The common cold often causes an itchy throat and is the most common illness in the United States, with more than 1 billion colds developed every year, according to MedlinePlus. Other causes of sore, itchy throat, also called pharyngitis, include tonsillitis, a viral or bacterial infection, laryngitis, strep throat, mononucleosis, or allergies.
Home Remedies
Chicken soup has long been used to treat the common cold and can be wonderfully soothing on a dry, itchy throat. MedlinePlus reports that most likely the salt, fluid and heat in the soup are the driving forces behind the cure. Fluids alone can help to soothe an itchy throat while the cold runs its course. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend water, tea, juice and broths for sore throats and advise patients to avoid drinks with caffeine, which can cause dehydration. To clear mucus and provide soothing relief, gargling with salt water often works. Add one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of water, gargle and spit out. Honey and lemon in hot water also can break up the mucus that causes an itchy throat.
Herbs
There are a number of herbs that are touted for their throat-healing properties but which have limited veracity in the scientific community. As with any alternative medicine, patients should check with their doctors before trying herbs to cure a dry, itchy throat. Mayo Clinic doctors report that herbs can be steeped and taken as tea to calm scratchy throats. Some health food stores sell lozenges made from herbs that also can relieve sore throat symptoms. Herbs commonly used to cure an itchy throat include chamomile, eucalyptus and slippery elm. Other herbs to treat sore throats include marshmallow and licorice root, honeysuckle flowers and barberry.
Medication
A physician can diagnose the cause of an itchy throat by taking a culture or performing a rapid strep test. A blood test is required to diagnose mononucleosis. Antibiotics are prescribed to cure a sore throat caused by a bacterial strep infection. Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center report that penicillin and erythromycin are the most common medications given to cure a sore throat. There are no medications to cure mono; rest and reduced physical activity are the best cures. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help to relieve the painful symptoms of a scratchy throat.
