Causes of Itchy Throat And Ears & Ways To Get Rid Of It

Are your throat and ears itching constantly? Want to know some of the causes of itchy throat and ears & ways to get rid of it? Scratchy throat and itchy nose can be symptoms of health conditions like allergies and the common cold. Itchy throat and ears are usually harmless symptoms, which can be treated easily at home. However, if accompanied by some other signs and symptoms, itchy ears and throat can indicate more serious conditions which warrant prompt medical treatment.

Some of the possible causes for itchy throat and ears are:

Colds are the most common triggers for itchy ears and throat. Common cold is by far the most common cause of itchy throat and ears. Common cold is caused by different viruses, which spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes out droplets containing the virus into the air. Although not serious, but colds can be extremely irritating and last for a few days. Runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, body aches and headaches are other symptoms of common cold.

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system of the body reacts to harmful foreign bodies in the environment. Also known as hay fever, this condition is common caused by irritants like dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, perfume, and smoke and is a common cause of itchy throat and ears. This allergic reaction produces chemicals which trigger allergy symptoms like itchy ears and throat, runny and stuffed nose, watery and swollen eyes, sneezing, coughing, skin and mouth itchiness and fatigue.

Food allergy affects around 5% of children and nearly 2-3% of adults. Similar to seasonal allergies, food allergies occur when the immune system of the body gets activated due to exposure to common food allergens to include eggs, peanuts, or some types of dairy products. Food allergies can cause symptoms that may be mild to severe in nature and include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or cramping, and in some cases hives. In some rare cases, food allergies can also cause anaphylaxis which can be potentially serious. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include wheezing, problems with breathing, syncopal episodes, lightheadedness, tachycardia, dysphagia, tightness in the throat, and oral swelling. Food allergies are yet another cause of itchy throat and ears.

About 5% to 10% of reactions to medicines are allergies. Drug allergies also happen when the immune system reacts to medicines, just like it does to germs. The allergic reactions usually happen within a few hours or days after having the medicine. Common symptoms of a drug allergy include hives, skin rash, swelling, wheezing, itching, and breathing trouble, shock, and dizziness. Itchy throat and ears can also be caused by drug allergies.

A doctor should be contacted immediately if the symptoms of itchy throat and ears last for more than 10 days or gradually worsen. Blood test or throat swab may need to be conducted for identifying the presence of bacterial infection, which requires to be treated with antibiotics. Persistent or severe symptoms of itchy throat and ears can be treated in the following ways.

Wait & Watch. Most colds cure on their own within 7 to 10 days. If itchy throat and ears and the associated symptoms last for more than 2 weeks or get worse, the patient should consult a doctor. Since there is still no cure for common cold, the symptoms of itchy throat and ears can be managed by taking OTC pain relievers, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, nasal sprays and decongestants like pseudoephedrine, and combination cold medicines.

OTC Medicines & Avoiding Triggers. Patients of allergic rhinitis would need to undergo skin or blood test to identify the substances which trigger their symptoms of itchy throat and ears. Allergy symptoms including itchy throat and ears can be managed with OTC decongestants, like pseudoephedrine or antihistamines like loratadine. These medicines are available in the form of pills, nasal sprays and eye drops. If allergy medicines do not prove effective in treating itchy throat and ears, then the doctor can administer shots called immunotherapy for gradually stopping the patient’s body from reacting. Allergy symptoms can be prevented by staying away from the triggers. A dust mite-proof cover should be put on the bed, sheets and other linens should be washed in hot water. Vacuuming should be done regularly for furniture which are upholstered, carpets, and curtains. Patients should remain indoors during the spring and autumn season when the outside air are high on pollens, especially those children and adults who are sensitive to pollens to prevent itchy throat and ears. The windows of their room should be closed and the air conditioner should be kept on. These people should not smoke, and they must stay away from smokers. Pets should not be allowed in their bedroom. The humidity in the home should be set at, or below, 50 % to discourage mold growth. Any mold in the house should be cleaned with a solution of water and chlorine bleach to avoid itchy throat and ears.

Tackling Food Allergies. When a person’s body often reacts to certain foods, they should undergo a skin prick test to identify which foods trigger the allergies and the symptoms of itchy throat and ears. Once the allergy causing food is identified, its consumption should be avoided to prevent and manage itchy throat and ears occurring as a result of that particular food allergy. Sufferers of severe food allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector, or an EpiPen, with them for emergency situations. They should check the ingredient list of every food before consuming it.

Stop the Culprit Medicine. To treat the symptoms of a drug allergy, which also include itchy throat and ears, doctor can ask the patient to stop taking the offending medicine. Immediate medical assistance should be provided to the patient experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis.

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