A tickle in the throat is often caused by viral infections, like strep throat, cold, and flu. Acid reflux, allergies, and asthma can cause a tickle in the throat along with coughing. If you're not coughing, the itchiness may be caused by dehydration or vocal strain. Very rarely, a persistently itchy throat can be a sign of some cancers.
For some itchy throats, at-home remedies like gargling with salt water, resting your voice, and warm tea with honey may do the trick. Other times, you may need a more specific treatment, like an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine for allergies, or antacids for acid reflux. If the tickle in your throat is a chronic issue, be sure to visit your provider for an evaluation.
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What an Itchy Throat Means
Most of the time, an itchy throat is caused by something transient, or that lasts no longer than two to three weeks. Infections, like the cold, flu, and strep throat are some of the more common causes of a tickle in the throat.
A tickle in the throat sometimes lasts longer, though. When it lasts for three months or more, it may be caused by an underlying chronic condition. Asthma, allergies, and acid reflux are chronic conditions that often irritate the throat or make it feel scratchy.
In addition to a tickling or scratchy sensation in the throat, these conditions may also cause your throat to feel:
- Tingling
- Prickling
- Raw
- Dry
- Sore
- Inflamed
Coughing is another common symptom that often occurs alongside a tickle in the throat. Both of these symptoms are your body's way of trying to expel irritants and mucus from your throat and chest and help you heal. The following conditions may cause them.
Viral Infections
Viral infections, such as the common cold and flu, often cause a tickle in the throat. When you have a viral infection, the mucus membranes in the back of your throat can get inflamed, leading to an itchy sensation.
During a viral infection, mucus membranes also tend to produce more mucus to help flush the virus out of the body. As that mucus drips down your throat (postnasal drip), it can tickle and irritate the throat tissues.
Viral infections can sometimes cause a dry throat, too. This often happens if your nose gets stuffy and causes you to breathe more through your mouth. The dryness in your throat and sinuses can make your throat tickle as well.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. When this bacteria infects the throat, the body triggers an immune response that makes the throat tissues inflamed and irritated. This inflammation can make the throat feel sore, dry, and scratchy.
Many people with strep throat feel a painful lump in their throat, which may cause a tickling or itchy sensation. This lump can be caused by a few things, including inflammation of the throat and tonsils, and the accumulation of mucus in the throat, all of which can lead to a tickling sensation.
Laryngitis
The term "laryngitis" refers to inflammation of the larynx (voice box). Laryngitis is typically caused by a viral infection, but it can also be caused by overuse of the vocal cords. Known as vocal strain, you might develop laryngitis this way if you talk or shout excessively, or sing without proper technique.
When the vocal cords get inflamed, they get itchy and ticklish. On top of that, inflammation of the larynx can disrupt the mucus membranes' ability to produce mucus, leading to a dry, scratchy, and hoarse throat. These sensations may trigger the cough reflex in some people, adding to the throat tickle.
Bronchitis
The term bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. There are two types of bronchitis:
- Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral respiratory infection, such as the cold or flu. Along with inflamed bronchial tubes, the viral infection that causes acute bronchitis may also cause postnasal drip and the itchy throat that comes with it.
- Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition commonly caused by smoking or exposure to other irritants you might breathe in. Many people with chronic bronchitis experience a persistent cough, lasting at least three months to a year or longer.
In some cases, bronchial tube inflammation and excessive mucus production can lead to dry airways. This, too, can create a dry or scratchy tickle in the throat.
Dehydration
Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, reducing its ability to carry out normal functions. You might become dehydrated if you:
- Don't drink enough water
- Lose excessive fluids due to vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, or fever
- Use certain medications, like diuretics, that cause you to pee frequently
- Have a health condition, like diabetes or kidney issues, that causes fluid imbalances
Dehydration can cause a tickle in the throat for a few reasons. It can dry out mucus membranes and decrease saliva production, creating a tickle in your throat.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when acid and other contents flow back up from the stomach into the esophagus. This can cause burning, irritation, and a tickling sensation in the back of the throat, along with coughing, wheezing, and difficulty swallowing.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is related to acid reflux, but not the same. GERD is a more severe and chronic form of acid reflux that can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. Like acid reflux, a tickle in the throat is a common GERD symptom.
Hay Fever
A tickle in the throat is a common symptom of hay fever. Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
When you have hay fever, your immune system releases chemicals called histamines that cause inflammation and irritation in response to the allergen. This inflammation can create a tickling or scratchy sensation in the throat.
Asthma
Asthma is a long-term condition that causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed. During an asthma attack (a worsening of asthma symptoms), you may experience a tickle in the throat, as well as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
COVID-19
A persistent dry cough and tickle in the throat have been reported among some people with COVID-19. These symptoms have also been reported in people with post-COVID syndrome, in which there are lingering effects on organs after being sick with COVID. It’s still unknown exactly why this happens, but research is ongoing.
Environmental Irritants
Environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke and pollutants, often cause irritation, scratchiness, and itchiness in the throat, as well as coughing. Both smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can have this effect, but frequent smokers are especially likely to experience symptoms.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are medications typically prescribed to lower blood pressure and treat heart conditions. A dry cough and tickling sensation in the throat are some of the most common side effects of ACE inhibitors.
ACE inhibitors work by blocking the actions of angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACEs). These enzymes are normally responsible for breaking down a substance called bradykinin. However, upon taking an ACE inhibitor, bradykinin levels increase, causing cough receptors to become more sensitive to irritation. As a result, you may experience a scratchy or tickling sensation while using these medications.
Certain Cancers
A tickle in the throat is unlikely to be a sign of cancer, but it can happen. Very rarely, a persistently hoarse voice and sore throat may be a symptom of esophageal, laryngeal, or hypopharyngeal cancer.
Other symptoms of these cancers to be aware of include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent heartburn or indigestion
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Coughing or wheezing
- Vomiting
- Regurgitation
- Fatigue
- Ear pain
- Lump in the neck
- Breathing difficulties
How to Relieve a Tickle in the Throat
Some at-home remedies that can help you get rid of the tickle in your throat:
- Drink warm fluids: One of the best drinks for an itchy throat is a warm herbal tea with honey. The warmth of the tea relaxes throat muscles and loosens itchy mucus to help it drain. A warm, clear vegetable or bone broth is another option that is rich with therapeutic properties.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for keeping the throat lining and mucus membranes in your throat moist and alleviating dryness.
- Rest your voice: If the tickle in your throat is due to vocal strain, rest your voice as much as possible. Avoid singing, shouting, or excessive talking for a few days to a week or until your throat feels better.
- Gargle with salt water: A simple remedy for an uncontrollably itchy throat is gargling with salt water. This remedy can help relieve inflammation in the throat, loosen mucus, and cleanse the throat of irritants.
- Use throat lozenges: Many throat lozenges contain ingredients like benzocaine, which temporarily numbs itchy throat tissues, peppermint or spearmint, which help relieve congestion and honey to soothe the throat.
- Set a humidifier: Increasing humidity may help relieve dryness and scratchiness in your throat by keeping your throat tissues lubricated. The moisturized air can also help your mucus membranes flush out any irritants causing your throat discomfort.
- Take hot showers: The steam from a hot shower adds moisture to the air and can temporarily relieve the tickle in your throat. The steam can also help loosen thick and itchy mucus, making it easier to drain.
- Get extra sleep: It can be tough to sleep when you feel sick, but sleep is crucial for your body to heal. If you are unable to sleep due to an itchy or sore throat, ask your healthcare provider if a natural sleep aid, such as valerian root, is right for you.
If the tickle in your throat is due to an underlying health condition, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about how to treat it. Medicines that may help your itchy throat include:
- Acid reflux: Mild acid reflux may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) antacids like Tums or Mylanta. For more severe acid reflux or GERD, your provider may suggest an H2 blocker like Tagamet, or a proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec.
- Hay fever: Antihistamines are the most common drug used to treat hay fever. OTC antihistamines include Zyrtec and Claritin. More severe congestion may be treated with a prescription nasal corticosteroid like Flonase, or the OTC decongestant Sudafed.
- Asthma: Many people with asthma have what's known as an "action plan" to control and prevent symptoms. Action plans for asthma may include one or more quick relief and long-term medications, such as an inhaler, oral corticosteroids, and allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy).
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider if your itchy throat and/or cough persist or get worse for more than a few weeks.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction or another medical emergency alongside the tickle in your throat, such as:
- Hives
- Swelling in the face, throat, eyes, tongue, and/or lips
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
You should also reach out to a healthcare provider if you have any signs of throat cancer, such as:
- Hoarseness, a sore throat, or vocal changes for longer than two weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in the ear
- Pain when swallowing
- Lumps or masses in the neck
Summary
You may experience a tickling sensation in your throat for many different reasons. If your itchy throat is not accompanied by a cough, it may be due to strep throat, laryngitis, dehydration, or (rarely) throat cancer. If you have a cough, you could have a tickle in your throat due to acid reflux, ACE inhibitors, infection, allergies, COVID-19, asthma, or irritants in the environment.
A tickle in your throat can often be relieved with at-home remedies, such as honeyed tea, throat lozenges, and getting plenty of rest and fluids. If your symptoms are related to another health condition, such as allergies or asthma, you will need to reach out to a healthcare provider to treat the underlying cause.
