Can allergies cause sore throat? Top 4 causes of sore throat to know

Chances are, you’ve had a sore throat from time to time. Whether it’s scratchy, dry or just painful, it can be easy to worry that every little throat tickle is something serious. 

Fortunately, a sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of illness, and its cause is usually mild and easily treated. Let’s discuss the top causes of sore throat and get to the bottom of what might be causing yours.

Sore throat symptoms: What does a sore throat feel like?

A sore throat can show up in different ways. It can feel like your throat is coated in sandpaper. Or you might notice a scratchy, raw sensation that flares up when you swallow, talk or take a deep breath.

Some people describe a tight, swollen feeling, and others feel a sharp sting that hits right as food or water goes down.

You may also catch yourself clearing your throat more than usual or wincing when you wake up in the morning, since symptoms often feel worse after a night of dry air.

While the discomfort can range from mildly annoying to painful, paying attention to the type and timing of your symptoms can help you understand what’s going on.

Can allergies cause sore throat?

Along with sneezing, a stuffy nose and runny eyes, a sore throat is a common symptom of seasonal allergies. If you’ve had a mild sore or itchy throat for several weeks, especially in the fall or spring, it’s likely that it’s allergy related.

A sore throat from allergies tends to be worse when you first wake up in the morning and get better throughout the day after you’ve had something to drink and the postnasal drip has had some time to resolve.

Fortunately, a sore throat from allergies is typically simple to treat with over-the-counter antihistamines. You can also explore our Allergy Care program and discover personalized allergy treatment to help you feel your best.

Top 4 causes of sore throat

There are many reasons your throat might feel sore or scratchy. Keep in mind that this list isn’t comprehensive—and it’s not meant to replace medical advice or serve as a tool for self-diagnosis.

The right treatment for your sore throat depends on what’s really going on. If your symptoms are persistent, worsening or simply worrying you, it’s always best to reach out to your doctor about treatment options and next steps.

1. Allergies

As we’ve established, allergies are a common cause of sore throat. Allergies tend to be seasonal and last for several weeks to several months, so a long-lasting mild sore throat should follow the same timeline.

Symptoms of allergies also come and go, so you may notice your sore throat feels better on some days and worse on others.

Antihistamines are typically effective at helping relieve sore throat from allergies. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about over-the-counter allergy medicines.

2. Strep throat

Strep throat is one of the most well-known causes of sore throat. This bacterial infection, caused by group A Streptococcus, often comes on suddenly and can lead to intense throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and red or swollen tonsils.

Strep throat should be considered when your sore throat:

• Is present without coughing or congestion
• Has been getting worse over the first few days
• Is accompanied by a headache, stomachache and fever

Because antibiotics are needed to treat strep and prevent complications, it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you suspect it. A quick test can confirm the diagnosis and get you on the path to feeling better fast.

3. Virus

If your sore throat is accompanied by a cough, congestion, headache and body aches, this is more likely to be secondary to a virus, especially if the coughing and congestion are severe. Viruses are the most common culprit behind sore throats, especially during cold and flu season.

Symptoms often develop gradually and may come with congestion, cough, runny nose, mild fever or body aches—classic signs of a viral illness.

Because antibiotics don’t work against viruses, treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Try sore throat remedies such as:

• Rest
• Saltwater gargles
• Sore throat lozenges
• Warm tea

Most viral sore throats resolve on their own within a few days, but if your symptoms worsen or linger, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.

4. COVID-19

COVID-19 can also cause a sore throat, and for some people it may even be one of the first noticeable symptoms. A COVID-related sore throat often appears alongside other symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, or loss of taste or smell—though symptoms vary widely from person to person.

Because COVID-19 shares signs with many other respiratory illnesses, testing is the only way to confirm it. If you develop a sore throat and think you may have been exposed, consider taking an at-home test or contacting your healthcare provider for guidance.

Sore throat treatment options for fast relief

When your throat feels raw and scratchy, you want to feel better as fast as possible. The good news is, a few simple steps can make a big difference. Most sore throats improve on their own within a few days, but you can ease the discomfort in the meantime:

• Hydrate: Start with hydration—warm tea, water and broths help keep your throat moist and soothe irritation.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Saltwater gargles: This is another easy at-home option. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and gargle several times a day.
• Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier can also add moisture to the air and ease that dry, burning sensation.
• Antihistamines: If your symptoms are caused by allergies or postnasal drip, antihistamines or nasal sprays may help.

When to see a doctor for sore throat

While most of the time, a sore throat will resolve on its own with a home remedies and over-the-counter medication, there are times when you should see your doctor.

See a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or worsening pain that makes swallowing difficult
• High fever (typically over 102°F)
• Swollen lymph nodes or a visibly swollen, red throat with white patches
• Difficulty breathing or opening your mouth
• Persistent sore throat lasting more than a week
• Recurring sore throats or symptoms that keep coming back
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, very little urine)
• Rash, joint pain or ear pain along with your sore throat

Experiencing a sore throat? Speak to a doctor today for sore throat relief.