Can Allergies Cause Fever Like Symptoms?

Allergies can be a real nuisance, causing a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms — but can allergies cause a fever? While most people associate allergies with sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes, it's possible for allergies to produce other symptoms that often go along with a fever. This makes it vitally important to be able to distinguish between the two.

If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Can allergies cause fever symptoms?” we’re here to provide answers. Read on as we discuss the difference between a regular fever and symptoms caused by allergies, as well as short and long-term treatment options.

Can Allergies Cause Fever Symptoms?

Allergies can cause fever-like symptoms but it’s important to note they do not directly cause a fever. Allergic reactions, triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or cat dander, can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, warmth, headache, and sore throat, that mimic the feeling of having a fever. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, allergies themselves do not raise your body temperature like an actual fever, nor do they cause swollen lymph nodes. Both of these are signs of an infection.

Allergy Info: Curious about how to know if you have dust mites? Learn the signs and symptoms of a dust mite allergy and how to get rid of them.

Can you get a fever from allergies indirectly?

Even though allergies do not directly cause a fever, it is possible that poorly controlled allergies like hay fever, also called seasonal allergic rhinitis, can lead to increased inflammation and mucus production, which creates the perfect storm for viruses and bacteria to settle in and cause infection,which may develop into a fever.

Understanding this distinction between fever-like symptoms caused by allergies and fever from an underlying illness is crucial for managing your allergy treatment effectively.

Allergies vs. Fever: What's the Difference?

Let's clarify the difference between allergies and fever. Allergies are an immune system response to substances that are harmless but mistakenly perceived as threats by your body. These substances, called allergens, include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and foods. When exposed to allergens, your body releases histamines, which trigger allergy symptoms that may be similar to those you experience with a fever.

Conversely, a fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, usually in response to an infection or illness. So, can you get a fever from allergies? While allergies can cause various symptoms, including congestion, sneezing, and fatigue, they don't cause fevers. Just as allergies do not directly cause a fever, infections or illnesses like a cold or the flu do not cause allergies. Cold and flu are caused by bacteria or viruses whereas allergies are an immune response to harmless substances.

Allergy-Induced Fever-Associated Symptoms

Allergies can produce symptoms similar to those that come along with a fever. These discomforts can make you wonder if you’re experiencing allergies or an illness.

Some common allergy-induced symptoms that may be mistaken for fever include:

• Fatigue: Allergies can make you feel tired and lethargic, similar to how you might feel when you have a fever.
• Warm skin: Some people with allergies may experience skin flushing, making them feel warm to the touch.
• Headache: Allergic reactions can cause headaches, which are also common during a fever.
• Scratchy throat: A postnasal drip from allergies can irritate your throat, causing discomfort similar to a sore throat during feverish illnesses.

It's important to remember these symptoms are typically not caused by an increase in body temperature but rather by the body's response to allergens.

Distinguishing Allergy-Induced Symptoms from Fever

The answer to “Can allergies cause fever-like symptoms” is yes. Since they do not cause an actual fever, however, telling the difference between the two can be done with relative ease. To distinguish between allergy-induced symptoms and an actual fever, use a thermometer to measure your body temperature.

A fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. If your temperature is normal but you're experiencing fever-like symptoms, it's more likely due to allergies or another underlying issue.

Treatment for Fever-Like Symptoms Caused by Allergies

When dealing with fever-like symptoms induced by allergies, it's important to consider both short-term relief to alleviate immediate discomfort and long-term treatment to manage and prevent these symptoms in the future.

Short-Term Relief Options

A few effective short-term relief options for fever-like symptoms caused by allergies include:

• Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can provide quick relief from allergy symptoms, including itching and congestion. They work by blocking histamines, which are responsible for many allergy-related symptoms.
• Nasal sprays: Saline nasal sprays can help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion temporarily. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation and mucus production in the nasal passages.  This can provide relief from sore throat and painful sinus pressure
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps thin mucus, soothe a sore throat, and alleviate some fever-like allergy symptoms.
• Rest: Allergy-induced fatigue can benefit from getting adequate rest and sleep.

Long-Term Treatment for Fever-Like Allergy Symptoms

Whether you’re looking to manage your seasonal allergies or seeking immunotherapy treatment, consulting an allergist and taking an at home allergy test will help guide long-term treatment options.

Some options you and your healthcare professional may consider are:

• Reducing allergen exposure: Take measures to minimize your exposure to allergens you know are triggering your immune system. For example, use air purifiers, and hypoallergenic covers for bedding, and regularly clean your living space to reduce allergen levels. For people with pet allergies, wash your pet at least once a week to minimize shedding.
• Allergy immunotherapy: Consider allergy immunotherapy, such as allergy shots or immunotherapy allergy drops. These treatments aim to gradually desensitize your immune system to specific allergens, providing long-term relief and potentially reducing your negative immune response.
• Medications: Some individuals with chronic allergies might benefit from long-term use of prescription medications, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays or antihistamines, to manage ongoing fever-like symptoms caused by allergies.
• Regular follow-ups: Maintain regular follow-ups with an allergist to monitor your progress, adjust allergy treatment plans, and ensure your allergy symptoms are well-managed.
  

If you’re wondering, “Can allergies cause fever-like symptoms?” the answer is yes they can. What’s important to understand is that allergies do not directly cause a fever. While some conditions like hay fever may lead to sinusitis that produces a fever, it’s important to understand allergies do not directly cause a fever. This is the key point in distinguishing whether your symptoms are caused by allergies or another underlying catalyst. Short-term relief options aim to provide immediate comfort, while long-term management involves identifying and treating your immune system against your allergies.

Consult an allergist and consider allergy immunotherapy for ongoing relief. Effective management can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of fever-like symptoms caused by allergies.