As the leaves start to change and the crisp air of fall settles in, many people begin to experience common allergy symptoms. Sneezing, coughing, and congestion are just a few of the common symptoms allergy sufferers experience. But what about a sore throat? If you’ve been dealing with a sore throat alongside your usual allergy symptoms, you might be wondering if allergies are the culprit. In this blog, we’ll explore how allergies can lead to a sore throat and when it might be necessary to seek medical attention.
For same-day seasonal allergy relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. Our medical team can diagnose and treat your symptoms seven days a week– both in-person and via telemedicine. Just walk-in or plan your visit below!
Understanding Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies, often triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, can mess with your immune system. In the fall, ragweed pollen is the most common allergen, sending out tiny particles that float around in the air. When your immune system detects these allergens, it releases chemicals like histamine, causing inflammation in your nasal passages, eyes, and throat. This can cause a range of symptoms, like sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes.
How Allergies Lead to a Sore Throat
When you have allergies, your body kicks into gear and releases histamines to battle those allergens. This can cause your nasal passages to get inflamed, leading to postnasal drip. As mucus trickles down the back of your throat, it can irritate things and make your throat feel sore. On top of that, constantly coughing or clearing your throat—something many allergy sufferers do—can make it even more uncomfortable. Congestion from allergies often forces people to breathe through their months, especially while sleeping. This can dry out the throat, leading to soreness and discomfort.
Other Allergy Symptoms to Watch For
In addition to a sore throat, seasonal allergies can present a range of symptoms. These may include:
- Nasal congestion: Swelling in the nasal passages can lead to difficulty breathing and sleeping.
- Itchy eyes and nose: Allergens often cause intense itching, which can be uncomfortable and distracting.
- Fatigue: Constantly battling allergy symptoms can leave you feeling tired and run down.
While these symptoms are common for those with allergies, it's important to differentiate them from signs of a more serious illness, such as a cold or strep throat.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your sore throat persists despite trying over-the-counter allergy meds, or if you start getting other symptoms like a high fever, severe pain, or trouble swallowing, it might be a good idea to see a medical provider. Those could be signs of a secondary infection or something else. While seasonal allergies often cause sore throats in the fall, it’s smart to keep an eye on how you’re feeling. If your sore throat gets worse or you notice any worrying symptoms, don’t wait—head to an urgent care center. Getting quick help from a medical professional can help you figure out what’s going on and get you back on your feet so you can enjoy all the fun things fall has to offer!
Get Walk-In Allergy Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands
Seasonal allergies can cause a sore throat, especially due to postnasal drip and throat irritation from breathing in allergens. While some cases can be managed at home, it’s best to seek care for an evaluation if your symptoms persist or worsen. Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands for same-day allergy symptom relief. Our medical team specializes in seasonal care for patients of all ages. Our urgent care center is conveniently located at 3800 Irving Street in Denver, CO. No appointments are required– just walk in at your convenience. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. For more information about the services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 477-6000 to speak with a member of our team.
