Itchy Throat Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

While an itchy throat may be an early sign of a viral or bacterial throat infection, another common explanation for an itchy throat is an allergy. The itchiness and scratchiness may be the result of postnasal drip common in people with respiratory allergies, or it may be a part of a more serious, systemic (whole-body) allergic reaction.

Examples of allergies that cause itchy throat include:

• Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever
• Food allergies, caused by an abnormal response to food proteins
• Oral allergy syndrome (OAS), a condition common in people with pollen allergies
• Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening systemic allergic reaction

This article looks at the causes and symptoms of an itchy throat allergy. It also offers tips on how to get rid of an itchy throat, including antihistamines, saltwater gargles, over-the-counter and natural remedies, and the avoidance of allergy-causing substances (allergens).

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
• Apple skin

Itchy Throat Allergy Symptoms

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.

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

Itchy Throat Treatments

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. For example, Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra.
• 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 one-half teaspoon of salt to a 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.

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.

A Word From Verywell

While itchy throat allergies cause annoying symptoms, being proactive can help. See an allergist for allergy testing. Once you’ve identified your trigger(s), you can take steps to avoid contact.

Talk to your doctor about additional treatment options as well. In some cases, allergy shots can help your body get “used to” your allergen and decrease your symptoms.