If you’ve ever had an itchy throat, you know how annoying it can be. It feels like there’s a desert in your mouth, and it becomes hard to swallow. Plus, itchy throats make you cough and can lead to sore throats.
However, more than just being uncomfortable, an itchy throat can be a sign of more serious conditions like dehydration. Problems like bacterial infections, viruses, and allergies can also cause an itchy throat.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to get rid of an itchy throat. You’ll learn about the main causes of an itchy throat and find out why signs of dehydration may play a role. Plus, you’ll discover how a solution like DripDrop can help tackle the dehydration that causes an itchy throat. That way, you can stay hydrated and feel your best.
What Causes an Itchy Throat
An itchy throat is a common sign of several ailments. These include dehydration, allergic reactions, and infections. Along with an itchy throat, you may also experience throat pain or sneezing.
If your itchy throat is caused by an infection or allergies, it can be accompanied by sinus congestion and itchiness
Here are the common causes of an itchy throat:
- Dehydration
- Environmental allergies like pet dander, dust, or pollen
- Food allergies
- Chemical allergies from cleaning products or work substances
- Bacterial infections like the common cold or strep throat
- Viral infections like sinusitis
- Acid reflux disease
- Pharyngitis (sore throat)
- Post-nasal drip (runny nose)
An itchy throat typically does not require a trip to the doctor's office. However, you should seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if you also have trouble breathing. This can be a sign of anaphylaxis — a severe allergic reaction.
Dehydration and Itchy Throat
Itchy throat can be a side effect of dehydration. Dehydration is a condition where you lose more water and electrolytes than you’re taking in. When you’re dehydrated, you don’t have enough fluids to function. As a result, your mucous membranes dry out. That’s because your body sends water to vital organs that need it most.
To find out if your itchy throat is caused by dehydration, watch out for other signs of dehydration. Signs of dehydration can affect a wide range of organs, leading to a variety of symptoms.
Here are the common signs of dehydration:
- Extreme thirst
- Decreased urination
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness and fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Sunken eyes
- Dry skin and dry mouth
- White tongue
As dehydration sets in, you may have a throat tickle that gradually develops into an itchy throat. To fight dehydration, you need an oral rehydration solution. Replenishing both your electrolytes and water, is is more effective at hydrating your body than water.
How to Get Rid of Itchy Throat
There are hundreds of home remedies that claim to treat an itchy throat. Do a quick Google search, and you’ll find everything from saltwater gargles to drinking warm water to gargling with apple cider vinegar. You’ll even find suggestions to use turmeric, herbal tea, menthol, and anti-inflammatory over-the-counter (OTC) lozenges. While these can mask symptoms, most don’t do anything to address the root cause — especially if the issue is caused by dehydration.
So when you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of an itchy throat, the best way is to find the underlying cause.
Identify Allergens
If your itchy throat is caused by allergies, find the irritant or allergen that causes the reaction. Avoid the allergens by lowering time spent outdoors. You can also use HEPA filters and humidifiers to clear the air of allergens.
Stay away from allergens such as animals, dust mites, mold, and pollen. If you are also experiencing sneezing, congestion, itchy nose and sore throat from your allergies, you may be experiencing hay fever. Give yourself relief from hay fever with antihistamines
Stay Hydrated.
Overall, drinking fluids and staying hydrated can dramatically improve an itchy throat. Fluids help to lubricate a scratchy throat, which can offer brief relief if your throat irritation is caused by allergies or an infection.
Fight Itchy-Throat Dehydration With DripDrop
You may be wondering how to get rid of an itchy throat. Before you reach for natural remedies, figure out if the pain at the back of your throat is caused or exacerbated by dehydration. By fighting dehydration, you can remedy a dry, scratchy throat and restore lubrication. Maintaining good hydration can also help ease itchy throat caused by allergies and other actors.
Get started with our most popular multi-flavor pouch for dehydration relief fast. Or, learn more about how you can save up to 25% on every purchase when you subscribe.
Popular Products