergic reaction of the body. But which one? There are a number of different diseases localized in this area. They include:
- allergic pharyngitis;
- allergic laryngitis;
- Quincke's edema;
- anaphylactic shock.
They seem to have similar characteristics, but this is not the case. We will analyze each allergy separately.
Allergic pharyngitis
It can occur in everyone: in people of advanced age and in children, due to the fact that immunity has decreased for a number of reasons (ecology, bad habits, unhealthy diet, etc.). Signs of the disease often resemble a simple viral illness. An allergy is manifested in the form of cough, swelling of the mucous membrane and tongue, the patient feels a sore throat, nasal congestion. The patient’s voice becomes hoarse, it is painful to swallow, there is a feeling of slight swelling in the throat, but there is no fever.
Such feelings are well known to residents of large cities who have to breathe dirty air, industrial waste, exhaust gases, various chemicals. elements and dyes. At the same time, the larynx of a person is incredibly annoyed by 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 the symptoms. With the right approach, in almost a couple of days, all up to one sign of allergic pharyngitis should disappear.
Quincke's edema
This type of allergy is 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 choking and result in death. 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 as follows:
- 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.
- Rapidly forming shortness of breath.
- Heartburn and tingling appear in the throat.
- Hoarseness, severe cough.
- When pressing in the throat, the patient is not hurt.
- The person is breathing intensively, loss of consciousness and cramps are likely.
Allergens provoke the occurrence of 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 irritating the throat;
- exposure to dust and smoke;
- tobacco smoke;
- insect bites;
- certain foods that stimulate allergies.
Cough is a symptom of the onset of laryngitis. You need to know that sometimes these signs are a manifestation of other diseases. It can be, for example, allergic rhinitis. Pershing in the throat and pain in it, accompanied by a cough, speak of its onset, although it is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, not the throat.
With inflammation due to an allergic reaction, laryngeal edema appears, in some cases it spreads to the lower part of the face. It is difficult for the patient to swallow, his 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.
Often anaphylactic shock is stimulated by insect bites, medications, foods and dyes, dust or pollen. Almost immediately after an allergen enters the body, a person feels a sudden pain behind the sternum, cramps, cramps in the throat, a sensation of heat on the body and fear, a headache and swelling of the larynx.
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 institutions.
Diagnosis of allergic diseases
Only a doctor can diagnose an allergic reaction. There are many methods for establishing an allergen, as a rule, they prescribe:
- Skin studies. A group of different allergens is injected in small quantities under the skin. If redness and swelling has occurred, then such an element is considered an irritant. A similar way to detect allergens is one of the most effective.
- Laboratory research. A blood test is performed. An increase in the value of eosinophils and leukocytes indicates the presence of an allergic reaction.
- Immunological blood test. Detects the presence of antibodies.
At the reception, the doctor conducts visual inspection, examines the patient's history, listens to his complaints. Visually, the larynx looks painful, obviously stenosis of the pharynx. In order to establish a reliable diagnosis, an ENT consultation may be required.
Treatment principles
Many do not know what to do when a sore throat with allergies, what to do first. An allergist prescribes complex therapy. It contains such stages as the elimination of an allergic reaction, the elimination of inflammation and swelling, the alleviation of the pain of the larynx, the cleansing of the whole body and the raising of immunity.
First you need to get rid of the effect of an 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 element provocateur does the doctor have the right to prescribe a course of therapy. It is necessary to realize that if you do not go to the doctor because of a sore throat, but decide to be treated at home with public remedies, such as with the flu, then this can lead to very sad consequences.
In case of allergy, pain in the throat is removed by taking antihistamines (Suprastin, Diazolin). In some cases, hormone medications are prescribed. It is very important to consume a lot of water in order to prevent dehydration of the body and more likely to remove the allergen. Doctors advise rinsing the larynx with saline (a tablespoon of salt in a glass of hot water).
It is required to moisten the air where the sick person sleeps. In addition, he is prescribed therapy to support immunity. In addition, if you have 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 to the maximum from allergic reactions:
- Maintain immunity, consume only natural foods.
- Change aggressive household chemicals for more gentle means.
- Continuously carry out wet cleaning at home, wipe the dust.
- Humidify the air at work and apartment.
- At home, be sure to change into clean clothes.
- If it is known about the possibility of seasonal allergies, discuss with the doctor what medications you need to take to prevent relapse.
- Get rid of bad habits and, of course, try to relax more in the fresh air.
Dangerous complication
Quincke's edema is considered a particularly terrible complication of coughing and allergic sore throat. Without emergency medical care, he is able to provoke death by suffocation. In order to prevent this from happening, one should be especially vigilant when the patient develops the following symptoms:
- choking cough;
- sore throat when swallowing;
- a change in the timbre of the voice - hoarseness, hoarseness, dumbness.
And immediately call an ambulance, if the following symptoms were added to this clinical picture:
- labored breathing;
- dyspnea;
- increased heart rate;
- anxiety;
- cyanosis of the skin and nails.
Emergency medical care is also needed if symptoms of Quincke's edema occur - swelling of the face or asphyxiation.
After you find out if the throat can be sore with allergies, you should listen more carefully to your body in order to avoid the development of pathology.