Fever is a medical term referring to an increase in core body temperature that exceeds an ideal set point regulated by the hypothalamus and commonly seen as part of various infections.
Allergies can cause symptoms such as runny nose and itchy eyes, but cannot directly lead to fever. However, allergies can sometimes trigger sinus infections which could lead to feverish conditions.
Getting to Know Allergies
Causes
Allergies are caused by an immune system overreaction that responds to allergens with antibodies of the IgE class, which attack them and send a signal to release chemicals that combat intruders in our bodies.
Common symptoms may include runny nose, itchy eyes or stuffiness in the nose – though in severe cases this could even result in anaphylaxis – an extreme allergic reaction with low blood pressure, high heart rate and even potential fatal consequences.
If you experience allergy symptoms in conjunction with fever, talk to your primary care provider immediately. They can give an in-person visit or virtual visit diagnosis and suggest an appropriate treatment plan (including referral to an allergy specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor ).
Before making your appointment, keep a diary that records what triggers are impacting you so as to better identify allergies.
Symptoms
Allergies typically cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, hives and skin rashes; unlike colds and flus, allergies do not typically produce fever. If your allergy symptoms include low-grade fever symptoms it is wise to visit your physician as this could indicate either bacterial or viral infection in the system.
Treatment options for hay fever and other allergies may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays – decongestants can reduce stuffiness while nasal sprays help loosen mucus build-up while clearing sinuses. A homeopathic treatment called ClearUP offers instant congestion relief.
If you have hay fever, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and take care to stay hydrated. Fever and aches can be eased with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin); for sore throat relief use lozenges or gargle saline solution gargled through your throat. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you; potassium-containing electrolyte drinks could help maintain optimal fluid intake levels as well.
Treatment
Allergies, particularly seasonal allergies, can result in runny noses and sneezing; however, they don’t typically result in fever. If one does occur as part of allergy symptoms, it could indicate an infection of the sinus (sinusitis).
Doctors can help determine whether your fever is due to a virus or allergic reaction by conducting a physical exam and asking about symptoms, as well as conducting further tests such as blood tests, throat swabs or mucus samples.
To treat allergies, OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be taken, taking note to follow any dosing instructions carefully for children. Hydrate as much as possible as fever can lead to dehydration which exacerbates allergy symptoms further. For sinus congestion and pressure relief try an all-natural nasal spray such as ClearUP.
Prevention
If your child suffers from allergies, they may experience low-grade fever. To combat this issue, avoid exposure to allergens that trigger their symptoms: pollen, trees, animal dander or food should all be limited as much as possible.
Allergy medications can also provide assistance for allergy sufferers. Antihistamines help reduce the amount of histamine released by your immune system while decongestants reduce nasal congestion but should only be used temporarily as long-term usage can damage nasal lining lining.
An allergist can conduct skin prick tests or allergen-specific IgE blood tests to identify which allergens trigger your child’s allergy symptoms, also known as skin prick testing or allergen desensitisation immunotherapy – this involves injecting small doses of allergens directly into them to build tolerance over time. They may recommend treatment strategies based on these tests’ results such as allergy shots.
In cases of occupational rhinitis caused by chemical exposure in the workplace, immunotherapy (allergen desensitisation), where small doses of allergens are injected directly into their systems so they build tolerance over time and become immune to them – an allergy shot may help too!
Can Allergies Cause Fever?
Contrary to popular belief, allergies themselves do not directly cause a fever, as stated by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. However, they can pave the way for a fever to develop if they trigger a sinus infection.
It is important to note that sinus infections are brought about by bacteria or viruses, not by allergies. Allergy specialist Dr. Frank J. Eidelman clarifies, “Allergies don’t cause a fever. The term ‘hay fever’ is a misnomer. It’s not caused by hay and isn’t associated with a fever.”
While allergies do not typically induce a fever, there are other conditions, such as bacterial or viral infections, that exhibit similar symptoms to allergies and may result in an elevated body temperature. Therefore, if you are afflicted by seasonal allergies and find yourself experiencing a fever, it is possible that the initial allergic reaction has left you susceptible to a viral infection.
If you happen to have a runny or congested nose alongside a fever, it is advisable to consult your doctor to ascertain the underlying cause, as it may indicate a sinus infection. Seeking medical attention will aid in determining the source of your fever and obtaining appropriate treatment.
