Itchy Throat And Allergies

An itchy throat is often caused by allergies. Hayfever (allergic rhinitis), food allergies, and oral allergy syndrome (OAS)—an allergic reaction that only affects the throat, lips, and mouth—are common allergic conditions that can irritate the throat.

In most cases, treating the underlying allergy (with antihistamines, saltwater gargles, over-the-counter and natural remedies, etc.) will alleviate symptoms. In some cases, an itchy throat may point to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening whole-body reaction. Signs of anaphylaxis include breathing difficulties, dizziness, nausea, and hives among other symptoms.

This article looks at the causes and symptoms of an allergic itchy throat. It also provides tips for avoiding allergy-causing substances (allergens) and getting rid of an itchy throat due to an allergy.

Symptoms of Itchy Throat Allergies

Itchy throat allergy symptoms typically occur at the same time as other allergy symptoms. These symptoms commonly include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes, nose, and mouth
• Fatigue
• Wheezing (whistling sound when breathing out)
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Nausea/vomiting (associated with food allergies)

Itchy throat from allergies feels different than other medical conditions that affect your throat.

• The throat can feel itchy, ticklish, scratchy, or like you have to keep clearing it.
• The throat does not typically feel raw, painful, or like breathing is restricted.

Common Causes of Itchy Throat Allergies

Allergy symptoms, including an itchy throat, occur when your immune system makes antibodies to fight off harmless substances that it thinks are a threat to your body. Many common allergic reactions are linked to the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Allergic reactions increase mucus production in your nasal passageways and sinuses. This can lead to postnasal drip—mucus that drains into the back of your throat. The inflammation caused by the reaction of the IgE antibody can cause an “itchy” sensation in your throat.

Allergies can be caused by substances in your environment, certain types of food or food ingredients, materials such as latex, medications, and insect bites/stings. The most common allergens include:

• Dust mites
• Pollen (trees, grass, and weeds)
• Mold spores
• Dog/cat dander
• Cockroaches
• Eggs
• Milk
• Soy products
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish and shellfish
• Wheat

Oral Allergy Syndrome

Oral allergy syndrome, also called pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS), is a condition that occurs when a person has an allergy to proteins that are found in certain types of pollen, along with raw vegetables and fruits, and some types of tree nuts.

Scratchy, itchy throat is one of the main symptoms of this condition, along with swelling in the tongue, lips, throat, and mouth. These symptoms appear after you’ve eaten the offending food item.

If you have seasonal allergies and also experience these symptoms after eating these types of food, you might have PFAS.

Treatment of Itchy Throat Allergies

A variety of treatments are available for itchy throat allergies, including home remedies. Some target your immune system, such as antihistamines, while others aim to relieve discomfort in your throat.

• Antihistamines: These medications block the action of histamines—chemicals in your immune system that are producing your symptoms. Antihistamines are available over-the-counter and by prescription from your doctor. These include Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra, for example.
• Lozenges/cough drops: Throat lozenges and cough drops slowly dissolve in your mouth to help soothe symptoms of itchy throat allergies. These sometimes contain ingredients such as menthol or benzocaine that temporarily decrease throat irritation and soreness.
• Hard candy: Sucking on hard candy can help relieve itchy throat allergy symptoms by increasing saliva production and coating the surface of your throat.
• Fluids: If you aren’t well hydrated, you won’t produce enough saliva. This can make your itchy throat allergy symptoms worse. You’ll know if you’re hydrated by the color of your urine. Aim for a pale yellow color. Water isn’t your only option; hot teas or broth-based soups can increase your fluid intake and help soothe your throat at the same time.
• Honey: A spoonful of honey can coat your throat and temporarily soothe itching. If you don’t want to eat it plain, dissolve a couple of teaspoons in your favorite tea.
• Saltwater gargle: Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water and gargle (don’t swallow it). Do this every hour while your symptoms last.
• Humidifiers and air purifiers: Treating the air you breathe can help relieve itchy throat allergies. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, and purifiers help to remove potential airborne allergens.

Most oral allergy symptoms including itchy throat will go away if the food(s) causing symptoms are avoided. It's a good idea to consult an allergist any time you experience symptoms related to food. An allergist can determine whether your symptoms are a mild cross-reaction or could potentially lead to a medical emergency like anaphylaxis.

Prevention of Itchy Throat Allergies

You may be able to prevent an itchy throat by reducing your exposure to irritants and taking steps to limit irritation if you are exposed.

• Avoid substances that dry out the sinuses, including caffeine and alcohol.
• Use a humidifier and clean it often.
• Drink several glasses of water per day.
• Stay away from all types of smoke.
• Use saltwater rinses at the first sign of irritation.
• Wear a mask when you clean or are in dusty places, like attics.
• Stay indoors on smoggy days and avoid the outdoors in peak pollution hours (i.e. rush hour).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Use a saline nasal spray when traveling on a plane to keep your sinuses moist.
• Boost your immune system by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep.

People with oral allergy syndrome can try to minimize or avoid symptoms:

• Avoid the food(s) that is causing symptoms.
• Break down allergic proteins by baking or microwaving a symptom-causing food (e.g., cooked tomato sauce may be fine, but fresh tomatoes are not).
• Peel fruits that cause symptoms or try different varieties (e.g., swap Honeycrisp for Red Delicious apples).
  

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you are taking all the preventive steps you can to avoid throat irritation, but still seem to develop an itchy throat regularly, give your healthcare provider a call. Let them know if you are experiencing throat irritation and can't find a cause.

You should also see a healthcare provider if you have:

• Throat irritation that does not improve within five days
• A fever of 101 degrees or higher that lasts for a few days
• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• Dehydration
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling, especially in young children
• Joint pain or swelling

Additionally, see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of strep throat, including:

• Rash (scarlet fever)
• Red and swollen tonsils with or without white patches
• Small red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes
  

Summary

An itchy throat can be caused by many things, including irritants in your environment like pollen and mold spores, or an allergy to something you have eaten. Itchy throat often occurs with other symptoms, like itchy eyes, coughing or sneezing, or congestion. Treatments include taking an antihistamine medication, gargling with salt water, or swallowing a spoonful of honey.

Sometimes, an itchy throat can signal an underlying cause that you should see a healthcare provider for. If you develop a fever that lasts a few days, difficulty breathing, blood in your phlegm, or any signs of strep throat, get in touch with a provider as soon as possible.