About Tickle in Throat:
A Tickle in Throat can be described as an uncomfortable feeling in the throat which may resemble as a sensation of itchiness. This is usually followed by a dry cough. It is usually caused as a result of irritation of the mucous membranes in the throat, the food pipe, or the trachea. It can occur as a result of an underlying medical condition or due to certain external factors like exposure to substances that an individual is allergic to like fumes of smoke or dust. Tickle in throat is normally a benign condition and resolves spontaneously. However, when it is caused due to an underlying medical condition then a consultation with a physician is required to formulate a treatment plan for the cause and to manage this sensation.[1]
Why a cough occurs after a Tickle in Throat is because the body is trying to clear off the extra mucous or the irritant that has been inhaled by the individual to manage the Tickle in Throat. However, coughing does not necessarily clear off all the irritants or mucous and thus treatment may sometimes be required. This is precisely the reason why understanding the cause of Tickle in Throat is absolutely important when it comes to managing it.[1]
Tickle in Throat is more of an annoyance than a true discomfort. In extremely rare cases a Tickle in Throat followed by persistent cough is an early sign of a throat cancer. However, in majority of the cases, Tickle in Throat is caused due to an allergic reaction. This article highlights some of the potential causes and treatment options for Tickle in Throat.[1]
What Causes Tickle In Throat?
Some of the underlying medical conditions that may cause Tickle in Throat include postnasal drip and sinusitis. Sore throat is also one of the causes of tickle in throat. Laryngeal inflammation in some cases can also cause tickle in throat. People with respiratory disorders like asthma and COPD may also have tickle in throat quite often. Exposure to environmental allergens like dust and smoke also cause irritation of the membranes of the throat resulting in a tickling sensation.[2]
There have been cases where dehydration has been shown to cause tickle in throat. There have also been instances where GERD has led to chronic cough and tickling sensation in the throat. Studies reflect that 12 out of every 4 people in the United States has chronic cough related to GERD.[2]
Some of the risk factors which makes an individual vulnerable to having tickling sensation in throat include pet dander which is a common allergen and when the body gets exposed to this various allergic reaction especially in the sensitive groups can lead to tickling in throat. People with certain food allergies also are prone to develop the sensation of tickling in throat when they get exposed to or eat the food that they are allergic to.[2]
The common allergens that according to the American College of Allery, Asthma, and immunology can cause tickle in throat include insect stings, dust mites, molds, nuts, shellfish, and eggs. They recommend people who have tickling in throat to get involved with an allergist to find out if allergies are causing this sensation. If this is the case then the allergist may inform the patient about the various triggers and what to avoid for prevention of any future episodes.[2]
It is also important to know as to how exactly does the sensation of a tickle in throat actually feels like. In most cases, an individual will feel as if the throat feels itchy and scratchy. They may find it difficult to speak and even if they do they will have a hoarse voice. The throat will also feel irritated and sore, especially if the Tickle in Throat is caused by inflammation of the sinuses or a postnasal drip.[2]
Some people complain of a sensation of a lump in the throat along with feeling of tickling. This is normally due to the tonsils getting swollen. The treatment to get rid of the sensation of Tickle in Throat depends on the underlying cause. The options include.[2]
How To Get Rid Of Tickle in Throat Sensation?
Postnasal Drip: For Tickle in Throat caused due to this condition, the cause for the increased production of mucous needs to identified. The most common causes are allergies, GERD, and bacterial or viral infections. Once the cause is identified then a treatment plan can be formulated to manage the Tickle in Throat.[2]
Sore Throat: In most cases, bacterial and viral infections cause strep throat. The best way to treat this condition is by a course of antibiotics or antiviral medications depending on the type of infection. In most cases, antiinflammatory medications and rest are good enough to clear sore throat and accompanying Tickle in Throat.[2]
Allergies: For Tickle in Throat caused due to allergies, the best way to deal with it is to identify the potential triggers and avoid them. This will require the help of an allergist who will carry out various tests for this purpose. In cases where exposure to allergens cannot be avoided such as in cases of pollen or dust and smoke, then it is better to carry antihistamines that can be used during a flare up of allergy and take care of the Tickle in Throat.[2]
Sinus Infection: This happens when a common cold does not improve for more than a week or the symptoms wax and wane in severity. For sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection a course of antibiotics will be effective in clearing the infection and getting rid of the tickle in throat sensation whereas for vital infection pain medications and nasal sprays are effective in controlling the symptoms while the infection runs its course.[2]
Dehydration: For tickle in throat caused due to dehydration increasing the production of saliva in the mouth is quite effective. This can be done by placing ice sips or popsicles in the mouth. The individual can also use a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air that he or she is breathing to deal with the dehydration and manage the symptoms of Tickle in Throat.[2]
GERD: Treatment of GERD involves medications along with certain dietary and lifestyle changes. It is important for people with GERD to no eat fatty or spicy food to prevent acid reflux. It is also essential to sleep with the head of the bed elevated to prevent stomach acids from regurgitating back through the esophagus into the mouth. A physician will give antacids and other medications to control the symptoms of GERD and help manage Tickle in Throat caused by it.[2]
Asthma: This is a chronic condition where there is inflammation of the airways causing problems with breathing with activities and is also accompanied with the sensation of tickle in throat. Treating asthma is a long process and the individual to follow closely the advice of the physician and take medications as directed with diligent followups to take care of the symptoms of asthma including Tickle in Throat.[2]
