From the Guidelines
Allergies can cause a mild pharyngitis, yellow nasal discharge, and a low-grade fever, as they trigger an immune response leading to inflammation in the nasal passages and throat. According to the clinical practice guideline on allergic rhinitis 1, allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammatory response of the nasal mucous membranes after exposure to inhaled allergens, which can lead to symptoms such as rhinorrhea (anterior or posterior nasal drainage), nasal congestion, nasal itching, and sneezing. These symptoms can be classified as mild or more severe, depending on their impact on quality of life 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating these symptoms include:
- The frequency and severity of symptoms, which can help guide treatment selection 1
- The potential for exacerbation of coexisting conditions, such as asthma 1
- The importance of monitoring symptoms to distinguish between allergies and infections, as yellow mucus can occur with both conditions
For relief, over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10mg daily, loratadine (Claritin) 10mg daily, or fexofenadine (Allegra) 180mg daily can help reduce symptoms. Nasal corticosteroids such as fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone (Nasacort), used as 1-2 sprays per nostril daily, can decrease inflammation. Saline nasal rinses and staying hydrated may also provide relief. However, if your fever exceeds 100.4°F (38°C), symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days, or you develop severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, you should consult a healthcare provider as these could indicate an infection rather than allergies.
From the FDA Drug Label
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies: • runny nose • itchy, watery eyes • sneezing • itching of the nose or throat
The symptoms described, such as mild pharyngitis, yellow nasal discharge, and low-grade fever, are not directly mentioned in the provided drug labels 2 and 3. However, runny nose can be associated with yellow nasal discharge in the context of allergies.
- Pharyngitis is not explicitly mentioned, but itching of the nose or throat is, which could be related to throat symptoms.
- Low-grade fever is not mentioned at all. Given the information provided, it is unclear if allergies can cause the specific combination of symptoms described.
From the Research
Allergies and Symptoms
- Allergic rhinitis can cause a range of symptoms, including nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat 4.
- While the studies do not directly mention mild pharyngitis, yellow nasal discharge, and low-grade fever as symptoms of allergic rhinitis, they do discuss the presence of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and postnasal drainage, which could potentially lead to or be associated with these symptoms 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment for allergic rhinitis typically includes avoiding inciting allergens, using second-generation H1 antihistamines, intranasal antihistamines, or intranasal corticosteroids, depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms 4, 5, 7, 8.
- The choice of treatment may also depend on patient preference, comorbidities, and prior treatment, with pharmacotherapy being patient-specific 7, 8.
Specific Symptoms
- Nasal congestion is a common symptom of allergic rhinitis, and treatment with intranasal corticosteroids or combination therapy with antihistamines may be effective in alleviating this symptom 5, 6, 8.
- Rhinorrhea, or runny nose, is another common symptom, and treatment with antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids may help to reduce this symptom 4, 5, 7, 8.
- While the studies do not specifically mention yellow nasal discharge or low-grade fever as symptoms of allergic rhinitis, it is possible that these symptoms could be related to or exacerbated by allergic rhinitis, particularly if left untreated or poorly managed 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.