Itchy Throat Remedy

Though, itchy throat is not a serious health problem, it could be annoying and may also cause discomfort. If you are searching for an itchy throat remedy, then continue reading this article.
Itchy throat is a condition that can be described as a sensation of throat irritation, which may be accompanied with pain, runny nose and difficulty in eating and talking. Some people may develop cough along with itchy throat. The condition, which is sometimes referred to as strep throat or sore throat, could be caused by various reasons. Mild cases of itchy throat may subside within a few days and do not need any medication. In such cases, you may resort to an itchy throat remedy to alleviate the discomfort and pain quickly.

Itchy Throat Causes
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 by 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, polluted air, etc. The following are some of the causes of itchy throat.
  1. Viral, bacterial or fungal infections of the throat
  2. Dry throat (due to fever, dry air or medication)
  3. Allergies, Acid reflux
  4. Continuous vomiting
  5. Diagnostic procedures (like gastric or bronchial endoscopy)
  6. Singing or speaking loudly for a long time
  7. Infection of the sinus or lungs
  8. Tumors in throat wall or vocal cords
  9. Dehydration
  10. Intake of alcohol or caffeine
  11. Under-active salivary glands
The causes of itchy throat may also include psychological reasons. For mild itchy throat with no additional symptoms, you may resort to some home remedies. Scroll down for some information about home remedies for itchy throat.

Itchy Throat Remedy
Severity of symptoms is one of the factors that is 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. In that case, act as per the instructions of the doctor. Mild cases of itchy throat may subside within a few days and you may alleviate the symptoms with some itchy throat remedies. The following are some of the remedies that can be used to get relief from the condition.
  • Gargling with lukewarm saline water is one of the popular itchy throat remedies. 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 the process every few hours.
  • Another itchy throat remedy is ginger and honey tea. Make sure to consume this herbal tea, when it is warm.
  • As dehydration is one of the causes of itchy throat, staying well-hydrated can bring relief to the affected person (if the condition is caused by dehydration).
  • For temporary relief, you can use throat lozenges too.
  • Turmeric mixed with milk is also popular as an itchy throat remedy. You have to boil one cup of milk with one teaspoon of turmeric and drink it before going to bed. Repeat this for three to four days for best results.
  • Another home remedy for itchy throat at night is ginger. Take a teaspoon of ginger juice (freshly extracted) and add a teaspoon of honey. Heat the mixture slightly, till it becomes warm. You have to consume it, when it is lukewarm.
  • Honey can also be combined with lemon juice for remedying itchy throat. All you have to do is to mix two parts honey with one part lemon juice and take a sip at an interval of every two hours.
  • Chamomile tea is also used as an itchy throat remedy. Some people opt for warm black tea, for relief from this throat condition.
  • You can also chew some raw garlic cloves daily, in order to get some relief from itchy throat.
  • A hot steam vaporizer can offer you instant relief, if you are suffering from itchy throat. Hot steam is good for moistening your throat and also for opening up the blocked nasal passages.
You may refer to scratchy throat remedies for more details. All the above said remedies are found to provide relief from itchy throat and associated symptoms. Apart from these, you can also opt for over-the-counter medicines like painkillers. However, if the condition persists or worsens, consult your doctor for appropriate itchy throat treatment. Consult your doctor, if you have 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 itchy throat due to some allergies. Recurrent episodes of itchy throat can be curbed with daily intake of vitamin C and by drinking lots of fluids. It will be better to avoid those factors that trigger the condition.

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.
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Last Updated: 1/19/2012
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