Wondering what may be behind your throat tickles? Let’s explore.
What Are The Causes Of A Tickle In The Throat?
Let’s look at the different factors that contribute to the development of a tickle throat.
1. Environmental Factors
Exposure to irritants in the environment may cause throat tickles. A few of these factors include smoke, chemicals, dust, cold, and dry air.
2. Allergies
You may develop a tickle in your throat due to exposure to certain allergens. It is one of the common symptoms of an allergic reaction including nasal congestion, cough, and shortness of breath (1). An allergic reaction develops when the antibodies defend the body from foreign substances. Food, medicine, mold, and pollen are elements that may often cause an allergic reaction.
3. Common Cold
A common cold may be the source of your tickle throat. This viral infection causes symptoms such as an itchy and sore throat, and nasal congestion. Usually, the symptoms clear up on their own within 10 days. If it lingers for a longer time, it may be a sign of a serious medical condition such as bacterial sinusitis (2).
4. Laryngitis
Ticklish throat may be a symptom associated with laryngitis. This condition is caused by the inflammation of the larynx from overuse, infection, or irritation. Since it involves the vocal cords, your voice can change, you may feel tickling in the throat, or develop a dry throat or cough (3). Globus sensation is another throat condition that is often associated with an itchy or tickly throat (4).
5. Chronic Cough
Tickle in your throat accompanied by severe coughing for around 8 weeks may be the sign of chronic cough (5). Along with this, changes in your voice and heartburn are also associated with chronic cough. If the tickle throat continues causing you distress, try these home remedies that may help you get relief.
Home Remedies For Tickle In Throat
In most cases, the tickle in your throat clears up on its own. If it persists, give these home remedies a go.
1. Gargle With Saltwater
This is a home remedy that is often used to tackle flu, infections, and allergic reactions (6). As it requires only two ingredients— salt and water, it is an easy and quick solution. Instructions
- Add ½ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water. 2. Take a large sip, gargle for 30 seconds, and spit it out. 3. Repeat this process till the cup of water is finished. 4. Do this 2-3 times a day.
2. Drink Warm And Clear Liquids
Drink herbal teas such as ginger tea and lemon tea to soothe your throat. Follow the steps to make a cup of soothing ginger tea. Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to 1 cup of water. 2. Add lemon juice from 3 lemon wedges. 3. Grate ½ inch of ginger into the mixture. 4. Stir the tea and drink it slowly.
3. Drink Turmeric Milk To Clear Out The Mucus
Turmeric has been used as a remedy for clearing the mucus in your throat for centuries (7). You can mix it with milk to give it a nice twist. Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, boil 1 cup of milk. 2. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and honey to it. 3. Bring it to a boil and pour the milk into a cup. 4. Drink turmeric milk once a day till the tickle throat is gone.
4. Get Plenty Of Rest
If you believe the throat tickle is due to the flu, getting some rest may be a good idea. Resting as much as possible in the day and getting enough sleep at night is important.
5. Suck On Hard Candies Or Lozenges
Sucking on lozenges or hard candies helps in the stimulation of saliva (8). They keep your throat moist and may help relieve that tickle.
6. Add A Humidifier To Your Room
Adding a humidifier to your room may provide relief to your throat as dry air can make your throat feel uncomfortable.
7. Over-the-counter Medications
If the tickle in your throat is due to allergies or infection and the above remedies provide no relief, you can opt for over-the-counter medications. Throat spray, corticosteroids, or antihistamines are some of the best options for relieving a throat tickle. Even with home remedies, the tickle in your throat may stay for sometime. In that case, seeking medical attention is the next thing to do.
When To See A Doctor
Ticklish throat tends to clear up on its own within seven to ten days and is not a cause for worry. You must consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Fever Difficulty speaking Trouble breathing Wheezing Difficulty swallowing
Is it possible to prevent the tickle in your throat from occurring? Let’s skip to the next section to find out.
How To Prevent Tickle In Throat
You can try these simple tips to prevent the tickle in your throat from developing.
Drink plenty of water every day. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Wash your hands often during flu season. Stay away from known triggers and allergens. Keep your house clean and free of dust. Limit the consumption of cold foods, ice creams, and cold drinks. Limit going out during cold weather.
To Sum It Up
A tickle in the throat is an uncomfortable ticklish feeling accompanied by cough. Cold weather, exposure to allergens, or flu can cause that annoying sensation in your throat. Gargling with saltwater and drinking ginger tea can help combat your ticklish throat. If your tickle throat is followed by fever, trouble breathing, or difficulty in swallowing, consult your doctor immediately. Why won’t the tickle in my throat go away? Tickle in the throat caused by post-nasal drip due to a sinus infection or upper respiratory tract infection may persist over a few weeks, even after the resolution of other symptoms. If you feel concerned about the constant tickle in your throat, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare provider. Does dehydration cause a tickly throat? Yes, dehydration may lead to a ticklish sensation in your throat that may worsen to a sore or an itch unless you rehydrate yourself. Is a tickle in your throat a symptom of Covid? Although a tickle in the throat is not one of the most common symptoms of Covid, some individuals affected by the virus may experience a tickle or an itch in their throat. Why does my throat tickle at night? A tickle in the throat may be caused by a variety of factors such as allergens, cold and flu, GERD, and dehydration and may occur during the day or the night. However, at nightime, there are less distractions and that may make you more aware of the ticklish sensation in your throat.
