Itchy throat is a condition that can be described as a sensation
of throat irritation, which may or may not be accompanied with pain, runny nose
and difficulty in eating and talking. Some people may develop cough and other
symptoms too. The condition, which is sometimes referred to as sore throat,
could be caused by various reasons. A mild itchy throat may subside within a
few days, without any medication. In such cases, home remedies will prove
effective to relieve the discomfort.
Remedies to Soothe an Itchy Throat
Remedies to Soothe an Itchy Throat
Severity of symptoms is one of the factors that have to be taken
into consideration, while choosing the right itchy throat remedy. If the
symptoms are very severe and interfere with your daily activities or you
suspect an underlying medical condition, then consult your doctor immediately.
If the condition is mild, you may resort to some home remedies, like those given
below.
Saltwater Gargling: Gargling with lukewarm saline water is one of the popular remedies for this condition. Add four tablespoons of salt to three cups of water and boil the solution. Use the water for gargling, when it cools down a little. For better results, repeat gargling every two to three hours.
Ginger and Honey: Take a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice and add a teaspoon of honey. Heat the mixture slightly and consume it (preferably before bedtime). Otherwise, prepare ginger and honey tea by steeping ginger in boiling water for at least ten minutes. Mix honey and consume as hot tea.
Turmeric and Milk: Boil a cup of milk (can be replaced with water) along with a teaspoon of turmeric and drink it before going to bed. Repeat this for three to four days for best results. You may also add a small piece of ginger while boiling milk. Honey can be used as a sweetener.
Proper Hydration: As dehydration is one of the causes of itching in throat, staying well-hydrated can bring relief. Fluids keep the throat lubricated and this will help reduce the discomfort. Plain water is always preferred to sugary drinks. Avoid citrus juices that may irritate the throat.
Saltwater Gargling: Gargling with lukewarm saline water is one of the popular remedies for this condition. Add four tablespoons of salt to three cups of water and boil the solution. Use the water for gargling, when it cools down a little. For better results, repeat gargling every two to three hours.
Ginger and Honey: Take a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice and add a teaspoon of honey. Heat the mixture slightly and consume it (preferably before bedtime). Otherwise, prepare ginger and honey tea by steeping ginger in boiling water for at least ten minutes. Mix honey and consume as hot tea.
Turmeric and Milk: Boil a cup of milk (can be replaced with water) along with a teaspoon of turmeric and drink it before going to bed. Repeat this for three to four days for best results. You may also add a small piece of ginger while boiling milk. Honey can be used as a sweetener.
Proper Hydration: As dehydration is one of the causes of itching in throat, staying well-hydrated can bring relief. Fluids keep the throat lubricated and this will help reduce the discomfort. Plain water is always preferred to sugary drinks. Avoid citrus juices that may irritate the throat.
Chamomile Tea: Another itchy throat remedy, chamomile tea, can be
prepared by steeping three to four teaspoons of dried chamomile blossoms in a
quart of boiling water, for around five minutes. Chamomile is said to have
soothing properties. You may replace it with licorice tea.
Throat Lozenges: For temporary relief from itchiness in throat, you can use throat lozenges. This boosts production of saliva that will lubricate the throat and thins the mucus accumulation, if any. You can also chew some raw garlic or cloves for relieving the discomfort.
Hot Steam Vaporizer: A vaporizer can offer you instant relief, if you are suffering from an itchy throat. Hot steam is good for moistening your throat and also for opening up the blocked nasal passages. Inhale the steam at least thrice a day, for best results.
Throat Lozenges: For temporary relief from itchiness in throat, you can use throat lozenges. This boosts production of saliva that will lubricate the throat and thins the mucus accumulation, if any. You can also chew some raw garlic or cloves for relieving the discomfort.
Hot Steam Vaporizer: A vaporizer can offer you instant relief, if you are suffering from an itchy throat. Hot steam is good for moistening your throat and also for opening up the blocked nasal passages. Inhale the steam at least thrice a day, for best results.
Apart from the above said itchy throat remedies, you may also opt for over-the-counter medicines like painkillers. However, if the condition persists or worsens, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment. Seek medical attention, if you have a high fever, if there is blood in the phlegm or saliva or if there are additional symptoms like ear pain. This is also applicable to those who develop itching in throat, due to allergies. It will be better to avoid those factors (like excessive smoking) that trigger the condition.
What Causes Itching in Throat?
The throat has an inner lining of mucous membrane, which contain nerve endings. The inner walls of the throat along with the nerve endings, are covered and protected by the slimy mucus secreted from the tiny glands in the mucous membrane. This mucus facilitates smooth flow of food and air through the passage.
If, due to any reason, the mucous glands fail to produce enough mucus,
then the nerve endings get exposed and irritated by certain foods and polluted
air. The following are some of the common causes of itchy throat.
Viral, bacterial or fungal infections of the throat
Viral, bacterial or fungal infections of the throat
Dry throat (due to fever, breathing through mouth, cold weather,
dry air or medication)
Allergies; Acid reflux; Dehydration; Foreign body stuck in the
throat
Continuous vomiting; Inhalation/ingestion of irritants
Diagnostic procedures like gastric or bronchial endoscopy
Singing or speaking loudly for a long time
Infection of the sinus or lungs; Excess intake of alcohol or
caffeine
Tumors in throat or vocal cords; Enlarged thyroid gland
In short, itchy throat is a condition that can be caused by
various reasons, ranging from mild to severe. Those with severe symptoms must
seek immediate medical attention.
For mild itchy throat with no additional
symptoms, home remedies may suffice. If the symptoms worsen, contact your
doctor. It is not advisable to use prescription medication without consulting
your health practitioner.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.
By Sonia Nair
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.
By Sonia Nair
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