What is the cause of itchy throat and how can it be treated?

It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live or what you do.. itchy throat is something that can affect anyone, it can be caused by a certain season or an underlying illness.... Itchy throat is usually one of the early symptoms of colds, allergies, hay fever, bacterial infections, viral infections and many other diseases.... In this article from GCORP LLC magazine to the symptoms, We will diagnose and treat it.. Throat.

What is itchy throat?

Almost everyone experiences an itchy throat at some point in their life.. It can be mild or severe.. In most cases, it can be treated with home remedies.

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Causes of itchy throat

Itchy throat can be caused by various factors.... The most common causes of itchy throat include the following:

1- Allergic rhinitis

One of the most common causes of itchy throat is allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. This disease affects about 40 to 60 million Americans.

During this disease, the body's immune system recognizes a harmless substance in the air as harmful....then the immune system produces antibodies to fight this harmless substance....the next time you come in contact with this substance, these antibodies send a signal to the immune system to release chemicals (such as histamine) into the bloodstream...

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), allergic rhinitis comes in one of two forms depending on the type of allergen and when symptoms start: seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs due to airborne grass or tree pollen and fungal spores.. This type of allergic rhinitis often affects people in spring, summer and early autumn.
Permanent allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens such as pollen and pet hair and can affect a person at any time of the year.

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2- Food allergy

Allergic reactions to food occur when the body reacts to the things we eat, as if these foods are harming the body. This type of reaction often occurs minutes or hours after consuming the trigger food.

This allergy may be mild and its symptoms are limited to an itchy throat or mouth. However, sometimes food allergies can be fatal.

The most common trigger foods are: peanuts, oysters, eggs, milk and wheat.

If your symptoms persist and worsen, it is best to see an otolaryngologist or a general practitioner.

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3- Drug sensitivity

Many people are allergic to some drugs such as penicillin and other antibiotics. The severity of this allergy varies from mild to fatal.

One of the most common symptoms of drug allergy is an itchy throat that starts shortly after taking a new drug.

4- Bacterial and viral infections play a role in itchy throat

Streptococcal sore throat or tonsillitis caused by bacteria, starts with an itchy feeling in the throat... then the person's symptoms become more severe and a sore throat develops.

Viruses such as the cold and flu virus can also cause an itchy throat.

If a person has a cold, the itchy throat usually does not progress... But in cases where a person has the flu, the itchy throat and sore throat will become more severe and will be accompanied by fever, body aches, and a feeling of discomfort in the chest area.

5- Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in.. Dehydration is more common in hot weather, after exercise or during illness.

In fact, dehydration can cause dry mouth, a temporary disorder in which there is not enough saliva in the mouth and throat. Dry mouth may also cause an itchy feeling in the throat.

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6- acid reflux

Some people with chronic acid reflux (also known as heartburn) may experience throat problems. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus.

Usually, an itchy or sore throat is not the only symptom of reflux. However, some people have silent reflux and the only symptom they experience may be a chronic itchy throat.

7- Side effects of drugs

Some medications may cause a dry cough and itchy throat that is not due to an allergic reaction to the medications.

For example, people who use angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) to treat high blood pressure should be aware that these drugs may cause symptoms such as a scratchy throat and dry cough.

Usually, these symptoms begin shortly after starting an ACE inhibitor and are not accompanied by other symptoms.

Symptoms of itchy throat

An itchy throat is often not the only symptom a person may be dealing with...the symptoms that occur with an itchy throat vary depending on the underlying cause.

An itchy throat caused by allergic rhinitis is usually accompanied by some or all of the following symptoms:

Running or stuffy nose
sinusoidal pressure
to sneeze
Feeling tired
Swollen and red eyes or watery eyes
When an itchy throat occurs due to a drug or food allergy, it presents with symptoms that are sometimes mild and sometimes require immediate medical attention. Some of these symptoms include:
The appearance of red and itchy rashes on the skin known as hives.
Redness of the skin around the eyes
ear itching
Nausea and vomiting
diarrhea
heartache
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Low blood pressure
Loss of consciousness

It is usually difficult to distinguish the itchy throat caused by allergic rhinitis from the itchy throat caused by this disease.. In general, in both cases, itchy throat can be accompanied by nasal congestion or sneezing.

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However, if the itchy throat is caused by an acute illness, it is likely to be short-lived and accompanied by all or a combination of the following symptoms:

Fever
Glandular swelling
Muscle pains
Feeling weak
Headache
Cough
nasal congestion

When itchy throat occurs due to dehydration, other symptoms that may accompany it include:

Extremely thirsty feeling
Dark colored urine

If the itchy throat is caused by acid reflux or heartburn, other symptoms may include:

Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Burning sensation in the chest or throat
Gas accumulation in the stomach
Inflammation of the larynx
Erosion of tooth enamel
Gingivitis
Feeling bad taste in the mouth

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When should we see a doctor?

Although a sore throat is not usually considered an emergency, it can be a distressing symptom.

If your sore throat worsens and is accompanied by wheezing, difficulty breathing, or painful swallowing, you should see your doctor right away.

Also, if your symptoms do not improve after time and trying home remedies, it is best to seek medical attention.

methods to treat itchy throat

Treatment of itchy throat depends on its cause... In this section, we have mentioned the most common methods of treating itchy throat.

Treatment of bacterial or viral infections

Treatment depends on the type of infection, for example, treatment for bacterial pharyngitis or tonsillitis may include antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin or penicillin... Also, to help control pain and inflammation, the doctor prescribes pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen).>

To treat flu or viral pharyngitis, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antipyretics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen) are used to control symptoms such as inflammation, pain, and fever.

Treatment of acid reflux

The treatment of gastric reflux includes the use of antacids to neutralize stomach acid and prevent the burning sensation in the esophagus. You can also use prokinetics to accelerate gastric emptying. These drugs reduce the time food stays in the stomach.

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Allergy treatment

To treat allergies (allergies caused by environmental allergens or food allergens), you can try the following treatment methods:

Antihistamines:

These drugs block the action of histamine.. There are different types of antihistamines and they are available over the counter and by prescription.. Some of the more common antihistamines include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (citrizine), and Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride).>

Cough tablets/cough drops:

Lozenges and cough drops dissolve slowly in the mouth and help relieve the symptoms of an itchy throat caused by allergies... These medicines often contain substances such as menthol or benzocaine, which temporarily reduce any irritation and pain in the throat area.

It should be noted that before taking any medicine, it is better to consult with a specialist doctor first.... You dear ones can ask your questions through online consultation with a specialist general practitioner or online consultation with an ear, nose and throat specialist doctor.

Hard candy:

Sucking hard candy can help you get rid of an itchy throat caused by allergies by increasing saliva production and covering the surface of the throat with the produced saliva.

Humidifier device:

If your itchy throat is due to dry air or allergies, using a humidifier can be very effective. Increasing the humidity in the air prevents the throat from drying out when you breathe.. These devices also prevent the mucus from drying out and irritating the back of the throat, which causes severe itchiness in the throat.. Do the same results.

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Diagnosis methods

The doctor will first ask questions about your history to diagnose the disorder that is causing the itchy throat. The doctor will also ask you when you usually have an itchy throat, what happens when you have an itchy throat, and what symptoms you are experiencing.

For example, if an itchy throat develops after going outside, it may indicate an allergy to pollen or pollen that is outside.

If your doctor suspects a food allergy, he may ask you to write down all the foods you eat in a journal. You should also write down the symptoms you experience after eating each of these foods.

In some situations, your doctor may recommend that you get an allergy test... This test involves exposing your skin to a small amount of a known irritant... If your skin reacts to this particular irritant, it means you have an allergy... Some allergy tests can also be done through a blood test.

Sometimes the doctor will perform a physical exam and examine the throat for signs that may indicate an itchy throat.

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Methods of prevention

Preventive measures vary based on the cause of itchy throat. In general, according to research, the following measures can reduce the risk of itchy throat:

Quit smoking: Because tobacco products (especially cigarettes) contain high amounts of toxic and irritating chemicals, some people react to them. According to research, people who suffer from allergic rhinitis are more sensitive to these chemicals than other people.
Usually drink plenty of water and fluids: As mentioned, dehydration is one of the most common causes of itchy throat, because it makes the throat dry and there is not enough mucus to lubricate and protect the sensitive tissue of the throat.... Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and do not neglect soft drinks, especially when you neglect to consume it.. cold... because in this condition, the body needs a lot of water It loses through sweat (due to fever) and mucus (due to sneezing and runny nose).
Avoid caffeine and alcohol:Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate the body and cause an itchy feeling in the throat... In addition, some people are allergic to the compounds in caffeine and alcohol.
In the seasons when colds and flu are more common, wash your hands regularly to prevent viral and bacterial infections.
Avoid opening the windows and leaving the house during the seasons when allergies are more common.

Home Remedies for Itchy Throat

Itchy throat is a condition that can often be controlled and treated at home with simple remedies.... Some of the most common and effective home remedies for itchy throat include:

Baby

This sweet liquid is not only an ancient remedy for itchy throats and sore throats, but also helps a lot in relieving coughs and clearing the lungs....Honey is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is naturally sweet....Remember that you should never boil or heat honey....this is because when honey is exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius..it decomposes.

Therefore, you should only add honey to water, tea or tea when it has lost its hot state and cooled down a bit.... Also, if you suffer from an itchy throat, use honey that is at room temperature, this natural and effective substance can cover the throat and soothe it.

What you need:

1 tablespoon of honey
½ teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)
1 cup of warm water (optional)

How to prepare: Take a tablespoon of honey and put it in your mouth....then swallow the honey slowly to make sure it covers your throat....or put one tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon juice in a cup....add some warm water to this cup and mix well and drink....

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Apple vinegar

All types of vinegar have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties... But apple cider vinegar (especially if it is prepared from bacteria) has many more benefits.... Apple vinegar is not only rich in vitamins and minerals, but also has a very high percentage of bioactive compounds.

However, sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad, and using undiluted apple cider vinegar can also cause problems.

Materials required:

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 cup of warm water
½ teaspoon of honey

Method of preparation: Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of hot water and add half a teaspoon of honey to it... Then stir this mixture and drink it to relieve an itchy throat... It is better to eat this mixture early in the morning or at least one hour before meals.

Soup

Soup (whether it's made with chicken, vegetables, fish, or any other combination) is a very nutritious liquid to consume during illness... If you're dealing with problems like indigestion, anemia, malnutrition, upper respiratory tract infection, chest congestion, itchy throat, or sore throat, soup can help improve your symptoms.>

Due to the ingredients in the soup, this food is rich in vitamins, minerals, bioactive substances and antioxidants.. Therefore, it is better to make soup as much as possible with ingredients that have more nutritional value... Soup can also help keep the body hydrated.

Necessary materials:

1 liter of water
½ cup chopped seasonal vegetables or bone-in chicken
Salt and pepper for seasoning

Preparation: Put a liter of water in a pot and add chopped greens, chicken with bones or any other ingredients you want.. Then add salt and pepper and cook this combination for at least 40 minutes... For best effect, consume the soup while it is still hot.

Gargle the salt water

Gargling with salt water is effective for relieving sore throat or itchy throat caused by bacteria or virus.. For this purpose, add ½ teaspoon of salt to 240 ml or 1 cup of warm water and gargle with this solution several times a day.... The heat of the water can reduce the burning sensation in the throat and also reduces the mucous secretions..

Gargle lemon juice and water

Heat a cup of water and add half a teaspoon of lemon juice to it... Then when the water cools down, gargle carefully to avoid burning your mouth...

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Traditional and herbal medicines for itchy throat

Cloves

Traditional Indian and Chinese medicine has recommended the use of cloves for all kinds of problems related to the mouth, throat and upper respiratory tract.... The use of clove and clove oil is also recommended to relieve toothache, bad breath, sore throat and itchy throat.

Cloves contain a substance called eugenol.. Eugenol is a natural pain reliever that has antimicrobial properties.

Materials required:

2-3 cloves
1-2 cups of water

Preparation: Crush the cloves....add them to a cup or two of boiling water and let it boil for two to three minutes....drink this liquid while it is still hot.

Ginger

Ginger has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.. so it is no wonder that this spice is considered as one of the most effective natural remedies for itchy throat... Whether the itchy throat is caused by a bacterial or viral infection or a dust allergy, ginger can help soothe the throat and cleanse the body of toxins.

Ginger is also effective against some bacterial, viral and respiratory infections and can strengthen the body's immune system.. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly use this spice in cooking or add half a teaspoon of ginger to your tea every day.

Materials required:

a piece of ginger
Two cups of water
1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
½ teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)

How to prepare: You can grate or crush ginger and add it to water... Boil this mixture for 10 minutes, then strain it and pour it into a cup... You can also add a teaspoon of honey or half a teaspoon of lemon juice to this healing mixture and drink it.

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Turmeric milk for itchy throat and cough

Due to the presence of large amounts of curcumin, turmeric is known as an antiseptic spice and a strong antioxidant that has antimicrobial properties.... These properties have not only made turmeric effective in strengthening the immune system and healing wounds, but this substance also helps reduce some symptoms of respiratory infections (such as an itchy throat).

The combination of turmeric with milk is also effective for relieving various respiratory diseases... This drink is so effective that Ayurvedic medicine experts refer to it as a drink that everyone should consume once a day to benefit from its unique properties.

What you need:

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder (if you have fresh turmeric, you can grate it and use ½ teaspoon of fresh turmeric instead of powder)
2 cups of milk
1 teaspoon of honey (optional)

How to prepare:Pour two glasses of milk in a pot and put it on the heat... Then add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to the milk and mix well... Let the milk boil, then remove from the heat... When it cools a little, if you want, you can add a little honey to make it sweet and then drink the resulting mixture.

Tea or brew

It doesn't matter whether your favorite hot drink is green tea, black tea or herbal tea... In general, drinking these hot drinks is one of the best natural remedies for sore throat.. Tea contains antioxidants, vitamins and some minerals (such as calcium).. Soothes itchy throat and sore throat.

In addition to its countless properties, tea is also a hydrating agent... Even drinking hot water alone is effective for treating itchy throat... But if you add sugar to tea, tea or hot water, this combination becomes unhealthy... So it is recommended that you choose honey if you want to add something sweet to your tea or tea.

What you need:

1 cup of water
½ teaspoon of plant leaves needed to prepare tea or tea bags

How to prepare: Boil a cup of water and add half a teaspoon of fresh green leaves or a tea bag to it.... Let the tea stay in the water for about a minute and then remove it.... For better effect, it is recommended to drink the tea while it is still warm.

Sweet expression

Licorice plant has many benefits in Ayurvedic medicine....Ayurvedic medicine recommends using this plant to treat cough, sore throat, hoarseness as well as itchy throat....Licorice looks like tree bark, but you can boil it in water and infuse it with it....In addition, you can gargle this liquid to see its effectiveness in sore throat..