Itchy throat is quite harmless, but it can cause the patient a lot of discomfort. There are several causes behind itchy throat. It can be due to dry air, dry throat, dehydration, exposure to environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals etc. and also due to excessive intake of alcohol or caffeine. In other cases, it usually stems from a medical cause that needs to be treated to get relief. The first of the medical causes is sore throat and tonsillitis. This can happen due to various infections, including viral and bacterial, with viral infections being more common. Viral infections mainly include flu and the common cold. Bacterial infection mainly includes strep throat that occurs due to infection with streptococci of bacterial group A. Another common reason is allergies. Allergies, including nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis) or food allergies, can both lead to an itchy throat. Allergic rhinitis refers to an overreaction of the immune system to an inhaled allergen, such as dust, animal dander and pollen. It can cause an itchy throat, along with other symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Food allergy refers to an overreaction of the immune system to eating certain food products such as dairy, peanuts, eggs and milk.
Another reason for an itchy throat can be acid reflux (GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease), where there is backflow of stomach acid into the throat due to improper functioning of LES (i.e. the lower esophageal sphincter). Other reasons include sinus infections, allergies to cleaning products, PND, i.e. post-nasal discharge where mucus drips from the back of the nose into the throat. In addition to the above-mentioned medical causes, an itchy throat can also be caused by the use of certain medications, for example ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure. Itchy throat may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms depending on the reason behind it. These include runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, headache, coughing, painful/difficult swallowing, red rash on the skin, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, fatigue and fever.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy proves to be very effective in treating cases of itchy throat. The homeopathic medicines target the cause of the itchy throat and provide great results. These drugs strengthen the body’s self-healing mechanism and ensure self-repair in the most natural and harmless way. They gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of itchy throat. In addition, other associated symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, headache, coughing, painful/difficult swallowing are also well controlled. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin and are therefore completely safe to use without any side effects. The homeopathic prescription varies from case to case, depending on the symptom picture in each individual case. Therefore, it is advised that any case of itchy throat be assessed by a homeopathic doctor and use homeopathic medicines under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor. Self-medication should be avoided in any case.
Homeopathic medicines for itchy throat
1.Wyethia – For itchy throat and soft palate
Wyethia is a leading medicine for the treatment of itchy throat, where the itching is most pronounced in the mouth. In addition to this complaint, there is a dry and heated feeling in the throat. There is also a constant urge to swallow saliva. There is a desire to constantly clear the throat. The uvula feels elongated. There is also hoarseness in the voice. A dry cough is felt before the other symptoms above appear.
2. Conium – For itchy throat leading to coughing
Conium is prominently indicated for treating cases where itching in the throat causes cough. There is almost constant coughing in cases where this medicine is required. A tingling sensation in the throat is also felt along with itching. Then there is a feeling of a lump in the throat. There is an urge to swallow this constantly. A tight feeling is felt in the throat.
3. Arundo – For itching of palate and nose
This medicine is highly recommended for the treatment of itching of the palate and nose. This is accompanied by sneezing and runny nose. There is a loss of smell. A burning sensation is palpable in the mouth. There is pain and burning sensation in the throat while swallowing. In addition to the above complaints, there is itching and a burning sensation in the eyes.
4. Sabadilla – Along with sneezing, runny nose
This medicine is very effective in severe sneezing and watery discharge from the nose along with itchy throat. It is accompanied by pain in the frontal part of the head. Itching in the nose may be present. There is thick mucus in the throat and itching. The tonsils are inflamed and swollen. There is a stabbing pain in the throat while swallowing. There is pain even when swallowing the saliva. The throat and throat feel dry. Another additional characteristic is the feeling of a lump in the throat or skin hanging loosely in the throat.
5. Bryonia – For itching and dry throat
Bryonia works well in cases where dryness of the throat is clearly visible, along with itching in the throat. The back of the throat feels very rough. A feeling of fullness and pressure is felt in the throat. There is pain in the throat. When swallowing, a stabbing pain is felt in the throat. A crawling sensation may be felt in the throat. It causes coughing. This is followed by coughing up mucus.
6. Argentum Metallicum – Along with thick, sticky mucus in the throat
The use of this medicine is indicated for itchy throat with thick, sticky mucus in the throat. This mucus is sucked up in the morning. The mucus is grayish in color. There is sore throat with difficulty swallowing. Furthermore, this prickling and tingling sensation is felt in the throat. In addition to the above complaints, the voice becomes hoarse.
7. Apis Mellifica – Along with a burning sensation in the throat
This medicine is well indicated if itchy throat is accompanied by a burning sensation in the throat. A stabbing sensation in the throat is also marked. There is sticky mucus in the throat. It is accompanied by hawking and throat clearing in the morning. The throat is inflamed. The throat and tonsils on either side are red. The tonsils are also enlarged and swollen. In some cases, ulcers are also present on the tonsils. Pain is also felt in the throat. There is also difficulty swallowing food. In some cases the throat is dry without a feeling of thirst. In addition to the above complaints, there may sometimes also be a stabbing or throbbing sensation in the throat.
8. Cistus – With a crawling sensation in the throat
Cistus is well indicated to treat itching in the throat and a crawling sensation. There is a feeling of coolness in the throat all day long when you need this medicine. Dryness and heat are also felt in the throat. It gets worse after eating and sleeping. There is an urge to swallow saliva to improve dry throat. A stabbing pain in the throat may be felt. This leads to coughing. Then there is a feeling of sand in the throat. Sometimes thick mucus comes from the throat, especially in the morning. The mucus may have a bitter taste.