- An itchy throat and cough often come from allergies, viruses (like the flu or common cold), sinus drainage, reflux, irritants, or COVID-19, and symptoms can include congestion, sore throat, fever, or shortness of breath.
- Simple steps like limiting smoke exposure, using a humidifier, staying hydrated, and treating triggers (like allergies or reflux) can help reduce throat irritation and coughing.
- Seek medical care for a persistent cough (dry or with mucus), especially if there’s shortness of breath, high fever, chest pain, wheezing, or symptoms that keep getting worse.
An itchy throat and cough can have several causes, such as allergies, viral infections, sinus issues, acid reflux, exposure to irritants, or COVID-19. These conditions may inflame or irritate the throat, increase mucus production, and trigger coughing.
Depending on the cause, you may also notice symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, trouble swallowing, or fever. Some people may also feel short of breath.
See your primary care provider or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist if you have an itchy throat and a persistent cough, whether it’s dry or producing mucus. It’s especially important to get checked if you develop other symptoms, so the cause can be identified and the right treatment started.
Main causes
The main causes of an itchy throat and cough are:
1. Respiratory allergies
Respiratory allergies can cause an itchy throat and a dry cough that lingers, along with a runny nose, watery eyes, or sneezing.
Common triggers include dust, dust mites, pet dander, tree or flower pollen, pollution, and smoke. These substances can cause your body to release histamine, the chemical responsible for most allergy symptoms.
How to treat: Your primary care provider or an ENT can determine the best treatment plan, which may include antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms. It’s also important to identify what’s triggering your allergies so you can limit exposure and help prevent future flare-ups.
2. Dry air and air conditioning
When the air is dry or cold, the lining of your throat can lose moisture. This dryness may cause irritation, leading to an itchy feeling, a dry cough, frequent throat clearing, or even hoarseness.
Air conditioning can also dry out indoor air. That may make throat irritation more likely and worsen symptoms.
How to treat: When possible, avoid air conditioning and very dry environments. Drinking plenty of water can help, and using a humidifier may increase indoor humidity and reduce throat dryness and irritation.
3. Exposure to irritating substances
Exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke or air pollution can irritate the throat. This may cause an itchy throat, a dry cough, a scratchy feeling in the throat, or even a sore throat.
These substances can irritate the throat, causing inflammation and prompting frequent throat clearing. This often occurs when mucus or phlegm builds up in the throat.
How to treat: The most effective step is to avoid exposure to anything that irritates your throat. If you smoke, see a primary care provider, who may recommend strategies to help you quit or medications such as bupropion or varenicline.
4. Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
An itchy throat and cough may also result from drinking too much alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol can irritate the throat directly, while caffeine may upset the stomach and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to flow back up into the throat.
How to treat: Limit alcohol and caffeine intake. If alcohol use disorder is present, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication and recommend counseling.
5. The flu and common cold
The flu and common cold are viral infections that can cause throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, and a runny or stuffy nose. They may also lead to a sore throat, fever, headache, and body aches.
These illnesses occur when viruses such as influenza or rhinovirus enter through the nose and irritate the lining of the throat.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu symptoms can include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue.
How to treat: Rest and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Your primary care provider may recommend symptom relief with medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or desloratadine.
6. Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is inflammation in the pharynx, located in the back of the throat. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria and may lead to sore throat, trouble swallowing, an itchy or scratchy throat feeling, and cough.
In some cases, you may also have fever, headache, general malaise, and hoarseness.
How to treat: Treatment depends on the cause and your symptoms. A healthcare provider may recommend pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or antibiotics when bacteria are involved, along with rest and plenty of fluids.
7. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, which are small air-filled spaces in the skull around the nose and eyes. It’s usually caused by allergic conditions or infections from viruses, fungi, or bacteria, and it can lead to mucus buildup in the nose.
When there’s a lot of mucus, it can drip down the back of the throat (postnasal drip). This can trigger coughing and cause swelling, irritation, or an itchy throat.
How to treat: Treatment may involve pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, nasal decongestants, or antibiotics. In addition, saline nasal rinses or steam inhalation can help loosen mucus, making it easier to clear and easing the severity of symptoms.
8. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux happens when stomach contents flow back up toward the mouth. This can irritate the throat and cause symptoms like an itchy throat, dry cough, and a scratchy throat feeling.
Symptoms may feel worse at night because lying down reduces the effect of gravity, making it easier for stomach contents to move upward. That can increase throat irritation while you sleep.
How to treat: Treatment options may include antacids; acid-reducing medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers; or prokinetic agents, which help move stomach contents forward to reduce reflux and relieve symptoms.
9. COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that often starts with symptoms like fever, fatigue, sore throat, and a dry cough. The cough and throat inflammation can lead to irritation and an itchy feeling in the throat.
According to the CDC, COVID symptoms may also include shortness of breath, congestion or runny nose, body aches, and chills.
How to treat: Stay isolated and take a COVID-19 test, such as a rapid antigen test. Your primary care provider may also recommend a PCR test and suggest medications to help ease your symptoms.
10. Lung diseases
Some lung conditions can cause an itchy throat and a cough that may be dry or produce mucus. Examples include pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, COPD, and tuberculosis, which may also cause shortness of breath, trouble breathing, fever, or chest pain.
How to treat: See your primary care provider to determine the cause of your respiratory symptoms and to receive the appropriate treatment, whether it’s for pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, COPD, or tuberculosis. You may be referred to a pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist for further treatment.