An itchy throat can feel like a frustrating and uncomfortable symptom, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. Let’s take a look at a few common causes of an itchy throat and what you can do to help minimize your symptoms.
Allergies
Allergies are extremely common, with approximately 100 million people in the U.S. experiencing them each year. When you come into contact with an allergen you’re sensitive to, your immune system reacts by releasing histamine. The release of histamine causes the symptoms most often associated with allergies, including itchy eyes and throat.
The best way to deal with an itchy throat from allergies is to avoid the allergens themselves. For instance, if you’re allergic to pollen, avoid Tower Park on high pollen days.
Postnasal Drip
When mucus accumulates and drips down the back of your throat, it’s called postnasal drip. As the mucus drips down your throat, it can cause throat itching, hoarseness, excess throat clearing and a cough. Postnasal drip can arise from reactions to certain medications, allergies, infections, pregnancy and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The best way to treat postnasal drip is to treat the underlying cause. Make an appointment with your ENT specialist to help you identify and treat the source of your postnasal drip.
Throat Infections
Throat infections and viruses, including the common cold, flu, strep throat and more, can lead to inflammation and itching at the back of the throat. While many throat infections will go away on their own, it is always wise to seek care from an ENT specialist to avoid worsening or spreading of the condition.
Environmental Irritants
Irritants, including cigarette smoke, strong odors, exhaust pollution, chemicals and more, can irritate your throat and lead to soreness and itching. If you suspect environmental irritants are contributing to your itchy throat, consider purchasing an air filter to promote clean air in your home.
Dryness
Dry air can dry out your throat and cause soreness and itching. Consider purchasing a humidifier for your home to combat dryness. In addition to a humidifier, drink plenty of water and hot tea with honey to help soothe your itchy throat.
Itchy throats are a bothersome and sometimes persistent symptom, but they don’t have to be. An ENT specialist can help you diagnose and treat the source of your itchy throat. Contact ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today to make an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.