When you get a fever, you experience a general rise in body temperature, which can range from mild to higher and extreme. Fever can sometimes be hard to handle, leaving your body unable to do your daily chores with ease. However, have you wondered where this fever actually originates from? Many misconceptions have linked fever with allergies, however, that is not where your rise in body temperature stems from. Let’s break down the whole mechanism behind fever and why allergies are not to blame.
Defining what fever actually is
Your body has a homeostatic or normal body temperature, which keeps things on the balance and enables you to function and perform your daily tasks normally. It is critical for you that your body stays at this temperature; however, when an infection occurs, your immune system responds to it, leading to a rise in the temperature of your body. This originates in the brain’s hypothalamus. It is important to note here that infections and inflammation cause fever.
How allergies are different from infections
While there are differences in symptoms of seasonal allergies and infections, even the common symptoms among both of these have a difference in severity. Common symptoms of an allergy include:
- • Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and congestion
- • Itchy, watery or red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- • Scratchy or itchy throat and nose, often with clear nasal discharge (postnasal drip)
- • Fatigue or sleepiness (often from poor sleep due to congestion)
Symptoms of infections are fever and body aches. Common cold causes low grade fever, headache, fatigue, coughing and body aches, while influenza results in sudden high fever, chronic cough, chills, and severe muscle aches. Infections produce thick mucus, often green or yellow, whereas mucus from allergies is usually clear. Therefore, one thing to note is that an allergy does not cause body aches and the difference in symptoms clarify that, in turn, it does not cause fever.
Where allergy symptoms are noticeable even without fever, infection or cold/flu symptoms include fever.
How there is no fever from allergies
Allergy symptoms can make you vulnerable to infections over time, which may lead to fever, however, you can not get fever directly from allergies. Allergies by themselves do not raise body temperature. The immune system produces histamine in an allergic reaction, and other organisms to fight the allergen, but not pyrogens, chemicals that induce fever. It is important to mention here that when allergies and infections coexist, the fever comes from the infection, not the allergy.
Why fever is misconceived to be from allergies
Allergies do not directly lead to fever, they pave the way for infections. Since nasal symptoms are common for both allergies and symptoms, when nasal congestion persists, mucus accumulates to the level that bacteria and viruses increase, leading to sinus infection, for example.
Correcting misconceptions regarding fever and allergies
- • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is different from fever. Just like hay does not cause hay fever, allergies do not cause fever.
- • Fever is not a symptom of allergy. Those symptoms are due to bacterial viruses and infections.
- • Allergies do not last for years, they just show up and don’t cause a lot of discomfort. The prolonged symptoms such as fever are a result of infections and flu.
Closing remarks regarding fever and allergies
So, even if allergy symptoms are present, your fever should make you consider infections, flu and cold. Common allergens, such as pollen, dust and mold do not cause our body’s thermostat to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can allergies cause a fever?
No, allergies do not cause fever. Even though the term “hay fever” includes the word “fever,” it’s a misleading name. Allergies can cause symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes but not an actual rise in body temperature.
Why do I feel tired and sick during allergy season?
Allergies can make you feel tired due to nasal congestion, poor sleep, and inflammation but if you also have a fever, chills, or body aches, you may be fighting an infection like a cold or the flu.
What’s the difference between allergies and a cold or flu?
Allergies usually come with itchy eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge and they last as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. Colds and the flu tend to cause fever, body aches, cough, and colored mucus, and they go away in a week or two.
Can allergies lead to something that causes a fever?
Yes, indirectly. Allergies can cause nasal congestion and block drainage from your sinuses or ears. This can lead to sinus infections or ear infections, which can cause a fever.
If my child has a runny nose and a fever, is it just allergies?
Probably not. Allergies in children usually do not cause a fever. If your child has both a fever and allergy-like symptoms, it may be a viral infection or sinusitis, it’s best to check with your doctor.
What is allergic Eustachian tube dysfunction?
This happens when allergies cause swelling around the Eustachian tube — the passage that connects your ear to your throat. When it’s blocked, it can trap fluid in the ear and increase the risk of ear infections, which can cause fever.
When should I see a doctor about allergy symptoms?
See a doctor if:
- • You have allergy symptoms plus a fever
- • Your symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse
- • You feel pressure or pain in your face or ears
- • You have trouble breathing or constant fatigue
Is it safe to treat allergies at home?
Yes, many allergies can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, or allergen avoidance. But if you’re unsure whether it’s an allergy or an infection, or if you develop a fever, consult your healthcare provider.
