Itchy throat: why does my throat tickle and I cough?

Itching or tingling in the throat is an annoying but very common symptom, but what exactly can that itchiness be due to?

Soreness in the throat is an unpleasant sensation that everyone has experienced at least once. It feels as if there were a foreign body in the back of the mouth, between the tongue and the throat, and can cause sensations ranging from tickling to itching, coughing, difficulty swallowing and intense tingling. What are the causes, symptoms and best remedies? Let's find out how to treat throat discomfort the right way.

Causes of itchy throat

The throat is particularly sensitive to irritation, inflammation and discomfort because of the many nerve endings present. What patients complain of is the perception of having something in their throat that they are unable to get out despite coughing: what is it due to?

The causes can be many:

• Viral or bacterial infections that cause the common sore throat: pharyngitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis.
• Flu.
• Colds.
• Rhinitis.
• Gastroesophageal reflux.
• Dry air and rapid climate change.
• Burns from hot drinks.
• Inhalation of irritants such as smoke, air pollutants or chemicals.

Another frequent cause of itchy throats are allergies to substances such as:

• Certain foods: usually nuts, legumes, some vegetables and wheat.
• Dust.
• Pollen.
• Animal hair.

Symptoms of itchy throat

Itching or tingling in the throat presents itself as a feeling of discomfort and inflammation. It is not a real pain in the throat, but rather a constant tickling sensation, accompanied by:

• Local redness.
• Dry cough.
• Dysphonia.
• Difficulty swallowing.

Remedies for itchy throat

Here are the most immediate remedies:

• Use throat candies or sprays.
• To avoid irritation, it is important to drink enough water to keep the throat hydrated.
• Drink warm liquids, preferably accompanied by honey because it has a natural antiseptic and protective action on the oral cavity.
• Use a room humidifier to increase air humidity, especially in dry environments.

Itchy throat can vary in its duration depending on the underlying causes. If it is caused by a simple irritation, it may be short-lived and resolve on its own, whereas if the itching originates from a viral infection, it may take longer to heal, usually 5 to 7 days. If the itching persists for more than a week, it is strongly recommended to consult your family doctor for evaluation and appropriate treatment.