An itching throat can cause a cough or both symptoms together can be due to various illnesses or health conditions. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that a cough is one of the most common reasons patients visit the doctor. Coughing is an important bodily reflex that helps keep the throat and airways clear by removing mucus or other foreign particles. A persistent cough or one that is accompanied by other symptoms may be a sign of an underlying illness or disorder.
Respiratory Tract Infection
Various respiratory tract infections cause an itching throat and a cough. Some of the most common, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, include a cold, the flu, pneumonia, bronchitis or sinusitis. In all of these coughing and an itchy throat can be due to postnasal drip or congestion. Postnasal drip occurs when thick mucus runs down the back of the throat and is noticeable. Most of these infections are viral and are not treated with prescription drugs. Remedies to soothe the cough and itching can be effective.
Allergies
The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that postnasal drip, a cough and itchy throat cause, is a symptom of allergies. Coughing is a reflexive action the body carries out to remove the allergen from the airways, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Allergy treatment consists of avoiding exposure and using antihistamine medications to block the body's natural response to the allergens.
Environmental Irritants
Various environmental irritants can cause an itchy throat and a cough. Examples include harsh chemicals like hair dyes, cleaning solutions and cigarette smoke, as indicated by a January 2006 article in "Chest," a medical journal. Hot, dry air, such as that caused by running indoor heating units in the winter, is harder on the respiratory system. It can cause temporary or persistent irritation, such as throat itching and a cough.
