What Causes Itchy Throat and Ears?

An itchy sensation in the throat and ears can stem from allergies or a common cold. Often, home remedies are sufficient, but consult a physician if you develop additional signs like a painful throat or if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Below are potential causes, self-care suggestions, and warning signs that warrant contacting a healthcare provider.

1. Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, happens when the immune system overreacts to harmless environmental substances.

Typical triggers include:

• pollen
• pet dander, for example from cats or dogs
• mold
• dust mites
• other irritants like smoke or strong fragrances

This immune response releases histamine and other chemicals that produce allergy symptoms.

Besides an itchy throat and ears, allergic rhinitis may lead to:

• a runny nose
• itching of the eyes, mouth, or skin
• watery, puffy eyes
• sneezing
• coughing
• nasal congestion
• tiredness

2. Food allergies

Research indicates about 7.6 percent of children and 10.8 percent of adults in the U.S. have food allergies.

Food allergies, like seasonal allergies, occur when the immune system reacts excessively to a food protein such as peanuts or eggs. Reactions range from mild to life-threatening.

Common signs of food allergy include:

• abdominal cramping
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
• hives
• swelling of the face

Some reactions progress to anaphylaxis, a serious, potentially fatal condition. Anaphylaxis symptoms include:

• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• problems swallowing
• dizziness
• loss of consciousness
• a tight feeling in the throat
• a rapid heart rate

If you suspect anaphylaxis, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department right away.

Common allergens

A handful of foods are responsible for about 90 percent of allergic responses, such as:

• peanuts and tree nuts (for example walnuts and pecans)
• fish and shellfish
• cow’s milk
• eggs
• wheat
• soy

Some children may outgrow allergies to items like eggs, soy, and cow’s milk. Other sensitivities, for example to peanuts or tree nuts, may persist lifelong.

Foods like milk and wheat often cause gastrointestinal symptoms, whereas nut and shellfish allergies are more likely to produce an itchy throat, swelling, and possible anaphylaxis.

Other triggers

Certain fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts contain proteins similar to pollen allergens. If you have pollen allergy, consuming these foods can cause oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

Common OAS triggers include:

• fruits: apples, bananas, cherries, cucumbers, kiwi, melons, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, tomatoes
• vegetables: carrots, celery, zucchini
• tree nuts: hazelnuts

Besides an itchy mouth, OAS symptoms can include:

• a scratchy throat
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
• itchy ears

3. Drug allergies

Many medications cause side effects, but only around 5 to 10 percent of drug reactions are true allergic responses.

Drug allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly targets a medication like it would a pathogen.

Most allergic reactions to drugs develop within hours to days after exposure.

Symptoms of a medication allergy include:

• skin rash
• hives
• itching
• breathing difficulties
• wheezing
• swelling

A severe drug allergy can result in anaphylaxis, with signs such as:

• hives
• facial or throat swelling
• wheezing
• dizziness
• shock

Contact your doctor if you suspect a drug allergy; stopping the medication may be recommended.

If you suspect anaphylaxis, call emergency services or go to the ER immediately.

4. Common cold

Colds are extremely common. Many adults experience two to three colds per year.

Numerous viruses can cause colds. They spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing virus-containing droplets.

While colds are usually not serious, they can be bothersome, typically producing symptoms such as:

• runny nose
• cough
• sneezing
• sore throat
• muscle aches
• headache

How to treat your symptoms

For mild allergy or cold complaints, over-the-counter remedies such as pain relievers, decongestants, nasal sprays, and antihistamines can help.

Common antihistamines include:

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• loratadine (Claritin)
• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)

To reduce itching, try either an oral antihistamine or a topical antihistamine cream. Oral forms are more widely used, though many brands also offer topical options.

If symptoms persist or are severe, contact your healthcare provider.

Below are treatment suggestions organized by condition.

If you have allergic rhinitis

An allergist can use skin or blood testing to identify the substances that trigger your symptoms.

Avoiding known triggers can prevent symptoms. Helpful measures include:

• For dust mite allergies, use dust-mite-proof covers on mattresses and wash bedding and linens in hot water — hotter than 130°F (54.4°C). Vacuum upholstered furniture, carpets, and drapes.
• Remain indoors when pollen levels are high. Keep windows shut and use air conditioning.
• Avoid smoking and steer clear of secondhand smoke.
• Don’t allow pets in the bedroom.
• Maintain indoor humidity at or below 50 percent to limit mold. Clean visible mold with a diluted bleach solution.

OTC antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) or decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can control symptoms.

Decongestants are offered as oral pills, eye drops, and nasal sprays; avoid using nasal sprays for longer than three days to prevent rebound congestion.

Nasal steroid sprays, for example fluticasone (Flonase), are very effective and are now available without a prescription.

If OTC options aren’t sufficient, see an allergist. They may suggest immunotherapy via injections to gradually reduce sensitivity or sublingual immunotherapy in tablets or drops.

If you have food allergies

If you repeatedly react to certain foods, consult an allergist. Skin-prick testing or RAST blood tests can identify specific food triggers.

After pinpointing the culprit food, avoid it and scrutinize ingredient lists on packaged foods.

If you have a severe food allergy, carry an epinephrine auto-injector (for example, an EpiPen) for emergency treatment of severe reactions.

If you have drug allergies

Contact your physician if you have signs of a medication allergy. Your provider may advise stopping the drug.

Seek immediate medical attention for anaphylaxis signs, including:

• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face or throat

If you have a cold

There’s no cure for the common cold, but you can ease symptoms with:

• OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
• oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or decongestant nasal sprays
• combination cold products containing ingredients like dextromethorphan (Delsym)

Most colds resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days. See your doctor if symptoms persist beyond two weeks or become worse.

Treatments for allergy or cold symptoms

The following items may relieve symptoms like an itchy throat or ears. They are commonly available online:

• antihistamines:diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofenadine (Allegra)
• decongestants:pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• nasal steroids:fluticasone (Flonase)
• cold medicine:dextromethorphan (Delsym)

When to see your doctor

Contact your physician if symptoms persist beyond 10 days or get worse. Seek urgent medical attention for these serious signs:

• shortness of breath
• wheezing
• hives
• severe headache or intense sore throat
• facial swelling
• difficulty swallowing

Your clinician may order blood tests or a throat swab to determine whether a bacterial infection is present and requires antibiotics.

If allergies are suspected, you might be referred to an allergist for skin or blood testing or to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.