Itchy Throat from Allergies: Causes and Treatment

An itchy throat can feel scratchy, ticklish, and uncomfortable – especially irritating when you talk or swallow. Sometimes this can also develop into a sore throat, but the good news is that help is at hand.

There are various factors that may cause your throat to itch, but allergies are one of the main reasons¹.

Our immune system protects us against harmful bacteria and viruses, but it can sometimes have an allergic reaction to certain substances². Things like pet dander and pollen can trigger symptoms, including an itchy throat.

Depending on the cause, you might find an itchy throat remedy by trying:

• A spoonful of honey
• Gargling salt water
• Sipping hot water or tea with lemon and honey
• Nasal sprays
• Lozenges and cough drops

However, these might not always be effective. Discover more about itchy throats and allergies – including causes, symptoms, and treatments to help you feel better.

Why Is My Throat Itchy?

There are various things that may cause your throat to itch, many of which are common and relatively harmless.

Here are some of the most common itchy throat causes:

• Allergies – Around 40 to 60 million Americans are affected by allergic rhinitis (hay fever)³, of which an itchy throat is a common symptom
• Viral infections – Flu, a cold and other viral infections can cause an itchy sore throat, which normally resolves itself over time¹
• Bacterial infections – Strep throat, a more serious condition caused by a bacterial infection, can make your throat feel itchy¹. If the soreness of your throat increases severely, this could be a sign you have strep throat
• Dehydration – When the body loses more water than it takes in, you can become dehydrated. In a warm, dry environment when your mouth and throat don’t have enough saliva, that may lead to an itchy throat⁴
• Medication – A side effect of certain medication may be a scratchy throat or dry cough. An allergy to a specific medication could also be a cause
• Acid reflux – Also known as heartburn, if stomach acid enters the food pipe, irritation to your throat can be one of the various symptoms. If you have this condition, it can occur more often when lying down⁵
• Smoke – Smoking cigarettes, spending time around others smoking, or smoke from an open fire can all cause throat irritation due to inhalation

Itchy Throat and Allergies

Wondering why allergies often cause an itchy throat? Your immune system works to fight off diseases by dealing with toxins, bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances that shouldn’t be there - and produces antibodies to help get rid of these. When you have allergies, these antibodies also attack harmless substances and irritants, which can lead to common symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing and an itchy throat.

Some of the most common allergens that can trigger and cause an itchy throat are:

Pollen (tree, grass, and weeds)

Dust mites

Mold spores

Pet dander

Understanding common allergy symptoms can help you figure out the cause of your symptoms and find an appropriate treatment. When an itchy throat is accompanied by any of the following, it may be a sign that the itchiness is caused by an allergy: