A throat tickle is an uncomfortable feeling in the throat.
It is usually caused by an irritation of the mucous membranes of the throat, esophagus, or trachea.
It may be linked to a medical condition or an irritant in your environment.
A throat tickle will often clear up on its own. Sometimes, however, over-the-counter medication, lifestyle changes, or medical treatment are needed
Causes
There are several causes of throat tickle and we’ll take a look at some of them:
External factors: you may experience a throat tickle because of exposure to external factors like cold dry air, smokes from cigarettes, or air pollution caused by traffic, smoke, or chemicals.
Pharyngitis: This can be caused by a virus or bacteria such as a cold virus or group A streptococcus.
Laryngitis: one of the most common effects of laryngitis is losing your voice and it can be caused by talking for long hours, raising your voice in a loud environment, or straining your vocal cords. It can also be caused by viral or bacterial infection.
Common cold: symptoms of the common cold can lead to a throat tickle. For example, postnatal drip, causes mucus to run down the back of your throat.
Allergies: Throat tickle can occur when your body is reacting to a host of allergies. You can react to a wide range of substances like pet dander, mold, medications, pollen, insect stings, or food.
Sinusitis: throat tickle caused by postnatal drip may be sinusitis if it is accompanied by chronic cough, nasal congestion, or pain and pressure in the face.
Acid reflux: stomach acid could be the cause of your throat tickling. If you have acid reflux, the acid in your stomach can creep back up your esophagus and this can cause a tickling feeling
Throat cancer: throat tickle might be a sign of a more serious condition like throat cancer. Smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, and human papillomavirus can make you more susceptible to this condition.
How to get rid of a throat tickle at home
If you suspect that your throat tickle is a symptom of external triggers, you can try at-home remedies.
However, if your throat tickle is accompanied by more serious symptoms like breathing difficulties, high fever, or chills, you should see your doctor.
Let’s take a look at how to ease a throat tickle
Gargle with salt water: add no more than ½ teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of water and gargle it in your mouth. After you have gargled for a short amount of time, spit it out.
Suck on a throat lozenge. Lozenges, especially hard candies, can stimulate salivation, which can keep your throat wet and lessen the tickling.
Take an over-the-counter medication or a throat spray.
If you think the tickle is the consequence of your body fighting off a virus, take extra rest and avoid stressing yourself. Make an effort to unwind and sleep more.
Drink clear liquids. Try water and even warm beverages. Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine. These substances can cause dehydration and cause dry throat.
Add moisture and heat to the air. Your throat might frequently become sore by breathing in cold, dry air. Try adding a humidifier to your room.
Try to avoid known triggers. These may include allergens like pollen or dust.
