Many suffer from an annoying itchy throat during allergy season or from the flu. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to get rid of itchy throat; read the article and discover some really effective ones.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Natural Remedies
Step 1. Gargle with salt water
Add a teaspoon of salt to 240ml of water and mix well. Take a sip and gargle for 10 seconds, don't swallow.
- Salt helps thin out excess mucus (which causes itchiness by adhering to the throat) and reduces inflammation.
- Repeat this 2-3 times a day until your throat feels better.
Step 2. Eat honey
It is an excellent natural remedy because it lines the walls of the throat reducing itching and irritation. To get the most out of it, eat a spoonful of honey every morning.
- Use raw, zero-mile honey if possible, as it increases your resistance to allergies.
- Mix a tablespoon of honey into your tea, it can be an alternative if raw honey is too strong for your stomach.
- Never give honey to babies under 12 months of age because the bacteria present in it can cause infant botulism, a deadly disease.
Step 3. Make a ginger tea with honey and lemon
Add some honey to a cup and fill it with boiling water.
- Then squeeze a lemon wedge or two and grate a small amount of ginger. Mix it well.
- Drink the tea several times a day to relieve itching and sore throat.
Step 4. Drink milk with turmeric
This is a great home remedy for pain and itching and has been used for many years.
- Before going to bed, boil a cup of milk in a saucepan and add a teaspoon of turmeric (you can mix the turmeric into the water if you prefer).
- Wait for the mixture to cool down a bit before drinking it. Repeat this every night until the sore throat goes away.
Step 5. Try Apple Cider Vinegar
This product has many applications as a home remedy and among them is the treatment of sore throat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 240ml of hot water, mix and sip slowly.
- If you want, you can add a spoonful of honey to improve the flavor.
Step 6. Try the horseradish (horseradish)
In Russia it is a very popular remedy for relieving sore throats.
- In a glass, mix one tablespoon of horseradish (the plant not the juice) with one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of cloves.
- Fill the glass with boiling water and stir to distribute the mixture evenly. Drink slowly.
Step 7. Use a humidifier
If you live and sleep in a dry environment, your throat becomes dehydrated and itchy.
- Place a humidifier in your bedroom or living room to add moisture to the air and relieve throat discomfort.
- If you don't want to buy a humidifier, you can achieve the same result by placing a large bowl filled with water over a heater or adding houseplants to your home.
Step 8. Drink more water
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of itching in the throat as it dehydrates and the amount of mucus is insufficient to coat and protect its delicate tissue.
- Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and consume herbal teas and tea.
- Good hydration is especially important if you have a cold or the flu as you lose a lot of fluids through sweat (boosted by fever) and mucus production (which you get rid of by blowing your nose).
Part 2 of 3: Prevention
Step 1. Get rid of bad habits
There are many substances that, if used often, cause dehydration and contribute to sore throats and itching.
- Beverages that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas cause dehydration (and disturb sleep), so try to limit them.
- Drugs and some medications (such as antidepressants) cause dry mouth.
- Cigarette smoking is lethal to the throat, causing itching and irritation (as well as a number of other health problems). So seriously consider quitting smoking or at least cut back on the number of cigarettes.
Step 2. Protect the voice
Talking too much, shouting or singing places excessive strain on the throat causing dryness and itching.
- If you believe these factors may be causing your ailment, give your voice a treat and let it rest (no talking, no singing, no screaming) for at least an hour or two every day.
- If your job requires you to use your voice a lot, always carry a bottle of water with you to keep your throat hydrated throughout the day.
Step 3. Treat allergies
A reaction to certain foods, pollen or plants can cause symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, congestion and an itchy throat.
- Take antihistamine tablets every day to relieve symptoms.
- Find out what is causing your allergy, keep a food diary, or get tested.
Part 3 of 3: Over-the-counter drugs
Step 1. Suck on a throat or cough lozenge
These "candies" do not heal the throat, but they relieve the pain.
- The extra saliva you produce to suck them lubricates your throat and relieves itching.
- Meanwhile, the active ingredient in the lozenge acts as a local anesthetic and numbs the throat.
Step 2. Try flu and cold medications
Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin are just some of the names of the medicines you can try that have been designed to relieve an itchy throat.
- Good old anti-inflammatories like aspirin and ibuprofen are also great for pain relief. Follow the instructions on the leaflet carefully to take the correct dose.
- Remember that you should never give aspirin to children or teenagers to recover from chickenpox and flu as they may develop the rare but deadly Reye's syndrome.
Step 3. Take a decongestant
Itchy throat is caused by a combination of fluid dripping from the nasal passages into the throat and dryness of the throat (because you tend to breathe through your mouth as your nose is blocked).
- So a decongestant, such as those that contain pseudoephedrine, can unblock the nasal passages and help you breathe normally.
- When these situations resolve, the itchy throat should disappear.
Step 4. Use a throat spray
It is a medicine that works very well in reducing itching and dry, irritating cough. It is usually based on phenol (or similar active ingredient) which numbs the throat.
- These sprays are available without a prescription in all pharmacies and at an affordable cost.
- Some products are also flavored with mint or berries.
Step 5. Gargle with mouthwash
Use menthol-based ones a couple of times a day to numb your throat and relieve irritation and itching.
Step 6. See a doctor
If the pain and itching are caused by a bacterial infection, such as in cases of tonsillitis and pharyngitis, you need a course of antibiotics that your doctor must prescribe.
Warnings
- Pregnant women and people suffering from respiratory conditions should avoid using throat sprays.
- If you have had problems using an over-the-counter medicine in the past, consult your doctor for professional advice.
- Never abuse medicines, strictly follow the recommended doses, whatever the extent of your pain. Never swallow the salt water used for gargle.
