Everyone may have experienced an unpleasant feeling in the throat such as burning, pain, and itching. Symptoms like this can be accompanied by other disorders such as pain when swallowing, fever or dry cough. An itchy, dry throat can be caused by inflammation around the throat and obstructions in the airways. Based on the cause, overcoming an itchy throat can be done in various ways.
The main cause of itchy throat
You can deal with an itchy throat by knowing in advance what the cause of this symptom is. That way, the treatment that can be done can be adjusted to the cause and symptoms will be more easily resolved.
1. Post-nasal drip
Post nasal drip is a condition in which too much mucus is produced in the upper airways. This condition causes a sensation like phlegm to accumulate in the throat, making it itchy. Post nasal drip is usually caused by allergic rhinitis, a cold or the flu that lasts a long time.
2. Sore throat
Sore throats are generally caused by viral infections such as colds and flu. Itchy 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 (langitis), and the valve epiglottis (epiglottitis). In addition, inflammation in the throat can also be caused by infection with the Streptococcus bacteria, this condition is also known as strep throat.
3. Allergies
An itchy throat can be a symptom of an allergic reaction that occurs when you are exposed to a triggering substance. Food, dust, animal dander, pollen, or medications can be allergens or a source of allergies.
When consuming or exposed to allergens, the body will release histamine substances that trigger post-nasal drip.
4. Sinus infection
Sinus infection otherwise known as sinusitis is another common cause of itchy throat. Sinusitis can be recognized by cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing that lasts for more than 10 days.
Symptoms can also start to get better then get worse again and continue for a long time.
5. Fungal infections
Itching in the throat is sometimes caused by a Candida albicans yeast infection in the mouth, throat or esophagus. Fungal infections 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
The condition of the body that lacks fluids can cause the throat to become dry and itchy. The reason is that it is the fluid that functions to moisten the tissue in the throat.
Dehydration causes the body to lose a lot of fluids, so you may 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 various other symptoms such as throat phlegm and cough.
8. Acid reflux disease (GERD)
Acid from the stomach that rises into the esophagus can give a burning or hot sensation in the throat so that it feels sore and itchy.
Acid reflux condition is usually caused by lifestyle factors, such as the consumption of foods that are too acidic or spicy. Weak esophageal muscle movements also tend to make a person often experience gastric acid reflux.
9. Esophagitis
Esophagitis is a condition when the esophagus or esophagus becomes inflamed. Your esophagus is at high risk for inflammation when you have acid reflux disease.
10. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Inflammation in the airways can trigger the production of excess mucus which gives an itchy sensation in the throat.
11. Sore throat
An itchy throat can also occur as a result of injury or sores caused by foreign substances or certain foods. Food or drink that is too hot can irritate and irritate the throat.
Likewise with objects or food textured hard and sharp such as bones or fish spines stuck in the esophagus.
How to get rid of an itchy throat
From the cause of the disease, this symptom can be experienced when the throat is too dry or full of phlegm.
Therefore, the treatment is aimed at increasing humidity when the throat is too dry, or controlling the production of phlegm when it is caused by a buildup of phlegm.
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 itchy throat
1. Gargle with salt water
Gargling with salt water can kill bacteria, relieve pain in the throat as well as help dissolve clotted mucus. Mix teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water. Gargle with the saline solution for a few minutes and do it 3-4 times a day.
2. Sucking lozenges
Lozenges can help stimulate the production of saliva which can keep the throat moist. A wet and moist throat condition can relieve the pain of a dry throat.
3. Get plenty of rest
Don't force your body to work 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 is able to fight infection optimally so that it can heal faster
4. Increase fluid consumption
Fluids are needed not only to moisten the throat, but also to keep the body hydrated when sick. Increasing fluid consumption by drinking water, herbal teas with honey, fruit juices without sugar or broth soups can be effective in soothing the throat.
5. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks
Alcohol or coffee is a type of drink that is easier to trigger dehydration and make the throat dry. As long as symptoms persist, you should stop consuming alcohol and coffee.
6. Using a humidifier
A humidifier is used to maintain humidity so that the air in the room does not become too dry. Dry, cold air can often further irritate the throat and hinder recovery.
7. Avoid known triggers
For how to deal with itching in the 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.
Similarly, when it is caused by acid reflux, you should stop consuming foods or drinks that are too acidic or spicy.
8. Eat soft foods
Don't forget to eat soft foods and chew food longer so it doesn't hurt too much when swallowing. After every meal, avoid lying down immediately. Wait for 1-2 hours until the food is completely down to the digestive system.
Remedy for itchy throat
Some diseases that cause these symptoms need to be treated with medication. Strep 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 more quickly, you can take antihistamines. One of the most common types is diphenhydramine.
In addition, there are also cough medicines containing the active ingredients Dextromethorphan HBr and Doxylamine Succinate to give a warm feeling in the throat and help relieve the four symptoms of coughs and colds.
To deal with itching in the throat due to asthma, the use of inhalers can be an option to relieve sudden asthma attacks. However, you should also take long-term asthma medication so that asthma attacks can be controlled.
Drugs that work to reduce stomach acid levels or prevent excess acid production in the stomach can overcome the symptoms of an itchy throat. Medications for GERD include antacids (Mylanta and Rolaids), H-2 receptor blockers (cimetidine and ranitidine), and proton pump inhibitors (lansoprazole and omeprazole).
If you start to feel uncomfortable with an itchy throat, you should immediately consult a doctor. Moreover, if the above treatment does not succeed in curing the symptoms experienced.