Many people deal with allergies throughout the year, especially in regions where allergens like pollen, dust, and mold are ever-present. But can allergies cause fever, or is that a sign of something else?
At South Florida ENT Associates, we specialize in Let’s explore whether allergies and fever are connected and how you can tell the difference between an allergic reaction and an illness that causes fever.
Is Fever an Allergy Symptom?
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites, as a threat. When this happens, your body produces chemicals like histamines to fight off the perceived invader, leading to symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Watery eyes
- Itchy skin
While uncomfortable, these responses are your body's way of reacting to allergens, but a fever is not typically part of that immune response. Fever usually indicates that your body is fighting something more serious, such as a bacterial or viral infection, and is rarely associated with allergic reactions alone. In most cases, allergies do not directly raise your body temperature.
Allergies and Sinus Infections: A Link to Fever
While allergies themselves don’t cause fever, untreated or severe allergies can lead to secondary infections, such as sinusitis. When your sinuses are blocked or inflamed for extended periods due to allergies, bacteria can build up, causing a sinus infection.
Sinus infections can result in a fever, along with facial pain, thick nasal discharge, and pressure in the face. If you experience these symptoms and a fever, you may have developed a sinus infection requiring medical attention.
How to Distinguish Allergies from a Cold or Flu
Because allergy symptoms and cold or flu symptoms often overlap, it’s essential to know how to tell them apart. Allergies usually cause the following:
- Clear, watery nasal discharge
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Sneezing and nasal congestion
Colds and the flu, on the other hand, often involve:
- A fever
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Yellow or green nasal discharge
- Fatigue that is more severe than allergy-related tiredness
This is where fever comes in; if you have a fever, you’re more likely to have an infection, like a cold or flu, rather than an allergic reaction.
When to See Us at South Florida ENT Associates
If you have allergies and develop a fever, it may be a sign that your condition has progressed to a sinus infection or another type of illness. Fever, combined with facial pain, thick or colored mucus, or persistent congestion, is often a sign of an infection and requires treatment.
Early treatment and proper care are key to managing allergies and preventing complications like infections. If you’re dealing with allergy symptoms that won’t go away or if you suspect a sinus infection, South Florida ENT Associates (SFENTA) can help. Schedule a consultation today, and let our team of ENT specialists provide you with the care and relief you need.
