How to Cure an Itchy Throat

A tickle in your throat may not sound like a big deal, but it can be annoying and lead to difficulty talking or swallowing. When inflammation and pain are involved, an itchy throat may be a sign that you are dealing with pharyngitis, the medical term for a sore throat.

A scratchy throat is a common reason for urgent care visits, and there are definitely situations where you require medical attention. But in many cases a home remedy or over-the-counter treatment could be all that you need.

“Your throat is sensitive, and it doesn’t take much to irritate it,” says Ehsan Ali, MD, an internal medicine physician in Beverly Hills, California.

Here are some typical culprits.

Infections

Bacterial infections can also cause throat discomfort. Streptococcal throat — strep throat, for short — is caused by group A Streptococcus, and it’s highly contagious. While symptoms may go away on their own, you will need antibiotics to prevent possible long-term complications.

Allergies

Your throat may be the first to inform you when allergy season is here. The timing of allergy season depends on where you live, but in the United States, spring and fall tend to be peak.

“In many cases, allergies are the root cause of irritation in the upper airway,” explains Geoffrey Trenkle, DO, an otolaryngologist (ENT) in Los Angeles. “Allergens trigger inflammation and postnasal drip, which leads to that familiar itch.” With postnasal drip, excess mucus from the nose and sinuses drips down the throat, causing irritation.

Ragweed pollen is a common outdoor allergen, but allergens exist indoors too. Dust mites, pet dander, and mold can also trigger allergy symptoms, including throat irritation, Dr. Trenkle says.

Some people have oral allergy syndrome, a mild allergy triggered by eating certain raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts, that can cause their throats to itch.

Environmental Factors

Weather can also be a factor. “Hot, humid weather or dry air can result in itchy throat as the dry air can dehydrate the throat, leading to discomfort,” says Vijaya Tirunahari, MD, a pulmonologist in Edison, New Jersey. Dry air doesn’t just happen outside — indoor air can be dry, too, Ali says.

Lifestyle Factors

It’s very possible to develop an irritated throat from overuse, Trenkle says. This is especially common in performers, teachers, or public speakers, he adds. Generally, talking for prolonged periods or even raising your voice and yelling can lead to discomfort, Ali says.

The first sign of a throat tickle is a good time to try some home remedies.

Warm Saltwater Gargle

“A warm saltwater gargle is underrated to help calm inflammation,” Ali says. “Just stir half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle the mixture a few times per day.”

Herbal Teas

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, but when you’re coping with an itchy throat, it’s extra important to get lots of fluids. You should drink plenty of water, but you can also sip on a cup of broth or herbal tea.

Herbal tea is a tried-and-true itchy throat remedy, Ali says, explaining that warm liquid is a source of comfort, while herbs such as chamomile and licorice root can be extra soothing.

Warm Water With Honey

Cold Foods and Beverages

Warm drinks tend to offer comfort, but cold foods and beverages can be helpful, too, Dr. Tirunahari adds. Ice water, popsicles, or ice cream can offer some relief, she says.

Steam Inhalation

One of the many possible causes of an itchy throat is dry air, Tirunahari says. As such, moisturizing the throat is an important factor in relieving the symptoms, she explains. There are several ways you can do this:

• Use a humidifier.
• Perform steam inhalation.
• Take a steamy shower.

“This works by helping to loosen up secretions and decreases the irritation they cause,” Tirunahari says.

When home remedies for itchy throat aren’t doing the trick, OTC medications may be helpful.

Lozenges and Throat Sprays

Sore throat lozenges work by temporarily numbing the throat, alleviating that scratchy feeling, Ali explains. Sore throat sprays that contain mild anesthetics also fit into this category. However, their effects are usually only temporary as well, Trenkle says.

Antihistamines

If you’ve narrowed down the cause of your itchy throat to allergies, over-the-counter allergy medications may provide the relief you’re looking for.

“Allergen exposure activates the immune system and releases inflammatory mediators, such as histamines, which cause the symptoms of itchy throat,” Tirunahari explains. “Antihistamines are recommended to relieve the symptoms.”

Some OTC allergy medications include:

• cetirizine HCl (Zyrtec)
• diphenhydramine HCl (Benadryl)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• loratadine (Claritin)

Nasal Decongestants

The nose and throat are connected, so if you’re experiencing an itchy and irritated throat, it could be due to postnasal drip, Trenkle says. This is often caused by allergies or inflammation of the sinuses, he adds, which can send mucus down the back of the throat.

“A saline spray or nasal decongestant can help dry up the postnasal drip that could be causing the irritation,” Ali says.

Many OTC nasal decongestants, such as Afrin, Sudafed, and Zicam contain the same active ingredient: oxymetazoline hydrochloride.

Pain Relievers

An added benefit of OTC pain relievers is that they can also help lower a fever, making them suitable for those dealing with a viral infection or experiencing cold and flu symptoms.

The following lifestyle adjustments may help ward off irritants and colds and keep the throat’s mucous membranes lubricated.

Increase Fluid Intake

“Water is your best friend when you have an itchy throat,” Ali says. “Staying hydrated keeps everything lubricated and helps your body flush out whatever’s irritating you.”

Water is the ultimate fluid, but foods can be hydrating too. If you’re drinking water, tea, or broth and eating soup, fruits, and vegetables, you’re making good choices.

Avoid Irritants

Part of itchy-throat prevention is identifying what’s triggering it, especially if your symptoms are persistent, and avoiding those triggers. It can vary from person to person, but some common irritants include pollen, spicy foods, and certain drinks.

Many environmental allergies are not completely avoidable, Tirunahari says. Still, it can be helpful to stay indoors when possible and keep your windows shut when the pollen count is high, she adds.

Other triggers include dehydrating beverages. “Caffeinated drinks and alcohol can result in dehydration,” Tirunahari explains.

Use a Humidifier

If dry air or dehydration is contributing to your throat issues, a humidifier in your home is one simple way to add some moisture back into your environment.

“Many homes have dry air, and running a humidifier can make a big difference, especially overnight,” Ali explains.

Rest Your Voice

“If you’ve been using your voice a lot, whether it’s from work, parenting, or just a night out, rest it when you can,” Ali offers.

Even if your throat issues don’t stem from overuse, both resting your voice and resting up in general can be helpful, Tirunahari says. “Rest is needed for both managing the symptoms as well aiding in quick recovery,” she explains.

Itchy throat home remedies and over-the-counter medications can sometimes only get you so far. Here’s when it’s time to seek medical evaluation for the necessary tests and treatments.

• Persistent Symptoms If an itchy throat simply isn’t going away, don’t wait to be seen, Ali says. You may require prescription medication.
• New Symptoms If you start to develop new symptoms alongside your itchy throat, such as fever and runny nose, it could warrant further investigation, Tirunahari says.
• Severe Allergies “Patients at risk of anaphylaxis — those with severe allergies who carry an EpiPen and have a personal history of anaphylaxis — should seek medical attention emergently, as the symptoms can progress rather quickly,” Tirunahari explains.

• There are many possible causes of an itchy throat, ranging from the common cold and other infections to seasonal allergies and poor air quality.
• When you feel an itchy throat coming on, home remedies may provide some relief:  Use a humidifier, gargle saltwater, and drink plenty of fluids, such as warm tea with honey.
• If you have severe allergies or your symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional for immediate evaluation.