Can Allergies Cause a Fever?
Do you have the typical symptoms of allergies, but also a fever? Find out if allergies can cause a fever, or if your temperature is the result of a different health issue.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Allergies are your body’s reaction to various substances that your system sees as harmful.
There are 7 different types of allergies:
- food
- pollen
- drug
- insect
- latex
- mold
- pet
Despite the different types of allergies, the symptoms are generally similar. Common symptoms of allergies include:
- stuffy or runny nose
- sneezing
- congestion
- watery, itchy eyes
- itchy nose and roof of the mouth
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- tightness in the chest
- skin rashes and hives
- fatigue
- headache
- stomach ache
- nausea
- vomiting
Allergies can sometimes be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that’s also a medical emergency.
If you’re feeling faint, having difficulty breathing, or feeling anxious after coming into contact with something that you’re allergic to, seek medical attention immediately.
These are common signs of anaphylaxis.
Can Allergies Cause a Fever?
You may have noticed that fever isn’t one of the common symptoms of allergies.
That’s because allergies don’t cause a fever. A fever isn’t an immune response when your body comes in contact with an allergen.
Instead, you develop a fever as a result of an infection. And allergies aren’t infections.
However, there’s a way that allergies can lead to a fever.
How Can an Allergy Lead to Fever?
One of the most common symptoms of allergies is nasal congestion. This congestion can trap bacteria in your nose, and cause sinusitis. It can also make you more susceptible to viruses, making it easy for you to catch the flu.
And you guessed it. Fever is a common symptom of both the flu and sinusitis.
So, if you have a rise in temperature or a fever, it’s probably due to another condition, not allergies. However, allergies can lead to that condition occasionally.
Flu or Allergies?
The easiest way to identify whether you have the flu or allergies is to look at your symptoms. Having a fever is a clear sign that you’re not (just) suffering from allergies.
Common flu symptoms include:
- fever or raised temperature
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue
The symptoms of sinusitis are also very similar. In addition to the fever, cough, runny nose, and fatigue, you may also experience:
- facial pain or pressure
- runny or stuffy nose
- loss of smell
- bad breath
- dental pain
The key to finding out whether you have allergies or something else is proper diagnosis.
While having a fever is a clear sign that your symptoms aren’t caused by allergies, it’s still worth investigating.
Diagnosing Allergies
If you suspect that you’re allergic to something, it’s important to get diagnosed. A diagnosis can help you find a suitable treatment for your symptoms.
First, you need to get a referral to an allergist. This type of specialist doctor can examine your symptoms, conduct tests, and diagnose your allergies.
Logging your symptoms and flare-ups can help with the diagnosis. Apart from talking about your symptoms, the allergist may also conduct a skin-prick test.
This is a very common procedure where the allergist administers a small amount of allergen into your system and monitors your reaction.
Treating Allergies
Once your allergy is diagnosed, the doctor can prescribe a treatment plan for you.
Allergies aren’t a curable condition. While they may fade or change with time, there’s no medical treatment to get rid of allergies for good.
However, you can manage your symptoms to make day-to-day life as regular as possible.
Antihistamines can lower your body’s histamine production, which is an allergy response. This can quickly and effectively offer temporary relief.
Allergy shots and steroids can also have long-term positive effects.
Treating fevers and the illnesses that cause them is often more straightforward.
Types of Fevers
A fever is your immune system’s reaction to an infection. By raising your internal temperature, your body can fight the virus or bacteria that’s causing your illness.
Depending on your body temperature, these are the categories of fevers:
- Average body temperature: When you’re not sick, or when you’re only suffering from allergies, your average body temperature should be between 97-99°F (36.1°C-37.2°C).
- Low-grade fever: You have a low-grade fever if your temperature is between 99°F (37.2°C) and 100.4°F (38°C).
- Fever: The CDC categorizes body temperature such as a fever above 100.4°F (38°C). If your fever lasts for more than three days, seek medical attention.
- High-grade fever: Anything above 103°F (39.4°C) counts as a high-grade fever. If your fever climbs to this point, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Most types of fevers don’t require medical attention. In many cases, taking over-the-counter medicine to lower your temperature should get rid of your fever. Anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are also effective.
Get Help From a Doctor For Both Fevers and Allergies
If your fever doesn’t break within three days, or it climbs to a high-grade fever, you need to seek medical attention.
With allergies, you should consult a doctor if the symptoms you’re experiencing aren’t related to a diagnosis.
In both cases, you can speak to a doctor from the comfort of your home with the help of Carefree MD.
For just $17.95/month, you can speak to a state-licensed physician with a phone or computer, get prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy when medically necessary, and receive personalized advice on treatment options.
Talk to a doctor about your fever or allergies when you sign up for a Carefree MD membership today!
The Carefree MD blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
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