Why is the back of my throat itching & a dry cough?

It is very uncomfortable to wake up with an itchy throat, and a dry cough often worsens this condition. While this symptom will be inconvenient for you, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition that you might have to investigate. Whether it appears after a bacterial infection or an allergy, an itchy throat should always be taken seriously.

When you notice this symptom, it is time for you to do further research and identify the possible cause of your problem. After you find out the cause of your dry cough, you can search for solutions and look for professional treatment. 

Summary

A cold and smoke exposure are the most common reasons the back of your throat is itching with a dry cough. Honey throat drops and Betadine are some of the best OTC solutions to get rid of an itching throat and dry cough.

We’ll also go over the following topics:

  • Strep vs. sore throat
  • How long it usually lasts
  • Best natural ingredients to relieve sore throat that are present in OTC medication as well.

Continue reading

asian woman in pain

In this article, we will help you reach this goal faster as we explain to you why the back of your throat is itching and why you have a dry cough. We will also discuss 7 reasons for this condition and how you can get rid of it. 

Table of Contents

Reasons for the back of my throat itching & a dry cough

During the day, you automatically swallow more often, and your throat cannot go dry. But at night, when we sleep, the swallowing frequency is reduced, and our throat can dry quickly. During the night, it is harder for your body to clear the airways naturally. You will eventually end up breathing through the mouth.

There are many more reasons why your throat feels itchy when you wake up. However, most of them are manifested through you unconsciously breathing through your mouth. However, you should also consider your immune system. It is more complex than you realize. 

When you are sick, this system will react by increasing the blood circulation to the affected area, worsening the current symptoms. If you have a cold or have flu, you may experience a severe itchy throat and dry cough.

Let’s explore some of the reasons why you might experience the back of your throat itching & a dry cough, whether ill or healthy.

Here are some things we’ll look at

  • Medication
  • A cold
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Smoke exposure
  • Food allergies
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Dehydration

Reason #1 – Side effects from medication

woman coughing

If you have another condition, you are most likely already taking medication. Some of them come with side effects, and an itchy throat is usually the most common. It is a frequent symptom, and it can be stronger in people with weak immune systems.

The side effects should disappear over time. It will happen faster if you stop taking the medication that causes them. If there is an alternative to the treatment you are taking, you should consider it if the side effects are severe.

Reason #2 – Cold

When we are cold, our throat is itchy before our body starts showing serious symptoms. Having an itchy throat is a great way to predict that you will have a cold soon so you can take prevention measures and start treatment in advance. Other symptoms that confirm this reason include coughing and fever.

The common cold can manifest in different severities. In most cases, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatories after you get a professional diagnosis. These will help relieve the pain and treat the side effects over time.

Reason #3 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease

It is also referred to as GERD, and it represents the effect in which the stomach content reaches the esophagus toward the mouth. Those suffering from GERD will experience pain and symptoms, such as itchy throat and chest pain.

Antiacids will be enough to treat this condition, although in some cases, different treatment is necessary. Mild cases of GERD will go away with time. Still, those that experience increased levels of pain should see a professional.

Reason #4 – Exposure to smoke

man who is coughing

Cigarette smoke or fumes from car exhaust can irritate the respiratory system. The body will display symptoms such as an itchy throat and dry cough, which appear as soon as the smoke has been inhaled.

It is recommended to avoid exposure to smoke especially if you suffer from respiratory problems. Taking mentholated cough drops is ideal for quickly relieving the symptoms that you are experiencing.

Reason #5 – Food allergy

Some people are allergic to specific types of food. The body will display uncomfortable symptoms once these aliments have been ingested. Inflammation can occur in any part of the body and can be found in the mouth and throat.

The immune system should be able to deal with this problem, and the effects will go away in a couple of hours. In the future, avoid consuming specific ailments that make you experience these symptoms. You should do a food allergy test to identify the ones you should avoid in the future.

Reason #6 – Allergic rhinitis

This condition is experienced when the nasal lining is inflamed. Usually, this happens because of an allergic reaction. The symptoms include an itchy nose or throat and a runny nose. Similar to food allergies, allergic rhinitis occurs when you are in contact with specific substances, such as animal fur or pollen. 

Currently, there is no cure for this condition. However, you can relieve the symptoms by taking antihistamines. If you are unsure about the treatment, you should ask a doctor for help, and they will recommend the best solution.

Reason #7 – Dehydration

Dehydration can happen even if you are not sick, as both healthy and ill people can experience it. It happens when there is not enough water in the body. 

A decreased water intake and prolonged exposure to the sun will contribute to dehydration, which causes several problems in your body. From low blood pressure to dizziness, some of the first symptoms experienced are an itchy throat and a dry mouth.

For treatment, increasing your water intake and drinking more fluids are recommended. There are specific solutions containing hydrating salts that will help overcome dehydration faster. You should always ensure that you drink enough water in the future. 

How to relieve itchy throat

woman with dry throat

You can try gargling with saltwater if the itchy throat bothers you. It is the most effective solution if you have a sore throat caused by bacteria. You must mix half a teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water and gargle it several times during the day. 

While the heat from the warm water will decrease irritation, the salt will reduce mucus buildup. While you will not swallow this solution, drinking enough water during the day is recommended to avoid dehydration. 

What’s good for an itchy throat?

There are several solutions for an itchy throat. While home remedies are highly effective, they might take some time before you see results. Luckily, there are various products you can choose from. The ones recommended below will help you get rid of an itchy throat in a short time. 

Betadine Antiseptic Sore Throat Medicated Gargle

Healthcare professionals trust this antiseptic, and their approval is enough for you to trust this product as well. The company has been producing medication used in hospitals for more than 50 years, so the solution is quite effective.

This product temporarily reduces germs found in the mouth and relieves all the symptoms that bother you. This fast-acting throat gargle should be used at the first signs to avoid increased symptoms later.

NameBetadine Antiseptic
Age Range (Description)Adult
Country of originUSA
Item FormLiquid
Weight8 ounces

Pros

  • We love how fast-acting this is.
  • The taste is very refreshing.
  • It really does relieve an itching throat.
  • Betadine is a trusted brand.
  • It’s great if you have a painful throat.

Cons

  • It has an interesting color.
  • It’s not for severe pain.
  • It may not be good for people with thyroid issues.

Ricola Cherry Honey Throat Drops

Both kids and adults will find these drops ideal because nobody is enjoying the taste of hard medication. These drops have flavors of cherry and honey and are also effective at treating the symptoms that are bothering you.

The company has been making naturally effective products for over 80 years. These cherry honey throat drops have been verified and tested by experts in the medical industry. Customers are satisfied with their purchases, and these drops have an almost immediate effect. 

NameRicola Cherry Honey Throat Drops
Active Ingredientspeppermint, Echinacea, eucalyptus & lemon balm for natural, soothing relief for your family.
Item FormSolid throat drops
WarningNot for children under 8
Weight3.2 Ounces

Pros

  • We love the taste.
  • They’re very soothing.
  • They do a great job relieving an itching throat.
  • They’re available in different tastes.

Cons

  • It’s not an alternative to medical relief.
  • Some may find them too sweet.
  • They’re pretty sticky.

Strep throat vs. sore throat

There is a difference between strep and a sore throat. The easiest way to tell them apart is by identifying the symptoms that come with these conditions. For example, a sore throat includes symptoms such as:

  • earache
  • moderate fever
  • runny nose
  • cough
  • swollen or itchy throat
  • itchy eyes caused by allergies

On the other hand, strep throat is caused by a specific bacteria. The symptoms are somewhat different compared to a sore throat. These include:

  • fever
  • headache
  • tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
  • ear infection
  • difficulty breathing

When strep throat is not treated, the infection might develop into an extreme rash. It is crucial to seek treatment as soon as you notice symptoms developing. 

What to do for a scratchy throat: When should you see a doctor?

When you have a sore throat, in most cases, it is not a reason to worry about it. It can go away on its own, and you can accelerate this process by either taking home remedies or getting specific medication. But there are some things you should look for and consider seeking professional help when they appear.

Suppose you experience a severe sore throat and a fever that goes over 101 degrees. In that case, the problem is advanced, and a doctor should diagnose it. Usually, a scratchy throat will go away in a week. If the symptoms last for a long time, it is also a good reason to see your doctor. 

FAQ

How long does a scratchy throat take to go away?

Most people that experience a scratchy throat are fully healed within a week. Antibiotics are recommended if bacteria cause a sore throat; a doctor will recommend the best treatment for you. 

Why do bananas make my mouth itch?

Some people experience itchiness in their mouth after eating a banana, and that is because they are allergic to natural rubber latex. It is well known that bananas have proteins that are found in latex, and you might want to consider a different fruit next time. 

Can an itchy throat be serious?

An itchy throat is not a cause of concern, as it will usually go away with proper treatment. This condition only becomes serious when it is a medical emergency. You experience severe symptoms or when the throat is not relieved after a long time.