The Truth About Itchy Throat: Causes and Remedies

Before we talk about remedies, let’s first go over the most common itchy throat causes¹ so you know what to avoid:

• Allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander
• Dry air, which is common in air-conditioned and heated environments
• Irritants such as smoke, strong odors, and pollution
• Dehydration, which can cause dryness and irritation in the throat

Aside from these triggers, however, there are several medical conditions that can also cause an itchy throat, including:

• A viral or bacterial infection, such as a cold, flu, or strep throat, which can cause throat inflammation and irritation⁶
• Postnasal drip where excess mucus in the nasal passages flows into the back of the throat, causing irritation⁶
• Acid reflux or GERD where the backflow of stomach acid irritates the throat⁶
• Throat cancer whose symptoms include persistent itchiness in the throat that doesn’t respond to the usual treatments⁶

If you’re unsure what’s causing your itchy throat or want to know more about how to treat it, please consult a healthcare professional.

Regardless of the cause of your condition, taking an over-the-counter medicine for itchy throat like Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) Cool Sensation can help manage and provide relief from your symptoms.

These lozenges are clinically proven effective against itchy throat, thanks to their ability to:

• Fight the growth of viruses and bacteria⁵  that exacerbate throat conditions
• Alleviate throat dryness by stimulating saliva production 
• Provide a mild numbing effect

Aside from medication, you can also make some lifestyle changes to make yourself feel better and avoid exacerbating your itchy throat. These include:

• Keeping your home clean⁷
• Limiting your exposure to potential triggers⁷
• Staying hydrated⁷
• Using a humidifier if you live in a particularly dry environment or use air conditioning⁷
• Gargling with saltwater — If your condition is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, gargling a warm saltwater mixture several times a day should help alleviate your symptoms³
• Drinking ginger tea — Known for its anti-inflammatory properties⁴, sliced ginger steeped in hot water for 10 minutes may help relieve the itchiness and irritation in your throat
• Taking a tablespoon of honey, which is a popular at-home itchy throat remedy thanks to its antibacterial and soothing properties², taken directly or mixed in with warm water or tea

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Take note, however, that if your itchy throat is due to an underlying medical condition, you also need to properly treat or manage it to get long-term relief. Please consult a healthcare professional for a treatment plan.

If your itchy throat is accompanied by more severe symptoms, such as a high fever, intense throat pain, and difficulty breathing, you need to consult your doctor right away. The same goes for when your symptoms persist beyond seven days.

Considering how the condition can be a sign of either minor irritation or a more serious medical issue, it is important to treat it as soon as you begin feeling symptoms. If you’re unsure what’s causing it or experience persistent or more severe symptoms, please do not hesitate to consult your a healthcare professional.

Regardless of the cause and severity of the condition, however, taking an over-the-counter medicine like Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) Cool Sensation goes a long way in alleviating your symptoms.