Got a tickle in your throat and not sure why? Bottom Line Personal asked Sara Abu-Ghanem, MD, MMedSc, otolaryngologist and assistant professor of otolaryngology at Maimonides/SUNY Downstate to explain all about an itchy throat.
Why Is My Throat Itchy?
An itchy throat is a common complaint and can have a range of causes. Typical culprits include…
Infections
These most often are viral infections, such as the flu or common cold. Your itchy throat might be accompanied by other symptoms, including a runny nose and congestion. Usually, these illnesses are mild and self-limiting.
Allergies
An itchy throat can be a reaction to an allergen such as pollen, dust, pet dander and certain foods and medications. This type of itchy throat can be accompanied by other common allergy symptoms—itchy nose and eyes…red, swollen watery eyes…postnasal drip…skin hives and rash. An itchy throat typically is not a medical emergency, but it can be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. If your other symptoms include hives or rash, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 911, even if you have an EpiPen to stop the reaction.
Irritants
Smoke and other airborne chemicals can directly irritate the throat and cause itching or discomfort, sometimes even a burning sensation.
Lack of humidity
Environments with dry air and low-humidity air, both indoors and outdoors, can cause a tickle in the throat and an itchy-throat cough as moisture from the throat’s mucous membranes dries out.
Post-nasal drip
Excess secretions from your nose and sinuses dripping down the back of the throat can cause an itchy throat.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
The backflow of acid from the stomach to the throat can irritate the throat and cause an itchy sensation. Other signs that your itchy throat could be from GERD include a sore throat, coughing after meals or at nighttime, hoarseness, metallic taste, heartburn symptoms and difficulty swallowing.
How to Relieve Itchy Throat
For minor causes, there are some home remedies to ease that itchy feeling, depending on the cause. Stay hydrated…gargle with warm salt water—some people find that adding slices of fresh ginger helps thanks to ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties…and drink warm or room-temperature beverages. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air at home and your office. Try nasal irrigation with saline if you also have nasal symptoms. Take over-the-counter allergy medications when appropriate and, of course, always avoid irritants and allergens that you know you’re sensitive to.
When to See a Doctor
If your itchy throat is severe or lasts longer than a few days, call your doctor. If it’s accompanied by concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention immediately. It’s best to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist when an itchy throat is accompanied by milder persistent symptoms such as changes in your voice, reflux symptoms or uncontrolled nasal symptoms.
