Can Allergies Cause a Dry Throat?

A dry, scratchy throat can be caused by seasonal allergies, such as hay fever. Allergies occur when your immune system thinks a harmless substance, called an allergen, is harmful. There can be other causes of dry throat that you should rule out before assuming your symptoms are due to allergies.

Learn more about allergies and dry throat in this article.

How Allergies Cause Dry Throat

When the body is exposed to allergens, the immune system may overreact by producing antibodies that "attack" the allergen. This immune response leads to symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough.

Overproduction of Mucus

Exposure to allergens can trigger mucus build-up (congestion) in the nose and sinuses. The mucus then drains down the throat (post-nasal drip). This sinus drainage can cause a dry, sore throat.

Increased Airflow

The congestion associated with allergies can make it difficult to breathe through your nose. Chronic mouth breathing, especially if the air is dry, can cause a dry throat.

Air conditioning can also make dry throat and allergies worse by blowing allergens into the air.

Types of Allergies That Cause Dry Throat

Allergies are commonly caused by hay fever and other environmental allergens, such as dust, dander, mold, and pollen.

Hay Fever

The term "hay fever" is a bit misleading since fever isn't one of the symptoms of this condition. Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis because it includes a variety of symptoms that affect your nose.

Symptoms can include:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Postnasal drip
• Itchy eyes, nose, mouth, and throat
• Watery, red, or swollen eyes
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Headache
• Pressure in the nose and cheeks
• Ear fullness and popping
• Sore throat
• Dark circles under your eyes
• Trouble smelling

Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drains from your sinuses and nasal passageways into the back of your throat. This can lead to the feeling of dryness or scratchiness, and it often makes you feel like you constantly need to clear your throat.

Environmental Allergens

Dry throat is also commonly triggered by airborne allergens and irritants, both indoors and outdoors.

These can include:

• Smoke (such as from wood, cigarettes, and candles)
• Smog
• Fragrances
• Household chemicals
• Cleaning supplies
• Paint fumes
• Hygiene products and cosmetics
• Pollen
• Mold
• Fungi

Treating Allergies That Cause Dry Throat

Allergies—and the dry throat that accompanies them—can be treated with medications as well as home remedies and lifestyle changes.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a type of medication that blocks the effects of chemicals called histamines, which contribute to your dry nose and throat and other symptoms.

Common over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine medications include:

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Tylenol Cold and Cough (acetaminophen)
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)
• Allegra (fexofenadine)

More serious allergy symptoms might require prescription medication.

Decongestants

Decongestants work by decreasing stuffiness in your nose and sinuses, which in turn reduces postnasal drip and helps relieve dry nose and throat. Note that using a decongestant for more than three days in a row can have the opposite effect, making swelling in your nasal passageways worse.

Lozenges and Cough Drops

Sucking on a lozenge, cough drop, or even a piece of hard candy increases saliva production. Young children should not be given these products because they can choke on them. This type of treatment directly targets your dry throat symptoms, rather than treating the underlying cause.

Liquids

A dry throat can be worse if you're dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and monitor the color of your urine. If you're drinking enough, it should be pale yellow. Include hot liquids, such as tea or broth-based soups, to help soothe your dry throat. Consider adding some honey to your tea to coat your throat.

Saltwater Gargle and Rinses

Salt water gargling and nasal rinses can help reduce swelling and excess mucus in the nose and back of your throat. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and gargle (spit it out—don't swallow). Repeat several times a day while you're having symptoms.

Humidifiers and Purifiers

Using a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier adds moisture to the air you breathe. Place one in your bedroom to ease symptoms and improve your sleep. Air purifiers can also be used in your home to decrease airborne allergens and reduce allergy symptoms.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Serious allergies might require you to see a specialist, such as an allergist, for medical treatment. Allergy testing can help identify exactly what is causing symptoms like dry throat. And, if you know what your trigger is, you might be able to decrease your exposure to your allergen and minimize your symptoms.

For ongoing allergy issues, allergy shots are sometimes used to gradually introduce small amounts of your specific allergen into your body to help reduce your sensitivity over time.

Other Causes of Dry Throat

Dry throat symptoms aren't only caused by allergies. Other conditions that can cause dry throat include sleeping with your mouth open, sleep apnea, acid reflux, the common cold, and anxiety.

Cold Weather

A dry throat occurs more often in the winter months due to the cold weather. Air is drier during the winter months because the humidity is lower. This can cause dry air to enter the throat and nasal passages. In addition, people tend to spend more time indoors, which leads to worsening of symptoms caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander, and cockroach droppings.

Sleep Issues

Breathing issues during sleep can cause a dry throat.

• Mouth breathing while you're sleeping can cause a dry throat. If your nose is already congested due to allergies, you're at an even higher risk of breathing through your mouth while you sleep. Laying on your back can also make mouth breathing more likely.
• Sleep apnea is another condition that can dry out your throat. Sleep apnea means that you stop breathing for brief periods while you are sleeping. This condition requires medical intervention. Sleep apnea can cause serious side effects, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and shortened lifespan. Seek medical attention if you suspect you have sleep apnea.

Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disorder of the digestive tract caused by the lower esophageal sphincter not closing properly. One of the symptoms of GERD is throat irritation when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus.

Common Cold

The common cold can cause throat dryness or irritation, along with other symptoms that also occur with allergies. However, the symptoms usually last for different amounts of time. The common cold typically resolves within a week, while allergy symptoms can last for months (or longer).

Anxiety

Dry mouth or throat can occur as a side effect of increased anxiety. Other common symptoms include fast heartbeat, trembling, dizziness, sweating, and shortness of breath.

Summary

A dry throat can occur with a variety of medical conditions, including allergies. Post-nasal drip and mouth breathing due to congestion can contribute to a dry, sore throat. See your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms so you can get the right treatment.