Understanding Itchy Throat: Causes, How to Relieve Itchy Throat?

Itchy throat is a common symptom of allergies and affects people differently based on their age and gender.

In children and young adults, itchy throat and other unusual throat sensations are common. About 25.5% of students experience these symptoms, which often come with sore throat, stiff shoulders, and trouble sleeping.

Allergic rhinitis (AR), a condition that often causes an itchy throat, is more common in teenagers and adults. After puberty, women are more likely to experience AR due to hormonal changes and lifestyle factors.

Young people and women are more sensitive to irritants like carbon dioxide, which can cause throat irritation. Boys are more likely to be allergic to things like house dust mites during childhood, but in adulthood, women become more prone to these allergies.

Contact allergies, which can also cause throat irritation, are more common in adult women and increase with age. Overall, boys are more affected by food allergies causing itchy throat during childhood, while sensitivity to airborne allergens increases with age and becomes more common in women in adulthood.

Itchy throat can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke, dust, chemical fumes, or other pollutants can irritate the throat and cause itchiness.
• Allergies: Allergies to certain seasons or specific substances, such as pollen or pet dander, can also cause an itchy throat.
• Dry air: low humidity, especially in indoor conditions with central heating or air-conditioning.
• Viral infections: These include common colds, flu and other viral infections. These can irritate and itch the throat.
• Acid reflux: When stomach acid has back flowed from the gastroesophageal sphincter into the oesophagus, it has to be classified as a throat irritant and an itch-producer.
• Certain medicines: Some medicines, including ACE inhibitors taken to control blood pressure, cause a dry, scratchy cough.

Alongside the ‘scratchy’ or ‘itchy’ feeling in the throat, symptoms may include the following:

• Dry cough
• Hoarseness or changes in voice
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Postnasal drip (mucus drainage from the sinuses down the back of the throat)

Here are some home remedies and over-the-counter treatments for an itchy throat:

1. Honey: Honey is antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, making it useful in reducing throat tickle, clearing mucus, and treating other cold symptoms. Mix 1 tablespoon full of raw, unfiltered honey in warm water to create a soothing gargle. Repeat at least three times a day.
2. Lemon juice: Lemon juice thinly coats sore throats, reduces coughing, and calms tickling and itching. Mix 1 tablespoon full of fresh lemon juice in a glass of warm water. If desired, add a bit of honey for a delicious, relaxing bedtime soother. This can be used any time of day.
3. Ginger: Ginger is a carminative, which means that it helps eliminate gas to relieve tickling, coughs, and congestion. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties. To make a ginger gargle, steep a tablespoon of fresh ginger root in boiled water for five minutes, then strain. Add a pinch of salt, mix well, and use as a gargle. Do this at least three times a day.
4. Salt water: Gargling salt water can rinse out germs as well as soothe a sore throat, mucus, tickle, and itching, reduce coughing, and clear the sinuses. Try mixing 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of salt in water and using the gargling technique.
5. Liquorice root: liquorice root works as an expectorant that thins mucus for cough relief and also coats and soothes throats, diminishing tickling. Add a tablespoon of liquorice root to a cup of boiling water and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out any remaining herb; let the liquid cool down. Gargle with the liquorice tea and swallow.
6. Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root is a demulcent that can soothe a dry cough, reduce tickling, and thicken mucus for more effective removal and soothing of the throat. Add 1 teaspoon of marshmallow root to a cup of boiling water and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Strain out any leftover herb; allow the mixture to cool slightly and process. Gargle the root infusion and swallow.
7. Slippery elm: Slippery elm is another demulcent that helps to soothe a dry cough, reduce tickling, and thicken mucus for better removal and soothing. Add 1/2 teaspoon of slippery elm to a cup of boiling water. Let cool for a few minutes. Strain out the bark. Add a little bit of honey. Mix well and swallow. Gargle as much as desired.

• Throat hydration: If possible, drinking plenty of water or warm liquids, like herbal tea with honey, can help soothe and moisten the throat.
• Humidity: Using a humidifier or taking a steamy shower can add moisture to the air so you don’t have to deal with dry and itchy throats.
• Saltwater gargle: Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water and gargle away. This can help cut down on inflammation, alleviating those itchy throat sensations.
• Lozenges can help moisten your throat by stimulating saliva.
• Cough: cough suppressants might help with a dry cough that could result from irritation While over-the-counter medications can provide you with some relief, it is best to consult your physician about the remedies and not self-medicate. Medicines such as cough suppressants and antihistamines could help provide you with some relief. If you must take medication, remember to drink plenty of water.
• An itchy throat due to acid reflux could be treated with generic antacids or prescription medications to reduce stomach acid production.

To help prevent itchy throat, consider the following measures:

• Minimise exposure to smoke, dust and other irritants: Avoid environmental irritants as much as possible – these include exposure to smoke, dust, fumes or pollutants.
• Palliate allergies: Avoid substances that trigger itchy throat symptoms (many allergy sufferers find it useful to identify and steer clear of their specific allergens) and use over the counter or prescription allergy drugs if necessary.
• Keep indoor humidity: Run a humidifier in very dry season or in a room with air-conditioning.
• Keep clean: Wash your hands regularly and stay away from people with colds or flu to avoid getting viruses that can make your throat itch.
• Treat acid reflux: Avoid foods and beverages that trigger acid reflux, including spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Eat small, frequent meals and avoid lying down after meals.

While an itchy throat is often a minor irritation that can be cured with home remedies and over-the-counter medicine, it’s important to consult a medical doctor under certain circumstances:

• Itchy throat symptoms that persist for 2 days despite home treatment
• Severe sore throat or difficulty swallowing
• High fever (over 38.4°C) accompanied by itchy throat
• Swelling in the face, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Itchy throat accompanied by a rash or hives

These symptoms may be indicators of a more serious underlying problem, like a bacterial infection or serious allergic reaction, that needs immediate evaluation and treatment by a medical professional.

An itchy throat is a common complaint that can cause irritation, discomfort and can make us feel under the weather. Knowing the causes of an itchy throat, its signs, and treatments can enable sufferers to keep their condition under control.

Sometimes simple home remedies that help unclog and thin the mucus are enough to get rid of mild symptoms of an itchy throat, like staying well hydrated, placing a humidifier in your home or workplace or gargling with saltwater.

Over-the-counter medicines can also be effective for allergy treatment or cough relief to soothe irritated throats.

On the other hand, if itchy throat symptoms persist for more than a couple of days or if they are accompanied by severe symptoms, consult your doctor. With a proper diagnosis and following your doctor’s advice, you can find relief from symptoms of an itchy throat and prevent flare-ups and other throat problems.

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