Allergens for sore throat

Introduction

Sore throat is one among the many reactions to allergies. It is widespread among individuals. Various reasons might cause a sore throat, and one of them might be an allergic reaction to a particular substance. Generally, finding what triggers the allergic reaction is easy and can be resolved without any hassle.  

Quick understanding of Allergens

Allergy arises when certain substances which are hypersensitive to the body enter it. The substances that cause the allergy are called allergens. Reaction to the allergens depends on how a person reacts with it. 

The two common allergic reactions are on the skin and the mucous membrane. The symptoms are quick to appear in most cases and are mild.

The immune system is tricked into believing that the allergens are foreign or dangerous to the person’s body, triggering it to release the defence system,i.e. an antibody called immunoglobulin E, to protect the body from it. 

Reactions to allergens may vary from one person to the other. Substances that are allergic to one person need not be to the other. Some of the common allergens are,

• Dust mites
• Smoke
• Certain food
• Pollen 
• Pets
• Molds
• Seasonal allergies 
• Insect venom

Causes of Sore Throat

A sore throat is a dry, scratchy and painful feeling in the throat. It is incredibly extremely painful while swallowing and talking. Sore throats are distinguished into three types depending on the part of the throat it affects,

• Pharyngitis – swelling and soreness in the throat
• Tonsillitis – swelling and redness of the tonsils
• Laryngitis – redness of the voice box or larynx

When a person is affected with a sore throat, their throat might feel, 

• Scratchy
• Burning
• Raw
• Dry
• Tender
• Irritated

There are many reasons for a person to get a sore throat. But the most common reasons are, 

• Bacterial infection 
• Allergy
• Viral infection
• Environmental factors
• Sleeping with an open mouth

How Allergens Affect Sore Throat

Allergens are the substances that cause allergies. After a person comes in contact with an allergen, the body recognizes it as an intruder or threat and puts the immune system to work rigorously, starting a chain of reactions. Thus, the body releases Histamines and other chemicals into the bloodstream that act as a rescue force on the organs, causing allergic symptoms like runny nose and sneezing.

Sore throat triggered by allergies can also result from postnasal drip, where excess mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat. This irritates your throat, causing it to feel sore. 
Here are four common allergens responsible for sore throat:

Dust mites: Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in the house dust. They live in warm and humid climates and survive off the dead skin cells shed by people regularly. They drink water from the humidity in the air and thrive in bedding, carpets and furniture. The air also contains dead and decaying dust mites and tiny mounds of faeces. When a person breathes in the air filled with the remnants of these dust mites, it causes them allergy, leading to,

• Runny or itchy nose
• Postnasal drip
• Itchy skin
• Congestion
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Swollen, bluish-coloured skin beneath the eyes
• Trouble sleeping

One can avoid dust mites allergy by vacuuming regularly, replacing carpets often, keeping humidity low, washing soft toys often, avoiding woollen blankets, washing bedding weekly, and minimizing upholstered furniture.
 
Pollen: Pollen is a refined yellowish powder vital for plant growth and is released by plants, especially in the spring. Wind, birds, insects and other animals carry it. Pollen allergy is prevalent among people; while some may be allergic to it all year round, others may be affected only in the pollen season. Some common pollen allergies are Ragweed Pollen Allergy, Gulmohar Pollen Allergy, and Grass Pollen Allergy. The symptoms of pollen allergy include 

• Nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure leading to facial pain
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red and watery eyes
• Sore throat
• Coughing, sneezing and wheezing
• Swollen, blue-coloured skin under the eyes
• Aggravated asthmatic reactions

One can avoid pollen allergy by keeping the windows closed during pollen season, avoiding going out, drying clothes inside, washing hair or bathing as soon as they get home and cleaning bedding often. 

Pet Allergy: It is not the pet that triggers this allergy; it is what their hair or fur carries. Pet hairs often trap small particles from their saliva, sweat, pee and dander or the dead skin of the pets. These transmit specific proteins, pollen and mould, which the human body misinterprets as invaders or foreign bodies trying to attack the body. It is not just dogs or cats that can carry these particles; pets like horses, birds, rodents and rabbits also come under this category. These can lead to allergic reactions like 

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Sore throat
• Watery eyes
• Itchy skin

One can try to get these allergies under control by avoiding pet hugs and kisses, vacuuming carpets regularly, using good air filters at home, avoiding letting the pet in the bedroom and periodically brushing your pets. 

Mould: Mould is a fungus present everywhere, including the air. Mould is of different types, and only some are allergic to it. Mould spores release mycotoxins, which trigger the immune system, thinking of it as an intruder. A person allergic to a particular type of mould doesn’t necessarily have to be allergic to the others. The common types of mould people are allergic to are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. Allergies by moulds cause

• A runny or blocked nose
• Watery & red eyes
• Dry cough
• Skin rashes
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Cough & postnasal drip

One can avoid mould allergies by wearing a mask while doing lawn work, using a dehumidifier, avoiding going out during rainfall, and removing moulds using the required chemicals. 

Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Sore throat caused by allergies can be treated by treating exposure to the allergens. Apart from this, some home remedies help the process. 

• Eating honey
• Having ginger tea
• Including garlic in food
• Salt water gargle
• Baking soda gargle
• Having chamomile tea

Conclusion

The magnitude of the allergies can vary from person to person and can be bothersome. Finding what causes these allergies takes time, but the treatment options are straight once that’s done. Sore throat is one of the significant symptoms of most allergies and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines and home remedies. A substantial part of treating sore throat includes treating the reason behind it, such as pollen, dust mites, mould, pet allergies and many more.

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