Itchy eyes and runny noses are par for the course during spring and fall for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. But if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night with a throat so sore you can hardly swallow, you might also be dealing with allergy symptoms.
Exposure to allergens causes your body to ramp up mucus production. For some people that causes a runny nose, but in others the extra mucus drains down the throat, a symptom called postnasal drip which can lead to a tickle in the throat or scratchy pain. Irritants that cause an allergic reaction can include pollen, cigarette smoke, dust mites or pet dander.
Sore throats caused by allergies can be painful. A few ways to help soothe them include:
– Avoid irritants. Limit your time outside as much as possible when pollen counts are high, stay away from second hand smoke and avoid coming into close contact with furry pets.
– Run a humidifier to keep the air moist in your home, especially in the bedroom while you sleep.
– Drink plenty of water to soothe your throat and stay hydrated.
– Use cough drops or hard candy to coat your throat and ease the pain.
– Over the counter pain relievers can help reduce inflammation, and antihistamines can help control the mucus production.
If you have a painful sore throat, the first thing to do is visit the doctor to learn what is causing the pain. If it’s an infection such as strep, the doctor will be able to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. For allergies, doctors might recommend over the counter medications or they might prescribe a corticosteroid.
Here at Piedmont Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, our experienced medical staff can help isolate your symptoms and get you on the right course to feeling better in no time.