An itch can occur if you have allergies, an allergic reaction, or if you inhaled something irritating. But it can also be an early sign of illness. Treatment can depend on the cause. Suffering from an itchy throat can be a nuisance. It makes your mouth dry and becomes difficult to swallow, can cause cough and sometimes it even leads to a sore throat.
Can allergies cause an itchy, sore throat?
When your body comes in contact with an allergen-like pet dander or pollen, your immune system goes into overdrive to fight it. While these substances do not pose a threat, your immune system thinks they do. Allergies trigger immune cells to release a chemical known as histamine.
Normally, histamine is an important part of your body’s natural defenses against parasites and other invaders. It works by making blood vessels Leiker help immune cells and other protectors move to the sights of infection. Unfortunately for us, histamine is also responsible for those pesky allergy side effects like watery eyes and runny nose.
What causes an itchy throat?
Allergies are one of the most common causes of an itchy throat. Examples of common allergy triggers that can cause an itchy throat include:
Animal dander
Dust
Foods, such as peanut butter, dairy, or strawberries
Mold
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:
Chemicals
Cleaning products
Tobacco smoke or vapor
Pesticides
Infections, such as the common cold, or strep throat, can start as an itchy throat before progressing to soreness and pain.
What to look for
An itchy throat may feel:
Itchy
Swollen
Scratchy
An allergy feels uncomfortable, and it can feel as if you need to clear your throat frequently. It’s important to distinguish between the symptoms of an itchy throat and similar symptoms that may indicate other conditions. For example, an itchy throat doesn’t feel rough or raw, or make you feel as if you can’t breathe.
How does dehydration impact an itchy throat?
Though you may not realize it, dehydration is a common cause of itchy throats. If you find yourself wondering, “Why is my throat itchy?” before realizing you haven’t taken a sip of water in a few hours, you are likely mildly dehydrated.
When you’re dehydrated, you don’t have enough fluids to function. As a result, your mucous membranes dry out. That’s because your body sends water to vital organs that need it most.
To determine if your itchy throat is caused by dehydration, look for other signs of dehydration:
Extreme thirst
Decreased urination
Headache
Low blood pressure
Dizziness
Dry skin and dry mouth
Fainting
White tongue
Sunken eyes
Lightheadedness and fatigue
As dehydration sets in, you may have a throat tickle that gradually develops into an itchy throat. To fight dehydration, you need an oral rehydration solution. Replenishing both your electrolytes and water is more effective at hydrating your body than just water. You can use a drink mix like drip drop to hydrate, boost your electrolyte intake, and help recover from mild dehydration symptoms.
Fight off a dehydration-induced itchy throat with drip drop
Drip drop is an effective way to both hydrate and potentially rid yourself of that pesky itchy throat. Before searching for natural remedies, figure out the cause of your itchy throat. If it’s dehydration-related drip drop can help as it offers 3 times more electrolytes than your average sports drink with much less sugar.
How is an itchy throat treated?
If your itchy throat is related to allergies, an antihistamine can help to block the body’s inflammatory response. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are available. If they do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medicine or one that works differently.
How do I care for an itchy throat?
At-home methods for treating your itchy throat include drinking plenty of fluids. You may also want to gargle with warm salt water and baking soda, which can help relieve inflammation. Create the gargling solution by adding one teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda to 8 ounces of warm water.
Using lozenges or throat sprays that have a numbing effect on the throat may also provide relief. These products contain active ingredients including:
Benzocaine
Eucalyptus oil
Menthol
If your itchy throat is caused by an allergen, avoiding that allergen can typically improve symptoms. Always talk to your doctor about your health condition.
