An itchy throat can be caused by allergies, exposure to irritating substances, infections, and other situations that are relatively easy to treat. It may also be a sign of a health condition, like GERD, a cold or even medication side effects.

Itchy throats often occur accompanied by a dry cough, as coughing is a defense mechanism the body employs to protect the throat from a possibly irritating stimulant. Other symptoms that can occur with an itchy throat include a sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing.

You should see a doctor if your itchy throat does not resolve within a few days, if it progressively worsens, or if it presents with symptoms like a worsening cough, dizziness, shortness of breath, tearing eyes or skin itching.

What causes an itchy throat?

An itchy throat can occur as a result of many different situations, including infections, allergies, and exposure to irritants. It may also be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires treatment.

1. Dehydration

Dehydration is characterized by an insufficient quantity of water in the body due to factors like decreased fluid intake, diarrhea, vomiting, prolonged exposure in the sun or excess sweating.

Dehydration can cause symptoms like an itchy throat, thirst, decreased urine output, low blood pressure, or dry mouth, skin or eyes. In more serious cases, it can increase heart rate and cause dizziness.

Treatment: Your fluid intake should amount to at least 2 L of water per day, and can be made-up of water, tea, natural juices or soup. You can also make a homemade saline solution to drink throughout the day, or eat foods with a high water content, like watermelon, oranges and pineapple.

2. Allergies

Allergies can cause a reaction that stimulates allergic rhinitis. This condition can cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, dry cough, and itchy nose or throat. This condition usually emerges after contact with allergic substances, like dust, animal fur, pollen or some plants, and is most frequent in the spring and fall.

Allergic reactions may also be triggered by mold or dust mites and can be associated with itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip, which further irritates the throat lining.

Treatment: There is no cure for allergic rhinitis, but symptoms can be managed with anti-histamines like loratadine or cetirizine or by performing a nasal irrigation with saline. You should avoid contact with the substances that triggered the allergy symptoms.

3. Exposure to irritating substances

Exposure to irritating substances like tobacco smoke, smoke from car exhaust pipes, cleaning products or other toxic substances can irritate the throat, causing itching and coughing.

Other environmental factors, such as dry indoor air, low humidity, or sudden temperature changes, can also dry out the throat lining and lead to discomfort, especially in winter.

Treatment: Avoiding exposure to substances that trigger your itchy throat is the best way to prevent this symptom. If avoidance is not possible, you can suck on soothing throat lozenges that contain honey, lemon or ginger, or perform throat rinses by gargling a water and salt solution.

4. Medication side-effects

Some medications can result in an itchy throat as a side-effect. This should not be confused for an allergic reaction. This is actually a frequent symptom in people who take ACE-inhibitors to lower blood pressure.

Medications that reduce mucus production, such as antihistamines or certain antidepressants, can also dry out the throat and lead to irritation.

Treatment: Usually this side-effect subsides over time. However, if it causes a lot of discomfort, you can discuss swapping the medication for an alternative with your doctor. To relieve the itching, you can swallow a spoon of honey, rinse your throat with salt-water gargles, or drink a lemon and ginger tea.

5. Food allergy

A food allergy is characterized by an exaggerated inflammatory response to a specific substance that is found in food. Inflammation can affect various parts of the body, like the mouth, eyelids and tongue, which can make breathing more difficult.

Allergies to medication is very similar to food allergies, however the allergic substance is usually more easily identified as the allergy response is typically much quicker.

Treatment: Treatment consists of the administration of antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine, or steroids like prednisolone. In serious cases, medications alone may not be sufficient and you should proceed to the emergency room immediately, as the allergy can evolve into an anaphylactic shock.

It is important to complete food allergy testing so that any triggering food can be avoided in the future.

6. Cold or tonsil infection

Some respiratory infections, like a tonsil infection, pharyngitis or a cold, can leave your throat itchy before developing into more serious symptoms, like pain and local inflammation. Other symptoms may include runny nose, sore throat, coughing, fever, ear itching, chills and discomfort.

Infections like the flu or strep throat can irritate the lining of the throat, especially during the early stages when inflammation and immune responses begin to develop.

Treatment: Treatment should be guided by a family doctor or ENT specialist, who may prescribe anti-inflammatories or analgesic to relieve symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed for a bacterial infection.

7. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is characterized by the back-up of stomach content into the esophagus toward the mouth. It causes symptoms like pain, foul taste, and in some cases, itchy throat, due to irritation from stomach acid. It occurs when muscles at the bottom of the esophagus that block acid are not functioning appropriately.

An itchy or scratchy throat caused by GERD is often more noticeable in the morning, after meals, or when lying down, and may also be accompanied by a chronic cough or hoarseness.

Treatment: Treatment for GERD consists of taking antacids to neutralize stomach acid to avoid the burning sensation in the esophagus. Prokinetics can also be taken to speed-up stomach emptying, which reduces the time that food stays in the stomach. Learn more about the GERD diet your doctor may recommend to help manage symptoms.

8. Post-nasal drip

The nose and sinuses are consistently producing mucus that drips into the throat, however a viral infection, an allergy or sinus infection can increase this mucus production, making this mucus more noticeable.

This mucus can irritate the throat tissue, leading to an itchy or tickling sensation. This symptom can worsen when lying down, as the mucus pools more easily.

Treatment: Staying hydrated and using a humidifier can help to loosen this mucus, while throat lozenges and throat sprays can help relieve discomfort. You can also try sleeping with the head of your bed elevated. It is important to identify the underlying cause of the post-nasal drip and to treat it to prevent worsening.

Home remedies and treatments

Several home remedies can help to relieve an itchy throat, especially when the cause is mild or related to environmental factors.

Saltwater gargles: Gargling with warm salt water can reduce irritation, help clear mucus, and soothe inflammation in the throat.
Honey and warm liquids: Drinking warm teas or water with honey can coat the throat, relieve dryness, and reduce itchiness thanks to honey’s soothing and antimicrobial properties.
Humidifiers: Adding moisture to dry indoor air can help prevent and relieve irritation caused by dryness, especially during the winter or in air-conditioned spaces.
Over-the-counter medications: Throat lozenges, sprays, and oral antihistamines can reduce throat irritation and treat allergy-related symptoms.

These remedies may help manage the discomfort of an itchy throat, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out more serious conditions.

Itchy Throat: 8 Common Causes, Symptoms and Treatments