A tickle in the throat can have many causes, including sinusitis, dehydration, and inflammation. Treatment will depend on the cause. A doctor might recommend hot tea with lemon or throat lozenges.
A tickle in the throat can feel like irritation or a snag in the back of the mouth. People may also have a cough or feel hoarse.
The key to getting rid of a tickle in the throat is understanding its cause and finding an appropriate treatment.
This article explores the various causes of a tickle in the throat and treatments.
A tickle in the throat can be due to:
- postnasal drip, which is when mucus trickles from the nose into the throat
- throat infection
- sinus infection (sinusitis)
- dehydration
- environmental irritants or allergens, such as pollen or dust
- asthma, which is a chronic lung condition where the airways become inflamed and narrowed
- acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a chronic form of acid reflux
In more serious cases, a painful and hoarse throat can point to
If people frequently have a tickly or sore throat after exercise, they may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), or exercise-induced asthma.
EIB can happen when the airways lose heat, water, or both, during exercise when people breathe in air that is drier than the air inside the body.
Other symptoms of EIB can include:
- cough
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- reduced endurance
- tightness in chest
- upset stomach
People may notice symptoms a few minutes after beginning exercising, and symptoms may continue for 10 to 15 minutes after stopping exercising.
Irritants in the air can also trigger EIB during certain activities, such as:
- pollution or cold, dry air if exercising outdoors
- chlorine in swimming pools
- increased air temperature during hot yoga
- fragrances, cleaning products, or paint in gym settings
Many causes of a tickly throat can resolve on their own. Treatment may involve:
Postnasal drip
The best way to treat a tickle in the throat due to postnasal drip is by finding out what is causing this increase in mucus production.
Some potential causes include allergies and bacterial or viral infections. If the cause is unclear, treatments that manage symptoms may help, such as nasal irrigation with saline or nasal sprays that reduce mucus.
Throat infections
According to the
- rest
- pain medications
- home remedies to soothe it
The Streptococcus bacteria can cause strep throat, which requires treatment with antibiotics.
Sinusitis
If a cold lasts for more than 10 to 14 days or worsens after 7 to 10 days, it could be sinusitis.
Sinusitis can also be viral, but if it does not go away, it could signal a bacterial infection, or inflammation from another cause.
A doctor may suggest:
- decongestant medications
- steroid nasal spray
- antibiotics
- surgery, if a person has structural problems in the nose causing the sinusitis
Dehydration
Drinking more water can help reduce the symptoms of dehydration.
Popsicles and ice chips may help calm a ticklish throat, as can the use of a humidifier to add moisture to the air a person is breathing.
Allergies
To get rid of a tickle in the throat due to an allergy, a person must identify what is causing the allergy and then try to avoid it. Working alongside an allergist can help to identify an allergen.
When it is not possible to avoid allergens, such as pollen in the air, medications that include antihistamines may help reduce the irritation.
Irritants
Environmental irritants, such as dust, air pollution, and cigarette smoke, can all cause a tickle in the throat.
One of the best ways to address this is by limiting exposure to smoke or other irritants where possible.
Asthma
People with asthma need to work closely with their doctor to develop and follow a treatment plan to control their symptoms.
This may involve using inhalers or other medications to reduce inflammation.
Acid reflux and GERD
People can treat GERD with a mixture of medication and lifestyle changes,
ACE inhibitors
Using an ACE inhibitor, a type of medication that doctors prescribe to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, may cause a dry cough or tickle in the throat in up to
If someone experiences a dry cough or tickle in the throat due to using an ACE inhibitor, they should speak with a doctor about ways they may be able to reduce this side effect.
A tickle in the throat can be a common symptom and usually not due to serious health conditions, so many people may turn to home remedies for relief.
There is a wide variety of these to choose from, including:
- gargling salt water
- hot tea with lemon or honey
- ginger tea
- throat lozenges or hard candies
- using a humidifier to keep the air from becoming too dry
- soothing airways with hot steam, showers, or baths
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People can see their doctor about a tickle in the throat if they have:
- a tickle that lingers for more than 3 weeks
- a tickly throat that affects sleep
- swollen glands
- fever
- difficulty swallowing
- wheezing or shortness of breath
- chest pain
- a cough with blood, or yellow or green mucus
- unexplained weight loss
- any other concerning symptoms
A tickly throat accompanied by hoarseness, a change in voice, pain when swallowing, and weight loss is cause for concern and could point to laryngeal cancer. If a person has these symptoms, they should talk with a doctor.
Below are some answers to common questions about a tickly throat.
Home remedies for getting rid of a tickly throat include hot tea with lemon or honey, ginger tea, throat lozenges, avoiding caffeine, and using a humidifier.
A tickly throat can have many causes, including postnasal drip, allergies, sinusitis, dehydration, and asthma.
An itchy throat is a symptom some people with COVID-19 report.
People who suspect they could have COVID-19 should seek local guidance on testing.
A tickle in the throat is very common and usually accompanies a cough. Many different conditions and factors can cause a tickle in the throat. Many are mild or go away without treatment, but home remedies such as gargling salt water or honey may reduce irritation.
Anyone concerned about a tickle in the throat or a cough that does not go away on its own in time should speak to a doctor.
