Itchy Throat

What is an itchy throat?

An itchy throat is a fairly common symptom of an allergy or a throat infection. It causes pain and discomfort to the patient but can be easily managed with medication and home care.

What are its main associated signs and symptoms?

Most times, an itchy throat is accompanied by other symptoms, based on the underlying condition.

• A person may have a persistent cough, along with, cold and sneezing.
• You may feel heaviness of the face and head, if the sinuses are blocked.
• There may also be itchiness in the eyes and the skin of the hands and legs.
• Since there is a possibility of an underlying infection, a person with an itchy throat can also develop fever.
• If the itchy throat is because of an allergy, a person may have stomach pain, nausea, and dizziness.
• They may also develop rashes or eruptions on the skin.

What are the main causes?

• Allergic rhinitis is the most common reason for an itchy throat. Also called hay fever, it is because of the body’s hyperactive immune system.
• Another type of allergy that can cause an itchy throat and a runny nose, is allergy to specific foods, dust, or fragrances. Pollution is also a big contributor.
• Infection due to any micro-organism is often the cause of an itching sensation in the throat. Streptococcus (bacteria) commonly causes throat infections.
• Severe dehydration and acidity can also cause an itchy throat.
• Smoking and alcohol can also cause or aggravate an itchy throat.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

If you visit your doctor for an itchy throat, he/she will first conduct a physical examination and run some tests to find the cause of your symptoms.

• Examination of the throat is likely to reveal redness and inflammation of the tissue.
• Blood tests are needed to check for infections and allergies.
• If an underlying respiratory or gastric problem is suspected, X-ray and CT scan are advised.
• If an itchy throat is because of allergy or allergic rhinitis, anti-histamines are prescribed to relieve the hypersensitive reaction.
• Anti-biotics help against any microbial infection which may have caused a throat problem.
• If acid reflux has caused an itchy throat, antacids and diet regulation is recommended.
• If there is recurrent itching due to infection of the tonsils, tonsillectomy may be needed.

1. Kakli HA, Riley TD. Allergic Rhinitis.. Prim Care. 2016 Sep;43(3):465-75. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2016.04.009. PMID: 27545735
2. American Thoracic Society. [Internet]. New York, United States; Air Pollution from Traffic and the Development of Respiratory Infections and Asthmatic and Allergic Symptoms in Children.
3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention [internet], Atlanta (GA): US Department of Health and Human Services; Sore Throat.
4. Center for Disease Control and Prevention [internet], Atlanta (GA): US Department of Health and Human Services; Strep Throat: All You Need to Know.
5. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Stuffy or runny nose - adult.

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