Scratchy Throat Causes

A scratchy throat generally indicates the onset of a viral infection. Commonly observed in children, a scratchy throat causes slight discomfort while eating, drinking and talking. However, scratchy throat is not a serious condition and in most cases, medical treatment is not needed as the condition diminishes on its own within a few days.

Scratchy Throat Symptoms

Dryness and pain in the throat is the most common symptom of this condition. As scratchy throat occurs due to a virus attack, the person is also likely to experience symptoms that are related to the viral infection. For instance, if scratchy throat is the result of common cold or flu, then the person will also suffer from fever, coughing, runny nose, and sneezing.

What Causes a Scratchy Dry Throat

As aforementioned, when viruses enter the body, they bring about a change in the form of a scratchy throat. A cough or a sneeze that releases harmful particles in the air can also cause a scratchy throat. Some of the most common scratchy throat causes are given below:

Common Cold: A person affected with common cold is bound to experience a scratchy throat. Runny nose that accompanies a sinus infection can also cause a sore throat. This viral infection is one of main causes of dry itchy scratchy throat. Read more on scratchy throat runny nose.

Flu: Scratchy throat is often regarded as a symptom of flu (influenza). This viral infection is a serious health problem as the virus invades the nose, throat and lungs. Initially, the flu causes scratchy throat and runny nose, but the infection gradually aggravates leading to dry cough and high fever. Antiviral drugs are often prescribed to treat this condition.

Scratchy Throat Allergies: Some people are allergic to dust, microorganisms such as pollens, molds and pet danger. As a result, exposure to these allergens can be a great source of discomfort which generally manifests in the runny nose, scratchy throat, and red swollen eyes. Read more on scratchy throat allergies.

Air Pollution: The introduction of harmful gases and chemical in the environment leads to air pollution. This causes irritation to the throat that may worsen at night. Eventually, the throat also becomes scratchy and rough. Air pollution is one of the leading scratchy throat causes in developed countries like United States. Read more on air pollution.

Unhealthy Habits: Smoking is the primary contributor to throat infection which gives a scratchy feeling. Consuming too much alcohol or spicy foods can also cause a scratchy throat.

Scratchy Throat and Dry Cough

A scratchy throat and cough can make the person quite uncomfortable. A scratchy throat at night, usually accompanied by dry cough at night, can disturb a good nights sleep and cause a feeling of fatigue and tiredness. This could actually be an indication of a serious infection, and hence taking a doctor's advice is essential to diagnose the condition. Sometimes, people may also experience a stuffy nose that causes difficulty in breathing.

Bacterial Infections

Harmful bacteria that attack the throat, by entering through the mouth or nose can also cause scratchy throat. For instance, tonsillitis (bacterial infection) causes a scratchy feeling in the throat. This is a condition wherein the tonsils, located beside the throat, get swollen. In this type of infection, a scratchy throat eventually starts paining, that makes swallowing a difficult task.

Other factors that come under the list of scratchy throat causes include keeping the mouth open while sleeping, insufficient intake of water, and use of heaters during winters. Determining the underlying cause is the most important step in scratchy throat remedies. Once the cause is diagnosed, the doctor will decide proper treatment to cure the infection. During the course of treatment, increasing fluid intake will also help to ease the pain associated with scratchy throat.