Why My Throat Is Itchy

Bacterial And Viral Infections

If you notice that you have a sore, itchy throat, it may be down to the common cold. However, it could also be caused by more serious bacterial and viral infections that affect throat health. Things like strep throat or tonsillitis will cause itchiness in the throat, which will develop into a very sore throat over time. It is best to get checked by an ENT doctor so you can catch the infection in the early stages and get treated with antibiotics right away.

When To Seek Medical Advice

If you think you or your child may have a food allergy, it’s very important to ask for a professional diagnosis from your GP. They can then refer you to an allergy clinic if appropriate.

Many parents mistakenly assume their child has a food allergy when their symptoms are actually caused by a completely different condition.

Commercial allergy testing kits are available, but using them isn’t recommended. Many kits are based on unsound scientific principles. Even if they are reliable, you should have the results looked at by a health professional.

Read more about diagnosing food allergies.

What Causes An Itchy Throat

Allergies are one of the most common causes of an itchy throat. An allergic reaction occurs when a substance called an allergen triggers an immune system response in your body. Examples of common allergy triggers that can cause an itchy throat include:

• foods, such as peanut butter, dairy, or strawberries
• pollen, found in trees, grass, or ragweed

Allergies can range from mild to severe. An itchy throat can indicate a milder, yet uncomfortable, allergic reaction.

Inhaling pollutants can also lead to an itchy throat. These might include:

• tobacco smoke or vapor

Infections, such as the common cold or strep throat, can start as an itchy throat before progressing to soreness and pain.

An itchy throat may feel:

An itchy throat feels uncomfortable, and it can feel as if you need to clear your throat frequently.

Its important to distinguish between the symptoms of an itchy throat and similar symptoms that may indicate other conditions. For example, an itchy throat doesnt feel rough or raw, or make you feel as if you cant breathe.

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When Should I Be Concerned

Tearing of the eyes, swelling, etc. are perennial allergies due to allergens like animals, dust, or mold, says Mili Shum, MD, allergist and immunologist at U of U Health. Your symptoms will be the same as last year.

Cough, post-nasal drip, or a history of asthma are known triggers for allergic reactions. For people who are aware of their allergies, the symptoms should not be out of proportion from reactions in the past. If the cough feels different to you, or if you have a fever, this is most likely not an allergic reaction but something else.

Its still early in the COVID-19 phase, Shum says. People are still attributing their symptoms to their allergies.

If your cough gets worse to the point you have difficulty breathing, call your health care provider and seek immediate medical attention.

Johns Hopkins Pediatric Otolaryngology

Our pediatric otolaryngologists are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for children with ear, nose, and throat conditions. As part of the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, you have access to all the specialized resources of a children’s hospital. Your child will also benefit from experts who use advanced techniques to treat both common and rare conditions.

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Are There Herbal Remedies To Help Me

If you are suffering from a sore throat with your hayfever, you are also likely to be experiencing other symptoms such as sneezing or nasal congestion. If this is the case, then a remedy tackling all symptoms of hayfever is likely to be the most effective. For example, Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets combine several different herbs in a formula devised by Alfred Vogel to target the symptoms of hayfever.

However, as this remedy can be taken alongside other remedies, you may also benefit from a sore throat spray, such as Echinaforce Sore Throat Spray, which combines extracts of Echinacea and sage.

Constant Itchy Throat With Cough

Question

I have a case to present. A woman who is 62 years old complained of constant itchy throat for many years. She tried many kinds of antihistamine drugs without good effect. I can’t find any environmental factors influencing her disease. She has been to Australia without a change in symptoms. The SPT showed negative results. I prescribed 1st generation and 2nd generation antihistamines for her without good effect. I can’t explain it. She does not have asthma nor allergic rhinitis, etc. She coughs sometimes because of the itching.Constant Itchy Throat with Cough

Answer

Reviewing, we have a 62 year-old patient with a chronic complaint of an itchy throat and some cough that does not seem to improve with a change in environment nor with anti-histamines.

There are a few key elements and questions to think about regarding this patient’s history. The first is the patient’s age which suggests that the problem may not be atopy.

Several additional details might help us out somewhat further:

Apart from allergy, itchy throat can be caused by:

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How Can I Treat Or Prevent An Itchy Throat

Treating an itchy throat is primarily dependent on the cause, of course, but there are some remedies that can bring relief regardless of the underlying condition. If you have a cold or the flu, there is no cure, but you can mitigate the discomfort of a scratchy throat with a time-honored remedy like honey. Either eaten directly by the spoonful or mixed into hot tea, the honey acts as a gentle coating in your throat that can make it feel better almost immediately. The following are some other treatment and prevention ideas that are known to be soothing and helpful at keeping your throat itch-free:

• taking antihistamines
• using cough drops or throat lozenges
• sipping hot tea
• using over-the-counter nasal sprays
• avoiding cigarette smoke
• avoiding alcohol and caffeine
• drinking water or other fluids regularly

Some causes of throat itchiness are somewhat unavoidable, like the seasonal allergies that can be a nuisance for certain people. In terms of diseases or infections that can lead to a variety of symptoms, the best prevention method is the same advice that is relevant to the cold, flu, and COVID-19: wash your hands regularly, remain socially distanced from people outside your household, and wear a mask when you have to be out in public.

How To Get Rid Of Your Itchy Ears And Throat

Now that you know the answer to, Why do my ears and throat itch? you probably want to know how to make the itching stop. Fortunately, you can treat most causes of itchy ears and an itchy throat using over-the-counter medicines.

You may also find relief by taking advantage of the following natural home remedies:

• Purchasing a humidifier to keep your sinuses open and hydrated
• Sleeping on propped up pillows to combat drainage issues
• Getting tested for any food allergies to avoid
• Learning about the best foods to clear sinuses
• Staying up to date on the Houston pollen count so you can plan to remain indoors when counts are high.

If your itchy ears and throat evolve to drainage and stuffy sinuses that lasts longer than 10 days, visit your local ENT doctor in Houston as soon as possible, as they may be a sign of a larger medical issue. Should your itchy ears and throat be caused by recurrent sinus issues, such as chronic sinus infection or chronic allergies, your ENT may recommend more proactive treatments such as Clarifix for Rhinitis or Balloon sinuplasty.

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My Throat Feels Itchy After Fruits/veggies

By: Jennifer Toczyski, FNP-C

Sometimes our bodies get confused and think that the protein of certain fruits and vegetables look exactly the same as a tree, weed, or grass pollen. This is called cross-reactivity. When this happens, our body starts to treat that fruit/vegetable like an allergy, causing your throat or mouth to itch within a few minutes after eating. Rarely, symptoms can include tongue or lip swelling. Different fruits/vegetables can cause OAS depending on what pollen youre allergic to. For example, if your throat itches after eating an apple or celery, you may be allergic to birch tree pollen.

You may find that this happens with foods that never made you itchy before, as this can occur after teenage years. You may also find that it only happens when the fruit/vegetable is raw, but does not happen when it is cooked. This is because the proteins become denatured or weakened with high temperatures. These symptoms may also occur more frequently during pollinating seasons .

Risk Factors For Allergies

Allergies are more common in children, but symptoms may improve as they get older.

Some underlying health conditions, such as asthma, could make symptoms worse or increase the risk of developing an allergy.

If a persons family member has allergies, they may share similar genes and develop the allergy themselves.

An allergist is a doctor who specializes in allergies. They can give advice on managing and treating allergy symptoms, such as an itchy throat or ears.

Some people can manage a mild allergy by taking OTC medication and minimizing contact with allergens.

However, the ACAAI recommend seeing an allergist if:

• allergies disrupt daily life
• a person has difficulty breathing
• a person has lasting or repeat sinus infections
• antihistamines are not effective or cause side effects

Before seeing an allergist, a person should make a note of their symptoms and how long they have lasted.

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Severe Allergic Reactions And Anaphylaxis

Severe allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamines, medical attention, and in some cases, epinephrine. People with a history of allergic reactions should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them in case of emergency, as this drug can stop or prevent anaphylaxis.

Warning

If youre experiencing a severe allergic reaction, call 911 immediately, even if youve self-administered an epinephrine treatment. While severe reactions can resolve on their own, they also have the potential to escalate into anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening medical condition.

Who Is At Risk For Rhinitis

People with asthma are at a higher risk for rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a common problem that may be linked to asthma. However, this link is not fully understood. Experts think that since rhinitis makes it hard to breathe through the nose, it is harder for the nose to work normally. Breathing through the mouth does not warm, filter, or humidify the air before it enters the lungs. This can make asthma symptoms worse.

Controlling allergic rhinitis may help control asthma in some people.

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So What Causes An Itchy Throat

According to Dr. Singh, while mildly itchy throats are a common experience, sore throats are even more common, so its important to figure out what youre dealing with. Both are caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the back of the throat. The good news is that its typically nothing to be alarmed about.

Itchy throats are typically caused by allergies, the most common of which is hay fever or seasonal allergies, he explains. Sometimes, though, it can be the result of food or drug allergies, , they can be brought on by viral or bacterial infections, just like sore throats.

In addition to infections, sore throats and itchy throats may be the result of chemical irritation such as when youre experiencing acid reflux, or if youre exposed to tobacco smoke or cleaning product fumes, he adds.

Food Allergies Associated With Pfas

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, the following food allergies are associated with different types of pollen allergies:

• Birch: Cherry, celery, apple, hazelnut, almond, pear, peach, plum, kiwi, carrot
• Grass: Melons, orange, cherry, tomato, celery, peach
• Ragweed: Melons, cucumber, zucchini, banana, sunflower seeds

In order to treat this condition, youll need to avoid eating the offending foods in their raw form.

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Consume Honey And Lemon

Certain foods can help soothe the symptoms of a dry throat.

Honey, for example, has antibacterial properties that may help alleviate a dry throat due to a bacterial infection. It may also help with viral infections.

You can dissolve honey in warm water to drink, which also improves hydration.

However, keep in mind that honey is not safe for children under 1 year old.

Lemon can also provide vitamins to help support immune function and help break up the mucus that may present with respiratory infections that irritate the throat.

Possible Explanations For An Itchy Throat

If you dont have any other COVID symptoms or have been isolating for the recommended two weeks, there are a variety of other reasons for an itchy throat that might be applicable:

In many cases, determining the cause of your itchy throat will be heavily influenced by any other accompanying symptoms. An itchy throat by itself may just be a temporary allergic reaction, but, when paired with hives or swelling, it may indicate what kind of allergen is the culprit. If paired with a runny nose or sneezing, then it may be more likely an infection.

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If You Have Allergic Rhinitis

An allergist can perform a skin or blood test to find out which substances set off your symptoms.

You can prevent symptoms by staying away from your triggers. Here are several tips:

• For people allergic to dust mites, put a dust mite-proof cover on your bed. Wash your sheets and other linens in hot water above 130°F . Vacuum upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains.
• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high. Keep your windows closed and your air conditioning on.
• Dont smoke and stay far away from anyone whos smoking.
• Dont allow your pets in your bedroom.
• Keep the humidity in your home set at or below 50 percent to discourage mold growth. Clean any mold you do find with a mixture of water and chlorine bleach.

You can manage allergy symptoms with OTC antihistamines, such as loratadine , or decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine .

Nasal steroids, like fluticasone , are also extremely effective and now available over the counter.

If allergy medications arent strong enough, see an allergist. They may recommend shots, which gradually stop your body from reacting to an allergen.

What Are The Symptoms Of Coronavirus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , COVID-19 symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and a fever. You just dont get fevers from allergies like you do with the flu, COVID-19, or the common cold, Kobernick says.

It is also rare to have a stuffy or runny nose with COVID-19. The disease causes symptoms like body aches and tiredness that arent associated with environmental or perennial allergies.

Unlike allergies, a viral infection occurs as a cascade of events, mediated by chemical messengers as a result of being infected. The cause is different, says Kobernick, but the end result can look very similar.

Allergies are generally prolonged, whereas COVID-19 symptoms are contracted and progress more seriously over a shorter period of time.

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Itchy Throat Remedies And Treatments

The goal of treating an itchy throat is to reduce discomfort, irritation, and painful feelings in the affected area until the condition heals. Remedies for itchy and sore throats focus on decreasing inflammation and irritation of the throat, as well as secondary symptoms like coughing.

Cough Drops, Lozenges, and Hard Candy

Many people use cough drops to help relieve throat itchiness or soreness. However, cough drops containing menthol may make your throat itchier in the long run. One study found that regularly consuming too many mentholated cough drops can make coughing more frequent.

Consider taking sweet hard candies to lengthen the time between cough drop or lozenge doses. This will allow you to benefit from oral menthol use without going overboard. Sweet candies can also help ease and itchy throat because it increases saliva production, which hydrates the affected area. A study also shows that a sweet taste can help suppress coughing.

While hot tea with honey is often used as a cough suppressant and a way to relieve a sore throat, plain honey can be effective, as well. Two teaspoons of honey may be as effective as certain types of cough medicines at relieving throat irritation and coughing. However, honey can occasionally lead to botulism â a type of illness caused by food poisoning â in children under the age of one year, so never give it to babies.

Humidifiers

Ice Chips, Popsicles, and Cold Drinks

Gargling With Saltwater

Itchy Mouth After Eating

Having a food allergy is one of the most common causes of developing an itchy roof of mouth. If you feel like your mouth is tingly or itchy when eating a new food, it could be that youre having an allergic reaction.

Symptoms

A food-induced allergy will almost immediately cause oral symptoms such as swelling to the lips, itchy roof of mouth, or in severe cases even restriction in the airway.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of your food allergy, you may only need an over-the-counter antihistamine and to avoid the food in the future. But if youre known to have severe food allergies, keep an Epi-pen on hand and wear a medical ID bracelet so that someone can call 911.

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