Coughing can occur for a number of reasons. Smokers often have chronic coughs that vary in severity. Post-nasal drip and asthma can cause a tickling cough that is not always remedied with over-the-counter or prescription medications. And a lesser-known but common cause of coughing is gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD). According to the National Lung Health Education Program, coughing is a natural body reaction that helps to keep the airways free of obstruction. A number of home remedies can help with a tickling cough that is not related to any major health concerns.
Drinks
The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies recommends hot tea to settle a tickle in the throat, once a physician has ruled out lung disease, cancer or other serious illness. Honey stirred into a cup of tea also coats the throat and eases the tickle. Sometimes coughing is a result of built-up mucus following a cold or sinus attack. Drinking plenty of fluids, at least six to eight glasses a day, will help to thin the mucus and make it easier to eliminate by coughing.
Steam
Steam from a hot bath or shower can help to loosen the cause of the tickle and ease the coughing. Running hot water in a sink and holding the head, covered with a towel, over the basin also can work to bring steam up into the sinus cavities. Cilia in the bronchial tubes can become dry; a vaporizer can provide enough moisture in the air to relieve the throat and airways.
Candy
Hard candy works just as well as cough drops to soothe a tickling throat. While sucking on the candy, you release soothing saliva that coats the stressed areas enough to settle the cough. An antacid can help to alleviate the tickling cough that keeps a person awake during the night. For those who suffer from GERD, taking an antacid before retiring or lying down can prevent the tickling cough. The Mayo Clinic adds that chewing gum helps to moisten a dry, tickling throat. Gargling with saltwater is another effective treatment for an irritated throat.
Silence
A mild case of laryngitis can be the cause of a tickling dry cough. Laryngitis can be caused by overuse or an infection. Once the infection has been treated, however, the tickling might continue for a few weeks. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend silence as a solution and resting the voice for as long as possible. They also say that those with a raw throat and a tickle in the throat should refrain from loud speaking and shouting. Singing can be another source of irritation that should be avoided. At the same time, whispering can put undue stress on a sore throat and should be avoided.
