An easy way to deal with an itchy throat based on the cause

Everyone may have experienced a bad feeling in the throat such as stinging, pain, and itching. Symptoms like this can be accompanied by other disorders such as pain when swallowing, fever or dry cough. An itchy and dry throat can be caused by inflammation around the throat and irritation in the airways. Based on the cause, overcoming an itchy throat can be done in various ways.

The main cause of an itchy throat

You can treat an itchy throat by knowing in advance what causes these symptoms. That way, the treatment carried out can be adjusted according to the cause and the symptoms will be easier to overcome.

1. Post-nasal drip

Post nasal drip is a condition in which too much mucus is produced in the upper airway. This condition causes a sensation like phlegm accumulating in the throat so it feels itchy. Post nasal drip usually caused by allergic rhinitis, cold or flu that lasts a long time.

2. Sore throat

Sore throats are generally caused by viral infections such as colds and flu. Itching sensation in the throat can arise from inflammation of the infected part of the throat.

Inflammation can occur in the area of ​​the tonsils (tonsillitis), vocal cords or larynx (palate), and the epiglottis valve (epiglottitis). In addition, inflammation in the throat can also be caused by a bacterial infection Streptococcus, this condition is also called strep throat.

3. Allergies

An itchy throat can be a symptom of an allergic reaction that occurs when you are exposed to a trigger substance. Food, dust, animal dander, pollen, or drugs can be allergens or sources of allergies.

When consuming or being exposed to allergens, the body will release histamine substances that trigger it post-nasal drip.

4. Sinus infection

Sinus infection otherwise known as sinusitis is another common cause of an itchy throat. Sinusitis can be identified by cold symptoms such as a stuffy, runny nose and sneezing that lasts for more than 10 days.

Symptoms can also start to improve then get worse and continue for a long time.

5. Yeast infection

Itching in the throat is sometimes caused by a yeast infection Candida albicans in the mouth, throat or esophagus. Yeast infection in the throat can also be characterized by the appearance of white patches on the tongue and redness at the corners of the mouth.

6. Dehydration

Dehydrated body conditions can cause the throat to become dry and itchy. The reason is, it is the liquid that functions to moisturize the tissue in the throat.

Dehydration makes the body lose a lot of fluids, so you also experience other symptoms such as weakness, difficulty concentrating, and headaches.

7. Irritation due to exposure to cigarette smoke, pollution, and chemicals

Dust, air pollution, chemicals, and inhaled cigarette smoke can irritate the airways and cause an itchy throat. This condition can then cause a variety of other symptoms such as throat phlegm and coughing.

8. Acid reflux disease (GERD)

Acidic substances from the stomach that rise into the esophagus can give a burning or burning sensation in the throat so that it feels sore and itchy.

Acid reflux conditions are usually caused by lifestyle factors, such as consumption of foods that are too acidic or spicy. Weak esophageal muscle movement also tends to make a person experience frequent reflux of stomach acid.

9. Esophagitis

Esophagitis is a condition when the esophagus or esophagus becomes inflamed. The esophagus is at higher risk of developing inflammation when you have acid reflux disease.

10. Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. Inflammation of the airways can lead to the production of excess mucus which gives an itchy sensation in the throat.

11. Sores in the throat

Itchy throat can also occur due to injury or injury due to foreign substances or certain foods. Food or drinks that are too hot can irritate and build up in the throat.

Likewise with hard and sharp textured objects or foods such as fish bones or spines stuck in the esophagus.

How to deal with an itchy throat

From the disease that causes it, this symptom can be experienced when the throat is too dry or full of phlegm.

Therefore, the treatment aims at increasing humidity when the throat is too dry, or controlling phlegm production when it is caused by phlegm buildup.

According to the National Health Institute, how to deal with an itchy throat can be done through the consumption of medical drugs, lifestyle changes or home remedies.

Home remedies for an itchy throat

1. Gargle with salt water

Gargling with salt water can kill bacteria, soothe sore throats and help dissolve clotted mucus. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water. Gargle with the salt solution for a few minutes and do it 3-4 times a day.

2. Suck on lozenges

Lozenges can help stimulate the production of saliva, which keeps the throat moist. A wetter and wetter throat can relieve pain from a dry throat.

3. Get plenty of rest

Don't force your body to be too hard. The main cause of a sore throat is a viral or bacterial infection. Rest is needed so that the body's defense system can fight infection optimally so that it can heal faster

4. Increase fluid consumption

Fluids are needed not only to moisturize the throat, but also to keep the body hydrated when sick. Increasing fluid consumption by drinking water, herbal tea with honey, fruit juice without sugar or soup broth can effectively soothe the throat.

5. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks

Alcohol or coffee are types of drinks that are easier to dehydrate and dry out your throat. As long as symptoms persist, you should first stop consuming alcohol and coffee.

6. Using humidifier

Tool humidifier used to keep humidity so the air in the room does not become too dry. The dry, cold air can often further irritate the throat and hinder recovery.

7. Avoid known triggers

For how to deal with an itchy throat caused by allergies, you must know the things that are the source of your allergies (allergens).

Allergens can be food, pollen, animal dander, drugs, dry and cold air or certain chemicals.

Likewise, when it is caused by acid reflux, you should stop consuming foods or drinks that are too acidic or spicy.

8. Eating soft foods

Don't forget to eat soft foods and chew food longer so you don't get too sick when swallowing. After every meal, avoid lying down immediately. Wait 1-2 hours for the food to actually get down into the digestive system.

Medication for an itchy throat

Some of the diseases that cause these symptoms need to be treated with medication. Sore throat caused by a bacterial infection such as strep throat requires antibiotics such as pencillin or amoxicillin.

Meanwhile, to relieve itching due to allergic reactions faster, you can take antihistamine drugs. One of the most common types is diphenhydramine.

To treat itching in the throat due to asthma, using an inhaler can be an option to relieve sudden asthma attacks. However, you should also do long-term asthma medication so that your asthma attacks can be controlled.

Medicines that reduce stomach acid levels or prevent excess acid production in the stomach can treat the symptoms of an itchy throat. Medicines for GERD are antacids (Mylanta and Rolaids), H-2 receptor blockers (cimetidine and ranitidine), and proton pump inhibitors (lansoprazole and omeprazole).

If you begin to feel uncomfortable with an itchy throat, you should immediately consult a doctor. Moreover, if the above treatments do not work to cure the symptoms you are experiencing.