Itchy Dry Throat

Itchy dry throat is a common symptom and is experienced by people many times in their lives. The dryness and itchiness in the throat is nothing but the inflammation that is caused due to several factors. Itchy dry throat is caused when the inner lining of the throat gets inflamed, causing constant cough and sensation to scratch. Itchiness in the throat can result in difficulty while talking and eating. Sometimes it can also be painful. Let us have a look at the causes of it.

Causes of Itchy Throat
Itchiness in the throat is the most common symptom of sore throat or strep throat. It can also be seen when a person suffers from common cold or influenza (flu). Dehydration is also one of the most important causes of dry and itchy throat. Similarly, different kinds of allergies, like food allergy, smoke allergy or allergy to industrial pollutants, are also major factors causing itchiness and dryness in throat. On the other hand, excess dryness in air and smoking (both active and passive) can result in itchy dry throat. Constant itchy throat and cough can also be a cause of tuberculosis. Itchy throat and ears can be a symptom of sinusitis, chronic cough and also allergy.

Medical Care for Itchy Throat
Although itchy and dry throat is common, it is not a symptom of any serious medical condition. Most of the time, after following treatment or home remedies, one can get relief from itchy dry throat. If itchiness is accompanied by cough, medications like cough drops and cough syrups are effective in treating it. One can also make use of sprays for relief. It is recommended that all the medications should be taken as stated on the package or with the doctor's prescription. One should also consult the doctor to find out the allergens causing the allergic reactions and also the methods to overcome them. There are also several home remedies that can help in providing temporary relief from itchiness in the throat. Let us have a look at them.

Home Remedies for Itchy Throat
One must have often heard of age-old home remedies to treat dry, itchy throat and cough. They are still very effective and hence, are into practice even today. The following are some home remedies for itchy dry throat.

• Gargling with salt water is the best itchy throat remedy. You can either go for ready-to-use gargling solutions available in the market or make your own at home. Add ½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup of lukewarm water and gargle once or twice in a day.
• Lemon and honey are also natural itchy throat relievers. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and some lemon juice in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it.
• Drinking lukewarm milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of turmeric is also helpful in proving instant relief. It is more effective if taken while going to bed.
• It is also very essential to keep the body hydrated to soothe irritation in the throat. One should drink 8 glasses of water every day.
• Green, herbal and ginger tea is also very effective for itchy throat relief. You can have any one of them once or twice every day.

Itchy dry throat can be prevented by using a humidifier and drinking clean and pure water. All the above mentioned natural remedies are meant for temporary relief and should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. If itchy dry throats persist for a longer time and are accompanied by other symptoms, there can be other underlying causes which should be diagnosed immediately by the doctor.