If your throat starts to feel scratchy and sore as soon as the flowers bloom or the trees start budding, you’re not alone. Pollen, a common trigger of seasonal allergies, can absolutely cause a sore throat. While many people associate pollen allergies with sneezing and itchy eyes, throat irritation is another frequent and frustrating symptom. Here’s what you need to know about why pollen can lead to a sore throat, how to tell if allergies are the cause, and how to feel better fast.
For same-day seasonal allergy relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl. Our team is available 7 days a week to treat your sore throat with no appointment necessary. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, simply pre-register below!
How Pollen Triggers a Sore Throat
Pollen is a fine powder substance released by trees, grasses, and weeds during the spring, summer, and fall. For people with seasonal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis), exposure to pollen causes the immune system to overreact and release histamines. These chemicals trigger a chain reaction of symptoms throughout the body.
A sore throat from pollen is usually the result of postnasal drip. When your nasal passages become inflamed due to an allergic reaction, they produce excess mucus. That mucus often drains down the back of the throat, causing irritation, scratchiness, and discomfort. In some cases, frequent throat clearing or coughing caused by the drip can make soreness worse.
Allergy Sore Throat vs. Other Causes
It can sometimes be tricky to tell whether a sore throat is due to allergies or something else, like a cold or strep throat. Here are a few ways to tell the difference:
Allergy-Related Sore Throat:
- Appears gradually and lasts as long as you’re exposed to allergens
- Often accompanied by sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and postnasal drip
- No fever or body aches
- Improves with allergy medications
Cold or Infection-Related Sore Throat:
- May appear suddenly
- Often includes fever, chills, fatigue, or swollen glands
- Usually resolves in a few days to a week
- May worsen over time without treatment
If your sore throat comes and goes with the seasons or flares up after spending time outdoors, it’s likely allergy-related.
How To Treat a Sore Throat Caused By Pollen
Relief starts with managing your allergy symptoms. Try these following tips:
- Use Antihistamines or Decongestants: These medications reduce your body’s allergic response and help dry up mucus to minimize postnasal drip.
- Try Saline Nasal Rinses: Flushing your nasal passages with a saline spray or neti pot helps clear out pollen and mucus, reducing irritation.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water soothes the throat and thins mucus, making it less irritating.
- Avoid Triggers: Check your local pollen count and limit time outside on high pollen count days.
If your sore throat is severe, lasts more than a week, or is accompanied by high fever or swollen lymph nodes, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. An urgent care center can help determine whether your symptoms are allergy-related or caused by an infection.
Get Walk-In Allergy Relief at AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl in Littleton, CO
A pollen-related sore throat can be a frustrating part of allergy season– but it doesn’t have to keep you down. Whether you need fast relief, help managing ongoing symptoms, or allergy treatment options, we’re here to help. At AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl, we provide same-day visits for all patients in the Littleton, CO area who need quality urgent care. Our providers specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of acute conditions, including seasonal allergies. Just stop by at your convenience! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about seasonal allergy treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (720) 818-8010.
