Why Do Allergies Make My Throat Itch?
If you have seasonal allergies, or you’ve been exposed to allergens such as dust, pollen or pet dander, one of the most common allergy symptoms you might experience is an itchy or irritated throat.1 Learn how you can manage throat irritation and find allergy relief at the same time.
Why Your Throat Can Feel Sore or Ticklish
An itching or ticklish feeling you might experience is marked by pain, scratchiness or irritation of your throat, especially when you swallow.2 While a viral infection (such as a cold or the flu) is the most common cause, many irritants and allergens can lead to an itchy throat, including chemicals used for cleaning and deodorizing, dust, mold and smoke.1,2
Allergic symptoms occur when your body overreacts to certain external stimuli, such as allergy triggers.3 One of the ways your body overreacts is by producing excess mucus, which normally acts to trap allergens but can also run from your nose and down your throat—which is known as postnasal drip.3
Postnasal drip can cause your throat to swell, which can also lead you to cough and clear your throat.3 It can feel like having a lump in your throat as well.4 All of these conditions exacerbate the sensation of a sore, irritated throat.4
In addition, some of the most common symptoms associated with a sore or itchy throat include:2
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
- Speaking with a hoarse or muffled voice
- Swollen glands in your neck or jaw
- Sore, red tonsils or white patches on your tonsils
Common Allergies that Can Cause a Sore or Itchy Throat
Some of the most common allergies can also cause an itchy throat, including:2
- Outdoor allergies: pollen, grass, and hay fever
- Pet allergies: dog and cat dander
- Airborne irritants: dust mites, air pollution and smoke
Additionally, with a sore or itchy throat, it can be difficult to tell if you’re simply reacting to seasonal allergies, or if you’re coming down with a viral infection such as the common cold, flu or mono.2 While a sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own, some types of sore throat—such as strep throat (streptococcal infection)—require prescription antibiotics.2 See a doctor or healthcare professional if your sore or itchy throat feels severe or lasts longer than a week, or if you have difficulty swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth.2
A sore or itchy throat is just one of the many frustrating symptoms of both seasonal and regular allergies.2 That’s why it can help to try common treatments for your allergies to find the medicine that's right for you and your symptoms. While Flonase Allergy Relief nasal spray does not relieve an itchy throat, it does provide up to 24 hours of relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, itchy and watery eyes.
Sources:
- Why Your Throat Tickles — And How To Stop It. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-tickle-in-throat/. Accessed 9/6/2024.
- Sore throat. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635/. Accessed 9/6/2024.
- Relief When Allergies Give You a Sore Throat. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/allergies-cause-sore-throat/. Accessed 9/6/2024.
- Postnasal Drip. American Academy of Otolaryngology. https://www.enthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Post-nasal_Drip_2021.pdf/. Accessed 9/6/2024.Accessed 9/6/2024.
Find the Best Flonase Product For You
Leading a life not limited by allergies starts with FLONASE. Each product offers you the chance to help tackle your allergies and help manage your symptoms.
