If you have allergies, are having an allergic response, or have inhaled something unpleasant, you may get an itchy throat. However, it could also be a precursor to a disease. The reason may affect the treatment.
Why does my throat itch?
One of the most frequent reasons for an itchy throat is allergies. When an allergen causes your body’s immune system to respond, it is what is known as an allergic reaction. These are a few instances of typical allergy triggers that might result in an itchy throat:
- A pet’s dander
- Dust
- Things like dairy, strawberries, or peanut butter
- Mold
- Pollen from plants including ragweed, grass, and trees
It is possible to have minor to severe allergies. An allergic response that is milder but nonetheless unpleasant might cause a scratchy throat.
An itchy throat might also result from breathing in pollution. These might consist of:
- Chemicals
- Cleaning supplies
- Tobacco vapor or smoke
- Pesticides
Itchy throats are a frequent symptom of infections like the common cold and strep throat before they proceed to discomfort and pain.
What to watch out for
Throat itch symptoms include:
- Itchy
- Swollen
- Scratchy
When your throat is scratchy, you may feel as if you need to clean it regularly.
It’s crucial to differentiate between the signs of an itchy throat and other diseases that might be indicated by similar symptoms. An itchy throat, for instance, doesn’t feel scratchy or raw or cause you to feel as if you can’t breathe.
When should I get medical help?
Even while a sore throat isn’t usually a cause for concern, it may nonetheless be a bothersome symptom.
Seek emergency medical assistance if your sore throat grows worse and is accompanied by wheezing, breathing problems, or discomfort while swallowing. If your symptoms don’t go away over time or with home cures, you should also contact a doctor.
A doctor will initially inquire about your medical history to determine the illness causing your scratchy throat. They’ll also inquire as to the cause of your sore throat.
For instance, if your throat itches after walking outdoors, it may be a sign of an allergy to pollen or dust from the environment.
You could be asked to maintain a food diary if your doctor thinks you may have a food allergy. You should record the meals you consume as well as any after-meal symptoms in the notebook.
Testing for allergies may also be advised by your doctor. This may include exposing the skin to tiny doses of recognized irritants. An allergy is present if the skin responds to a specific allergen. Blood tests may also be used to screen for certain allergies.
Typical irritants consist of:
- Pet hair
- Molds
- Grasses
- Pollen
- Dust
Your doctor may additionally check your throat for the following to establish a diagnosis:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Additional inflammation indicators
- Nasal or sinus drainage
Use the Healthline FindCare tool to search local physicians if you need assistance locating a primary care physician (PCP) or an ENT specialist.
How do you cure a scratchy throat?
An antihistamine might help to reduce inflammation in the body if your scratchy throat is caused by allergies. There are OTC (over-the-counter) antihistamines available.
Purchase OTC antihistamines online.
Your doctor could recommend a stronger medication or one that operates in a different manner if they don’t help you feel better.
How should I treat a scratchy throat?
There are many at-home remedies for sore throats, including drinking plenty of water. Gargling with warm salt water and baking soda may also be beneficial since it may reduce inflammation.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 8 ounces of warm water to make the gargling solution.
Relief may also be obtained by using throat-numbing lozenges or throat sprays. These goods include the following active ingredients:
- benzocaine
- oil of eucalyptus
- menthol
Avoiding the allergen that is causing your scratchy throat can usually help your symptoms.
How can I avoid getting a scratchy throat?
Keeping away from recognized allergy triggers might help ease throat itching. Take precautions against infection, such as regularly washing your hands. The common cold, strep throat, or other infectious causes of itchy throat may be avoided in this way.
Remedy for Itchy Throat
A scratchy throat may be an indication of an illness or allergy. You may attempt well-known home remedies, but speak with your doctor first to determine the root of the problem and the best course of action.
The following are the leading reasons of an itchy throat:
- (Allergic rhinitis) Hay fever
- Food intolerances
- Drug intolerances
- (Viral or Bacterial) infection
- Dehydration
- Acid retching
- Adverse drug reactions
How to treat an itchy throat at home?
Here are seven well-known home cures for an itchy throat, according to proponents of natural medicine. However, keep in mind that because the FDA does not regulate herbal medicines, they have not been put to the test in a clinical experiment that has received FDA approval. Always with your physician before beginning any alternative therapies.
Salt water to gargle
- Warm 8 ounces of water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt in it.
- Gargle for 10 seconds while sipping.
- Don’t swallow it; just spit it out.
- Repeat daily two or three times.
Take honey
Eat a spoonful of honey in the morning, especially raw, local honey.
Sip warm ginger tea with lemon and honey.
- In a cup, add 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Add boiling water to the container.
- Add the juice of two lemon wedges.
- Grate some fresh ginger into the mixture.
- Stir the drink.
- Drink it gradually.
- Repeat daily two or three times.
Take some apple cider vinegar.
- Combine 8 ounces of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- When it is cold enough to drink, take a leisurely sip.
Try adding a spoonful of honey or maple syrup to enhance the flavor.
Combine milk with turmeric.
- One teaspoon of turmeric and eight ounces of milk should be combined in a small pot over medium heat.
- Up to a boil.
- Put a cup with the ingredients inside.
- Drink the combination gently after allowing it to cool to a temperature that is comfortable to consume.
- Repeat each evening until the sore throat has gone.
Sup tea with horseradish
- In a cup, combine 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of crushed cloves, and 1 tablespoon of natural horseradish root (not sauce).
- Add boiling water to the container and stir well to combine.
- Sip mindfully.
Ingest herbal tea
Many herbal drinks, including: are said to relieve an itchy throat.
- Needle nettles
- Ginkgo
- Licorice
- “Dong quai”
- A red clover
- Chamomile
- Eyebright
- Elm slippery
- Dairy thistle
OTC allergy pills, lozenges, and nasal sprays, as well as OTC cold medicines, may be used as additional forms of self-care for itchy throats.
When to see the doctor
If your scratchy throat lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by symptoms like:
- Severe throat pain
- Fever
- Having trouble swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Hives
- One’s face swells
Preventing throat itching
There are lifestyle adjustments you may do if you often have a scratchy throat to reduce the frequency and duration of this pain. This comprises:
- Giving up smoking
- Drinking water
- Limit or stay away from caffeine
- Limit or stay away from alcohol
- Minimizing or preventing window opening and outdoor activity during allergy season
- During the flu season, wash your hands often.
Takeaway
There are many well-liked at-home treatments for scratchy throat that proponents of natural healing advise you to try. Never forget to consult your doctor before beginning any alternative treatments.
In the event that self-care is ineffective for you, see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment strategy.