Hearing health

Itchy ears inside with throat that hurts or itches

Last updated on:

Reading time: 4 mins

Author: EarPros Team

Itchy ears and throat often stem from infections and allergic reactions. Both home remedies and medical interventions can offer relief from these symptoms. Substances like allergens, viruses, and bacteria have the potential to trigger irritation in the skin and nerves, leading to sensations of itchiness. This article will delve into the primary reasons behind itchy throat and ears, alongside suggestions for easing discomfort, avoiding recurrence, and seeking appropriate treatment.

Itchy inside the ear and throat

The sensation of inner ear itching is typically linked to irritation of the mucous membranes in the throat. It may feel as though your ears are itching, but the root cause often lies in throat irritation. While a cold may not directly affect the inner ear, it can impact the pharynx around the tonsils, creating the perception of itchy ears. Especially in children, but occasionally in adults, an itchy ear can be an initial indication of a middle ear infection. If a child complains of inner ear itching and describes it as coming from inside the ear, it can serve as a valuable early warning sign. Recognizing these initial symptoms can often help prevent a painful middle ear infection through rest, nasal spray, and home remedies.

Itchy ears and throat pain

The throat that hurts and itchy ears typically occur due to inflammation or irritation of the tissues in the throat. This inflammation or irritation can be caused by various factors such as infections, allergies, exposure to irritants like smoke or pollutants, dryness, acid reflux, vocal strain, or injuries. When these factors affect the delicate tissues of the throat, they can lead to pain or discomfort as a protective response by the body, signaling that something is wrong and prompting action to address the underlying cause. Where excess mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, can irritate both the throat and the ears, leading to symptoms of itchiness and discomfort in both areas.

Sore, itchy ears and throat

Sore ears can be involved in cases of throat irritation due to the interconnectedness of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) region. Infections or inflammation affecting the throat can sometimes extend to the Eustachian tube, which connects the back of the throat to the middle ear. When the Eustachian tube becomes swollen or blocked, it can lead to a feeling of pressure or soreness in the ears. Therefore, sore ears may be involved alongside a sore throat due to their anatomical proximity and shared pathways for inflammation and infection.

Itchy ears, throat and roof of the mouth

The mouth may become involved in itching sensations due to its interconnectedness with the throat and ears through the respiratory and digestive systems. Irritants or allergens that affect the throat or ears can also affect the mouth due to their proximity and shared mucous membranes. Additionally, certain conditions like oral allergy syndrome can specifically target the mouth, causing itching or tingling sensations in response to certain foods. Overall, the involvement of the mouth in itching symptoms is often a result of the interconnected nature of the respiratory and digestive systems and their shared vulnerabilities to external stimuli.

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Causes of itchy throat and ears

Itchy throat and ears can be bothersome symptoms that often accompany various underlying conditions. Understanding the potential triggers for itchy throat and ears is crucial for effectively managing and alleviating these discomforts:

Itchy throat and ears with allergies

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, arises when an individual's immune system becomes hypersensitive to a particular trigger, such as pollen. In response, the body initiates a defense mechanism against the allergen, resulting in swelling, irritation, and itchiness. Hay fever manifests in two distinct forms based on the allergen type and the timing of symptoms onset: seasonal hay fever and perennial hay fever. Seasonal hay fever is triggered by pollen from grasses or trees and airborne mold spores. It typically affects individuals during spring, summer, and early fall. On the other hand, perennial hay fever stems from allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold. It can manifest at any time throughout the year.

Viruses and infections

Viral infections can lead to itchiness in the throat and ears, accompanied by a range of other symptoms based on the specific virus or infection:

Common colds: Cold viruses provoke irritation in the nose, throat, and ears. Individuals with asthma, a weakened immune system, or high levels of stress or fatigue are more susceptible to frequent colds
Sinusitis: Symptoms of a sinus infection closely resemble those of a cold, including nasal congestion or a runny nose. Sinusitis occurs when the sinus cavities, air-filled spaces in the face, become inflamed and painful
Ear infections: While these infections are more likely to cause pain rather than itching, they are prevalent in younger children

Environmental factors

On occasion, individuals may encounter an itchy throat due to environmental influences that aren't allergens. These may encompass:

Cigarette smoke
Perfumes
Potent-smelling laundry detergent
Strong-smelling cleaning products

Itchy throat, ears and Covid-19

The link between itchy throat and ears and Covid-19 isn't as well-established as some of the more common symptoms like fever or cough. However, some individuals with Covid-19 have reported experiencing itchiness in the throat and ears, albeit less frequently.

One potential explanation for this connection could be the inflammatory response triggered by the virus. Covid-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, and the virus can cause inflammation in the throat and upper respiratory tract. This inflammation may lead to sensations of itchiness or irritation in the throat and ears as a result of the body's immune response to the infection.

How to get rid of itchy ears and throat

Various over-the-counter remedies and home treatments are available for individuals seeking relief from itchiness in their ears and throat. These options comprise:

Nasal or ear sprays, decongestants and humidifiers: These aids can prevent drying out of the ears and throat, potentially averting symptoms like itchiness and irritation.
Honey and throat lozenges: These remedies are effective in soothing an itchy throat. However, it's crucial to note that lozenges should not be given to young children due to the risk of choking.
OTC ear drops: These products are designed to alleviate itching and discomfort in the ears. It's important to remember never to insert anything solid, such as a cotton swab, into the ears.

Home remedies for itchy throat and ears

Here are some concise home remedies for itchy throat and ears:

Gargle with salt water
Stay hydrated
Use honey for its antibacterial properties
Inhale steam to moisturize the throat and ears
Try throat lozenges or sprays
Apply a warm compress to the ears.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
Avoid irritants like smoke or strong odors
Get plenty of rest and manage stress
Consider over-the-counter antihistamines for allergy relief

Remember, if symptoms persist or worsen, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.

Itchy throat and ears at night

Itchiness tends to intensify during nighttime for various reasons:

The skin experiences increased dryness overnight due to moisture depletion, exacerbating itching sensations
Nocturnal fluctuations in body temperature can result in blood vessel dilation, contributing to heightened itchiness
Hormonal shifts, characterized by decreased levels of anti-inflammatory hormones, may exacerbate itching symptoms
Reduced environmental stimuli during nighttime can amplify the perception of itchiness
Certain parasites, such as scabies mites, exhibit heightened activity during nighttime, leading to increased itching sensations

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FAQs about itchy throat and ears

Can an ear infection cause itchy throat?

While an ear infection typically doesn't directly cause an itchy throat, it can sometimes be associated with upper respiratory infections. In such cases, inflammation from the ear infection may extend to the throat, leading to throat irritation or discomfort. Additionally, if the Eustachian tube becomes blocked due to the ear infection, it can contribute to throat symptoms.

Does strep throat cause itchy ears?

Strep throat typically doesn't directly cause itchy ears. Strep throat, caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, primarily affects the throat and can lead to symptoms such as throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. However, it's possible for inflammation and irritation from strep throat to indirectly affect the ears, particularly if there is associated inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.

What to take for itchy ears and throat?

For itchy ears and throat, there are several over-the-counter remedies and home treatments you can try:

Honey: Honey has natural antibacterial and soothing properties. Consuming a spoonful of honey or adding it to warm tea may help soothe a sore throat and alleviate itchiness.
Throat lozenges or sprays: Over-the-counter lozenges or throat sprays containing ingredients like menthol or benzocaine can provide temporary relief from throat itchiness.
Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or taking a hot shower can help moisturize and soothe the throat and ears.
Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your bedroom can add moisture to the air, reducing dryness and itchiness in the throat and ears, especially during the night.
Over-the-counter antihistamines: If allergies are contributing to your symptoms, over-the-counter antihistamines may provide relief from itchiness in the throat and ears. However, consult a healthcare professional before using any medication, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.

If your symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can determine the underlying cause of your itchy ears and throat and recommend appropriate interventions.

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