Itchy throat can have several causes: an allergy, a respiratory infection, dehydration… There are natural home remedies that will help you relieve it.
- Itchy throat: causes
- How to remove itchy throat with home remedies
Noticing a tingle or itching in the back of your throat can make you wonder if it’s a first symptom of a cold or flu. However, there are other possible causes.
Although it can be quite annoying, itchy throat is usually not a cause for concern and can usually be easily treated with natural home remedies.
ITCHY THROAT: CAUSES
You may get an itchy throat simply from talking for a long time (or too loudly) or because the environment is too dry, but it is also a common sign of various diseases and can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms.
- Allergies to environmental factors (dust, pollen…), food or chemical substances (medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products…). There is also often congestion or runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing. If your itchy throat is accompanied by breathing problems, dizziness, nausea or hives you should seek help immediately because it could be a sign of anaphylaxis (a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction).
- Dehydration. When hydration is lacking, the mucous membranes dry out because our body sends water to the vital organs that need it most. Other signs that can alert you that you are becoming dehydrated are extreme thirst, headache, low blood pressure, dizziness, tiredness, dry skin or a white tongue.
- Respiratory infections (viral or bacterial) such as the flu, COVID-19 or common colds. Along with itchy throat, there may be sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or pharyngitis (sore throat). Cases of sore throat that are more severe tend to be caused by bacteria, such as strep throat.
- Digestive diseases such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which cause stomach acid to rise up the esophagus and irritate the throat. You’ll likely notice other symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, or chest pain.
- In rare cases, itchy throat can be a sign of throat cancer.
HOW TO REMOVE ITCHY THROAT WITH HOME REMEDIES
The main thing to eliminate itching is to tackle the cause that has caused it. That is, if it is because of dehydration, the key is to drink water, and if it is because of an allergy, you should avoid the substance that causes it.
Many causes of itchy throat resolve on their own in about a week, but there are also natural remedies that will help relieve it:
- Gargle salt water: Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day. They are usually more effective for itchy throats caused by a viral or bacterial infection, as salt helps reduce mucus buildup.
- Propolis hard candies are a very good remedy to have on hand because they help increase saliva production, which moisturizes the mucous membranes of the throat. In addition, propolis has balsamic and anti-infectious properties.
- Hot infusion of ginger with lemon and honey. In addition to helping to keep you hydrated (something very important to avoid itchy throat), ginger is useful to relieve flu processes with cough and congestion and is also indicated to mitigate the symptoms of allergies, such as rhinitis and itchy throat.
- Honey. In addition to taking, it in infusions, a tablespoon of honey alone covers, lubricates and moisturizes the throat and will help temporarily soothe the itching.
- Cold drinks. Although heat seems to be more effective in relieving itchy throats, some people do better with cold. If this is your case, you can drink a glass of ice water, an infusion of cold ginger or chew a few pieces of ice.
If the itchy throat does not resolve in a few days and goes further, consult your doctor.
