Normal temperature of your body is between 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. In terms of Celsius, it hovers around 36 degrees C to 37.1 degrees C. When temperature of your body touches 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit i.e., ~38 degrees C, it is labelled as a condition called fever. Allergies are often temporary and may only last till your exposure to an allergen persists. Watery discharge from eyes and itchiness are very common signs of allergies. But, can allergies cause fever? It is useful to know more on this.
Allergies may show up when immunity cells respond to an allergen or a foreign body. These foreign bodies can be pet dander, pollen grains, etc. Your body has substances called antibodies. Upon being exposed to an allergen, it is your immunity cells that cause responses such as swelling of skin, itchiness or sneezing. Antibodies can also make your sinuses as well as airways to become swollen.
Severity of allergic reactions is never the same for two individuals. Conditions such as allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) causes persistent spells of sneezing, itchiness of eyes or roof of your mouth, a stuffy or runny nose, swelling of eyes or a watery discharge from them.
A few people may encounter food-based allergies; these include signs such as hives or other skin conditions, a tingling sensation, inflammation of oral organs like tongue or lips. On the other hand, drug-induced allergies may trigger rashes, swelling of face, itchiness, etc.
In a few one-off cases, a very severe condition called anaphylaxis may show up. Signs of this severe allergic condition include a marked decrease in blood pressure level (hypotension), becoming unconscious, inability to breath or wheezing, etc.
Can allergies cause fever?
No, allergies do not trigger a fever. However, allergies may lead to health conditions like sinusitis, nasal congestion, coughing, fatigue, vomiting and / or nausea. You may need to remember that infections caused by a few viruses can trigger allergy-type symptoms along with a fever.
Moreover, allergic reactions tend to go away once exposure to allergen is stopped. But, signs such as common cold or flu are known to last longer i.e., even after exposure to allergens cease.
A few other cases wherein a fever may show up include acute spells of sinusitis. You are also likely to notice green or yellow discharge from nasal airways, persistent episodes of coughing, sharp pain in cheeks as well as forehead.
Another instance where a fever is likely to occur is incidence of flu. You may have to remember that flu triggers almost same signs as allergies. In case of flu, a spell of fever is likely to last for a few days. You may also observe soreness of throat, being very tired, body pain and muscle ache.
Another condition similar to an allergy is common cold. Its onset is due to infections of a viral strand. Though it is a rare occurrence, common cold may cause chills and fever in some people. You are likely to witness a few other discomforts such as blocking of nasal passages, migraine, frequent spells of sneezing, etc.
What to do if you have a fever?
It is a vital thing to talk to a qualified caregiver and diagnose what has caused a fever. Your caregiving team is likely to order some tests including those done on urine samples, blood as well as mucus samples. You may also need to go through an x-ray examination if the diagnosis demands such a procedure.
Allergies can be best diagnosed with the assistance of an allergist. Your allergist will want to understand your clinical history coupled with a few tests. Common among tests ordered are skin tests to understand hypersensitivity to allergens like latex, food, pollen, etc. At times, you may also have to go for blood tests for a better diagnosis.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.