Causes of an itchy throat and ears include hay fever, sinusitis, the common cold and other viruses. Allergies can also irritate the throat and ears. Home remedies and medical treatments may help alleviate symptoms.
Allergens, viruses, and bacteria can irritate the skin and nerves, causing an itching sensation.
This article will examine the main causes of itchy throats and ears and provide tips for relief, prevention, and treatment.
The most common causes of an itchy throat and ears are allergies, viruses, and infections. However, some environmental factors can also cause itching.
The following sections outline some specific causes in more detail.
Hay fever
The medical name for hay fever is allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when a person’s immune system becomes very sensitive to a trigger, such as pollen. The body reacts by trying to fight the allergen. This causes swelling, irritation, and itching.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), hay fever presents in one of two forms depending on the type of allergen and when the symptoms develop: seasonal hay fever and perennial hay fever.
Seasonal hay fever occurs due to pollen from plants such as grasses or trees and mold spores carried by the air. It affects people in spring, summer, and early fall.
Perennial hay fever occurs due to allergens such as dust mites, dander (pet hair), and mold. It can affect people at any time of the year.
Other hay fever symptoms
As well as having an itchy throat and ears, a person may have the following symptoms:
- a runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- itchy or watering eyes
- a loss of smell
- a headache
If a person has severe symptoms alongside an itchy throat or ears, it could mean they are experiencing anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention.
Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:
- hives
- swelling of the face or mouth
- wheezing
- fast, shallow breathing
- a fast heart rate
- clammy skin
- anxiety or confusion
- dizziness
- vomiting
- blue or white lips
- fainting or loss of consciousness
If someone has these symptoms:
- Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
- Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
- Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
- Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.
Viruses and infections
Viruses and infections may cause an itchy throat and ears, but a person could also experience other symptoms depending on the virus or infection:
- Colds: Cold viruses irritate the nose, throat, and ears. People with asthma, a weakened immune system, or regular stress or tiredness are more likely to experience regular colds.
- Sinusitis: A sinus infection has similar symptoms to a cold, including a blocked or runny nose. The sinuses are cavities filled with air in the face, which become swollen and painful with sinusitis.
- Ear infections: These infections are more likely to cause pain than itching and are common in younger children.
Environmental factors
Sometimes, a person experiences an itchy throat due to environmental factors that are not allergens. These can include:
- cigarette smoke
- perfumes
- strong-smelling laundry detergent
- strong-smelling cleaning products
There are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies a person can try to relieve itching in their ears and throat. These include:
- Nasal sprays: These can help stop a person’s ears and throat from drying out. This could prevent symptoms such as itching and irritation. Read the package instructions for dosage information.
- Humidifiers: A humidifier can add moisture to the air to prevent dryness in the ears, nose, and throat.
- Throat lozenges: These can soothe an itchy throat. However, they are unsuitable for young children as they are a choking hazard.
- Mineral oil ear drops: These may
reduce itching and discomfort caused by a buildup of wax in the ear canal. People should never put anything solid, such as a cotton swab, in their ears to scratch an itch. - Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications reduce the body’s immune response to the allergen. They are available OTC or on prescription. Read the package instructions for dosage information.
- Resting: When a person has a cold, their body uses a lot of energy to fight the infection. Resting can help the body focus its energy on overcoming the virus.
- Drinking fluids: A cold makes the body lose more fluid than usual as it creates mucus to help rid the body of the virus. Drinking extra fluids will help the body recover.
- Breathing in steam: Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water or when taking a shower can help ease congestion.
There is no cure for the common cold, and because it develops due to a virus, antibiotics are unable to treat it.
Sinusitis can sometimes develop after a cold and may need treatment with antibiotics. People can use nasal sprays to help relieve the symptoms.
Cold symptoms, including an itchy throat and ears, should disappear
A person can take several steps to prevent their ears and throat from itching. They can do this by preventing the causes of these symptoms.
Colds and other viruses
People can reduce their risk of getting a cold or virus by:
- washing the hands regularly
- covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing
- avoiding people who have cold symptoms, if possible
- allowing fresh air into the room when someone in it has a respiratory virus
Allergies
According to the ACAAI, the most effective treatment for an allergy is avoiding the allergen. This may be possible for allergies to food or medication, but it might be more difficult for other allergens.
For pollen allergies:
- Keep the windows closed when there is a high pollen count.
- Wear sunglasses while outdoors to prevent pollen from getting in the eyes.
- Wear a face mask if going outside when there is a high pollen count.
- Avoid drying clothes and bedding outside, as pollen can stick to the fabric.
For dander and dust allergies:
- Keep pets out of the bedroom.
- Wash the bedding often.
- Avoid grooming pets or wear a face mask when doing so.
- Consider wooden or tiled floors rather than carpets in the home.
For mold allergies:
- Aim to keep humidity in the home at less than 50%.
- Clean up all leaks and spills to prevent mold from growing.
- Schedule regular deep cleans of the home.
Read more about the differences between an allergy and a cold.
If a person’s itchy throat and ears are accompanied by a fever that lasts
If a person has symptoms of sinusitis, they should talk with a doctor if:
- they feel very unwell
- their symptoms show no improvement after 3 weeks
- pain relief medication does not help or worsens symptoms
- sinusitis symptoms keep coming back
If a person has additional symptoms, such as vomiting, and is struggling to breathe, they may have anaphylaxis. This requires emergency medical attention.
The ACAAI recommends seeing an allergist if:
- allergies disrupt daily life
- a person has difficulty breathing
- a person has lasting or repeat sinus infections
- antihistamines are not effective or cause side effects
The ears, nose, and throat are connected. This means that allergens, viruses, and bacteria can travel between them. Similar membranes line all three, so the same types of infection can affect the throat and ears.
A cold, virus, or sinusitis could cause an itchy throat and ears. Other symptoms may include a blocked nose and fatigue. Taking OTC medications and drinking fluids can help relieve the symptoms and reduce irritation.
If an itchy throat and ears are due to allergies, the symptoms can last longer. A person should see an allergist if the allergy’s cause is unclear or OTC medication is not working.