Signs & Symptoms of Throat Allergies

Allergies have various affects on different people. Some people experience nasal congestion, others have watery eyes and still others suffer from irritation and inflammation of the throat. An allergic reaction takes place when an individual's immune system recognizes a particular substance as a potentially harmful intruder. The body fights off the foreign substances by producing histamines that cause adverse reactions throughout the body, such as irritation to the throat.

Causes

• Throat allergy symptoms are typically caused by food and airborne particle allergies. Throat allergies are common for people who are allergic to dairy products and pollen.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of a throat allergy are a sore throat, scratchy throat and excessive mucus in the back of the throat. Some people may experience hives or a rash in the throat as well.

Prevention

• To prevent throat allergies, a person should identify what substances cause the allergy and avoid them. If the allergy is airborne, using an air purification system in the home can help.

Treatment

• The most common treatment for signs and symptoms of throat allergies is to take an over-the-counter antihistamine, which blocks the body from producing histamine. The most common drug used is diphenhydramine or Benadryl.

Complications

• If throat allergies are not properly addressed, they can lead to an infection in the throat, chest and head. Any infections need to be treated with prescription antibiotics.