Coughing plays an important role in eliminating infectious elements from the body. An itchy throat is a result of inhaled irritants, making it feel scratchy and very uncomfortable. The itchy throat may be due to bacterial and viral infections, they were often a sign of allergies like hay fever.
Causes Of Itchy Throat
Allergies are the main cause of an itchy throat. Many allergic reactions are due to a substance called allergen triggers to produce an immune system response in your body. These allergy triggers include animal dander, dust, pollen, mold, foods such as peanut butter, dairy. The main causes of the itchy throat are:
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis is also known as hay fever which causes an itchy throat. It usually happens when the body releases a chemical called histamine due to the reaction with a harmless substance which includes pollen, animal dander, dust, tobacco smoke, etc.
Food Allergies
Many foods like peanuts, eggs, milk cause allergic reactions. Food allergies happen when the body reacts to these foods as if they were going to harm the body. The allergy may be mild to life-threatening.
Drug Allergies
Certain medications like penicillin and antibiotics cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include an itchy throat that starts after taking medication.
Bacterial And Viral Infection
Bacterial and viral infections cause tonsillitis and flu which start from an itchy throat then progress to a more severe sore throat.
Dehydration
Dehydration can cause a dry mouth which occurs when the body loses more water than it takes. It results in a condition where the mouth and throat don’t produce enough saliva and cause an itchy feeling in the throat.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is also known as heartburn which happens when stomach acid backs up into the food pipe. Symptom of the itchy throat may be stomach acid that enters the food pipe, also known as heartburn. An itchy throat is unlikely to be the symptom of acid reflux.
Symptoms Related To Itchy Throat
Itchy throats which are caused by allergic rhinitis and food may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Runny nose, sneezing
- Itchy, swollen, and red eyes
- Itchy skin and ears
- Hives, a red itchy rash
- Redness around the eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of the lips and throat
- Trouble in breathing or swallowing
- Drop-in blood pressure
It is difficult to know if an itchy throat is caused by allergic rhinitis or one caused by illness. In both cases, it results in nasal congestion or sneezing.
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Treatment Of Itchy Throat
The treatment of an itchy throat is based on the cause. Using allergy medications and nasal sprays can help us to get rid of an itchy throat. The remedies for treatment include:
Hot Tea Or Soup
Getting enough liquids like hot tea and soup can help to keep the mucus membrane clear. Warm drinks help in reducing irritation in the throat and keep you hydrated.
Honey
Hot tea with honey is used to relieve a sore throat. Two teaspoons of honey are also effective in treating throat irritation and coughing. Avoid giving honey to children under the age of one year as it leads to botulism, a type of food poisoning.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers can help in treating itchy throat if it results from dry air or allergies and prevent the mucous from drying.
Popsicles And Cold Drinks
Popsicles, ice chips, or very cold drinks can be helpful in the soothing sore throat as cold temperature numbs the throat, reducing any pain or itchiness.
Gargling With Salt Water
Gargling with salt water eases your throat irritation and reduces mucous buildup.
Prevention
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and drinking plenty of water help prevent itchy throat. Frequently wash your hands during cold and flu season and avoid opening windows and going outside during allergy season.
Is Itchy Throat A Sign Of Coronavirus
A dry cough is common in seasonal allergies and COVID-19 but the cough related to itching or tickle is most likely due to seasonal allergies. A fever, body aches, fatigue accompanied by loss of taste, is the most predictive symptom of a positive PCR test.
When To See A Doctor
There is no need to examine an itchy throat by your doctor. Itchy throat responds well to self-care most of the time. If the symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse then you should consult the doctor for an examination. The symptoms include trouble breathing, facial swelling, severe sore throat, fever, hives, and difficulty swallowing. These situations require immediate medical care and treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medication.
Conclusion
Itchy throat can be a sign of something serious. If you see white patches or a throat that looks swollen then you may have a strep throat and it is a serious bacterial infection. Talk to your doctor immediately for a prescription for antibiotics, if necessary.
Please book an appointment with the ENT Specialist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03100002273 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
