Scratchy throat

In most cases indicates a Scratchy throat an incipient cold. But it can also be an allergic reaction, overstimulation or a stuck fishbone. Singers know that you have to moisten and care for the throat and throat area so that the voice does not fail during a performance.

What is itchy throat?

Itchy throat is an uncomfortably sore throat feeling. This is often followed by painful swallowing difficulties or sore throats. One often clears one's throat or has an urge to cough. Sometimes the scratchy throat manifests itself as a faint tickling before moving on to the second stage.

causes

Overheating with subsequent cooling down, excessively dry air, but also allergic occurrences or irritation from smoke can be named as causes for scratchy throat.

Overheating with subsequent cooling down, excessively dry air, but also allergic occurrences or irritation from smoke can be named as causes for scratchy throat.

Singers complain of constant scratching in their throats in dry ice fog. Some people react with a scratchy throat when they smell a particular perfume. There may be an intolerance or allergy tendency. It can be sensitizing ingredients that are perceived as unpleasant in the nose and throat. The inhalation causes a scratchy throat.

Artists who paint excessively and who ignore a scratchy throat caused by the ingredients in paints later often become allergic to paints. A scratchy throat can also occur after consuming certain foods.

If you get a scratchy throat after consuming histamine-containing cheese, shellfish or strawberries, you should consider an allergy test. In addition, dry air and snoring can cause a constant scratchy throat.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for sore throats and difficulty swallowing

Diseases with this symptom

• cold
• Food intolerance

• Lateral cord angina
• Cat allergy

• Sore throat
• Laryngitis

Diagnosis & course

The diagnosis and course of scratching in the throat depend on the general condition. You don't always have to consult a doctor if your throat is scratchy. If you can determine what caused the scratchy throat, you can also treat yourself.

Inexplicable, persistent or noticeable scratching in the throat caused by a foreign body must be examined by a doctor. You also need a diagnosis if you notice swelling and itchy throat after eating certain foods. Usually it is not enough to avoid the corresponding food.

Incompatible ingredients can also be used in ready meals. In addition, cross-allergies or other food intolerances can occur.

Complications

As a harbinger of a flu-like infection, scratching in the throat without countermeasures leads to further cold symptoms such as runny nose and cough. If the scratching of the neck is caused by irritated vocal cords, there is a risk of temporary complete loss of voice with further vocal stress or unrestricted consumption of nicotine - if the vocal cords are still overused, they can be permanently damaged.

Laryngitis caused by viruses or bacteria is often the first noticeable by scratching the throat, as a result of which the mucous membrane can swell significantly and lead to severe shortness of breath. A malignant tumor of the larynx can hide behind a hoarseness that lasts for weeks in connection with the scratchy feeling in the throat.

A foreign body sensation in the throat occurs in some cases with an inflammation of the thyroid gland, which, if left untreated, can lead to significant functional impairment of the vital organ. Occasionally, chronically inflamed tonsils cause the itching sensation in the throat, as a result, bacteria can spread in the body and cause damage to the heart, kidneys or joints. Furthermore, scratching the throat can herald an allergic reaction to certain foods or an insect bite, which, in the worst case, can lead to life-threatening shock without medical treatment.

When should you go to the doctor?

The scratching in the throat usually has harmless causes. Nevertheless, a doctor should be consulted with a longer problem. It is also important to see a doctor if you have a swelling in your throat. If the person concerned has other health problems such as headache, dizziness, fever and malaise, it is important to consult the family doctor as soon as possible. An internist can also be contacted for diagnosis and treatment.

In particularly complex and severe cases, it is necessary to contact an ear, nose and throat specialist. The ENT is the specialist for diseases of the throat, nose and ears. When you visit an ear, nose and throat doctor, you usually have different treatment options than your general practitioner. In addition, the specialized doctor has a greater wealth of knowledge to correctly assess a disease in the throat.

The scratchy throat often occurs in connection with a viral infection, which is why it goes away on its own after one to two weeks. In this case, it is not necessary to go to the doctor.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

When it comes to scratching the throat caused by inflammation or colds, tried and tested home remedies are used. If you scratch your throat at night due to snoring, air humidification is helpful. You should also drink a lot throughout the day. If you smoke or have to make a lot of phone calls for professional reasons, this is another factor that can cause your throat to scratch.

If you have overused your throat and pharynx, you can drink soothing teas or suck sage sweets. The fact is: a dry throat is the gateway for bacteria and viruses. It must therefore be moistened as quickly as possible. If you go for a walk in cold weather with an open coat and plunging neckline, you shouldn't be surprised about a scratchy throat. People who talk a lot and people who work in the fresh air need to protect themselves from scratching their throats.

The latter harden over time. But if you are not used to working outside, you get cold quickly. The scratchy throat is the first signal that you are not as healthy as it should be. Udo Jürgens, who has to protect his voice from scratching his throat, did not become famous for his chamomile tea for nothing. However, many rock singers make scratching their throat their vocal trademark.

Outlook & forecast

Scratching in the throat is in most cases only a temporary symptom that will go away on its own and does not need to be treated by a doctor. The scratching in the throat occurs mainly with colds, flu and infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Teas and throat sweets could relieve the scratchy throat and make everyday life more bearable.

The symptom also occurs when a patient has been using their voice for a long time. After that, the voice must rest and not be overused. Treatment usually does not take place if the symptom does not appear over a long period of time.

If the scratchy throat persists for several weeks, a doctor should be consulted. Inflammation is suspected here and must be treated immediately. The treatment itself takes place with a bacterial inflammation with antibiotics and leads to success within a few days. Surgical intervention is very rarely necessary.

If the voice is strained, the patient should always drink plenty of fluids to prevent itching in the throat.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for sore throats and difficulty swallowing

prevention

Preventive measures for scratching the throat can look different depending on the diagnosis. It is possible to prevent scratchy throat from snoring and air that is too dry with humidified air. Dry ice fog on a stage can be directed so that it does not envelop the singer. You can protect yourself against scratching in the throat caused by a cold with warm clothing, toughening measures, lots of sleep and a diet rich in vital substances. Gargling, drinking a lot and inhaling can keep the throat and throat area moist.

You can do that yourself

A scratchy throat can be relieved with various home remedies. First of all, possible triggers (cold or dry room air, allergies, etc.) must be found and eliminated. In addition to a lot of rest, it is particularly effective to drink a lot. Especially herbal teas made from sage, thyme or chamomile soothe the airways and relieve pain. Gargling with lukewarm salt water or chamomile and sage tea also works against unpleasant scratching in the throat. Likewise, neck wraps, which can be applied either with water or with lemon juice, oil or quark.

If the scratching is severe, a sweat cure helps, which can be supplemented with homeopathic remedies depending on the nature of the symptoms. Belladonna treats swollen tonsils and burning sore throats, while Lycopodium is used to relieve unilateral sore throats. Phytolacca helps if the symptoms radiate into the ears.

Typical home remedies also help against itchy throat: hot milk with honey, warm milk, hot lemon, orange juice or warm beer. Wine and schnapps can also help due to their disinfecting effect - but only for a sore throat without a fever. Spices such as chilli, cloves or ginger promise a soothing effect if the throat is slightly scratched.