What causes itchy ears and throat?
Itching sensations in the ears or a scratchy throat are fairly common symptoms of several different health issues. In a lot of cases, it is nothing to worry about, and the symptoms will pass in a few days. However, if the problem does not clear up on its own, that could be a sign of something more serious, and you should see an ENT doctor to get yourself checked out. These are some of the most common causes of itchy throat and ears.
What causes throat and ear allergy symptoms?
Pollen allergy (i.e. seasonal allergies)
Allergies to pollen can cause itching of the roof, back of the throat, and the ears (in addition to other symptoms).
Hay fever & allergic cough
When people suffer from hay fever (aka, seasonal allergic rhinitis), their itchy, runny nose can produce mucus that drips down the nasal passages to the back of the throat. Substances in the mucus irritate the throat and make the cough.
Dust allergy
Allergies to dust (e.g. dust mites, animal dander, and mold spores)can cause the roof of the mouth to itch; they can also cause an itchy, scratchy throat.
Ear infections
Ear infections are a very common cause of itching in the ear, especially during the early stages as the infection is first starting to develop. Ear infections can be caused by the build-up of fluid in the inner ear or an excess of wax. If you suspect that you may have an ear infection, you should see an ENT doctor and they will recommend treatment. In most cases, you will be given a course of antibiotics to fight the infection. However, if the ear infection does not clear up, there are surgical procedures available to drain the ear of fluid and clear out the infection.
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 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.
Dry ears
Wax and oil in the ear help to stop the skin from drying out but a lot of people do not realize that they play an important role, so they clean it out too often. If you clean your ears too much, you will remove all of the wax and oil your ears will dry out, causing them to itch. If this is the case, you will also notice the dry, flaky skin around the ear canal. If you cut back on your ear-cleaning routine and allow the natural wax and oils to build up again, you should notice an improvement. However, if your ears are still itching, there may be another issue, so you should seek the advice of an ENT doctor.
Itchy ears and throat may just be caused by the common cold, but they could also be a sign of something more serious. If you experience these symptoms, do not hesitate to get in touch with an ENT specialist right away.
The common cold
If you have a scratchy throat, it is usually caused by the common cold. You will notice the other common symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and congestion. We’ve all experienced this before, and we know that it passes in a week or so without the need for any treatment. You can use simple over-the-counter medications to alleviate your symptoms, but there is no need to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. However, if your itchy throat persists for a long time and you do not experience the other symptoms of the common cold, that could be a sign that you have a specific throat health issue, in which case, you should see an ENT doctor and get yourself checked out.
Summary
The ears, nose, and throat are connected. This means that allergens, viruses, and bacteria can travel between them. Similar membranes line all three, so the same types of infection can affect the throat. Symptoms of a cold or sinusitis could present as an itchy throat and ears. Other symptoms may include a blocked nose and fatigue.If an itchy throat and ears are due to allergies, the symptoms can last longer. A person should see an allergist if the cause of the allergy is not clear or if OTC medication is not working.
