How to Treat Itchy Throat
An itchy throat can be caused by various things, such as allergic reactions, air pollution, changes in the weather, or certain medical conditions. Of course, when your throat is itchy, you will feel uncomfortable. So that the discomfort and itching in the throat can subside, you must know how to treat itchy throat. For that, here we will share how.
In general, an itchy throat is not dangerous and does not require special treatment, because an itchy throat can heal on its own within 7-10 days. However, you should not underestimate an itchy throat, because it can also be a symptom of serious diseases such as tonsillitis, bacterial or viral infections and even asthma.
As a first step to relieve itchy throat complaints, you can try to relieve it using natural ingredients that you can do at home.
How to Treat Itchy Throat At Home
The following are some things you can do to treat an itchy throat at home:
1. Increase the consumption of water
An itchy and dry throat can be a sign that the body is dehydrated. To overcome this problem, you should increase the consumption of water between 7-8 glasses every day.
Meeting the needs of body fluids is not only done when the weather is hot, but also needs to be done when the weather is cold or when you have a cold.
2. Consuming Honey
To relieve itching or irritation in the throat, you can try consuming one tablespoon of honey every day. In addition, you can also add a tablespoon of honey with lemon juice and grated ginger into a glass of warm tea.
3. Consuming a mixture of milk and turmeric
An itchy throat can also be relieved by consuming a drink made from a mixture of milk and turmeric. How to make it is to boil a cup of milk then add a teaspoon of turmeric that has been mashed. Drink the drink before going to bed every night. If there is no milk, you can also mix turmeric with water.
4. Gargle with salt water
Excess phlegm can make the throat feel itchy and annoying. To overcome this you can gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water is efficacious for thinning phlegm, so that phlegm is easily expelled.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water. Stir until smooth then drink.
How to Treat Itching Throat Medically
If the natural methods above are not effective in relieving the itchy throat that you are experiencing, then you can use medicines that can be obtained through a doctor's prescription or sold in pharmacies. Some medicines that you can use to relieve itching in the throat are as follows:
1. Decongestants
When you have a stuffy nose you often breathe through your mouth so your throat will feel dry. If the throat is dry and accompanied by a sensation of excess mucus behind the nose then it can cause an itchy throat.
Decongestants are medications that contain pseudoephedrine, which can get rid of a stuffy nose so you can breathe easier. In other words, decongestant medications can relieve an itchy throat.
2. Using mouthwash
How to cure itchy throat can also use mouthwash. Mouthwash contains menthol which can reduce irritation and itching in the throat. You should routinely gargle several times every day until your itchy throat subsides.
3. Antihistamines and analgesics
To relieve an itchy throat you can also use antihistamines and analgesics. There are many types of antihistamines and analgesics sold in pharmacies, but make sure you always follow the directions for use and the recommended dosage.
In addition, pain relievers, such as paracetamol, can also relieve pain associated with an itchy throat.
If the symptoms that appear are caused by a bacterial infection, the treatment can use antibiotics. To determine whether you need antibiotics or not, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause. So throat irritation symptoms such as itching or pain in the throat accompanied by coughing do not always require antibiotics.
In addition to using drugs, how to relieve itchy throat can also consume throat lozenges. These lozenges can also increase the production of saliva so that it can overcome a dry throat that can trigger itching.
How to Prevent Itchy Throat
An itchy throat does cause discomfort and is quite disturbing. How to prevent itchy throat is as follows:
- Meet the fluid needs every day.
- Eat nutritious food to keep your immune system strong.
- Avoid allergy triggers, such as food that triggers allergies, dust, air pollution, and animal dander.
- Maintain humidity in the room by using a humidifier.
- Stop bad habits, such as smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages in excess.
You can try how to treat itchy throat above, hopefully it will subside and you will return to health. However, if your itchy throat does not improve after a few days, you should see a doctor. Especially if accompanied by serious symptoms, such as pain when swallowing, difficulty breathing, joint pain, high fever, and coughing up blood.