Allergy more often than not is an inherited condition. The immune system reacts to something that is eaten, touched, or inhaled. The substance is treated as an enemy by the immune system and attacked. This affects the normal day-to-day functioning of the person. The substances which cause allergies are called allergens. Dust pollen, molds, and animal dander are the most common allergens. Allergies that Irritate the Throat End of winter is normally the time when people are affected by scratchy throat allergies. The trees and plants that are coaxed back to life from the miserable winters, trigger miserable sneezing and sniffling. The most common ear, nose, and throat allergies are hay fever, asthma, etc. Hay fever, also known as 'Allergic Rhinitis', is an allergy caused by pollen or dust. This condition affects people only during certain pollen seasons. The common pollen allergy symptoms are sneezing, nasal congestion, scratchy or sore throat, headache, and watery eyes. Antihistamines are normally used to treat this condition. It is best to avoid to allergens, which trigger this condition. Keep the house free of allergens like molds, dust, pollen, and spores. The bare minimum exposure a person has to pollens, the less will he be affected with this condition. Remedies Using an air conditioner is a good option as it filters the pollens. If you have a headache, using wet compress can help alleviate the condition. The best idea is to keep the sleeping area free of dust collectors like stuffed animals. Use a cover on your mattress and pillow cover, this will keep dust away from them. Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) causes itching in the mouth after consumption of some food items. It is probably due to consumption of pollen-producing plants, vegetables, and fruits. Often it is seen that, people who have oral allergy syndrome are allergic to banana, chamomile, sunflower seed, zucchini, cucumber, etc. One of the simplest way to treat any kind of nasal allergy or throat irritation is to gargle with warm salt water. The other remedies are: take plenty of rest, keep yourself well-hydrated, and take hot baths or steam. Humidifying the room also helps relieve nasal congestion. Throat irritation, if left untreated, can lead to mucus buildup caused due to sinus drainage into the back of the throat. Since this mucus stays for an extended period, bacteria starts growing on it, leading to an infection called strep throat. This infection is accompanied by a thick, dark, yellow-colored mucus, and it needs medical attention. To keep allergies at bay inculcate healthy eating habits, drink a lot of fluids, frequently wash your hands, avoid crowded areas, and last but not the least, take ample amounts of rest. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.