Duration

How long the scratching in the neck lasts depends on the cause. If the mucous membrane is irritated by cigarette smoke, the complaints disappear as soon as the person affected is no longer exposed to the harmful influence. Scratching the throat in the context of a flu-like infection or tonsillitis continues until the infection is cured.

Depending on the pathogen, this usually lasts between three and ten days. If the symptoms are caused by certain drugs or a reflux disease, the scratching in the throat lasts for a long time and never disappears completely. In such cases, a doctor should be consulted and the further procedure discussed with him. What you might also be interested in this regard: Duration of sore throat

Causes

The most common cause of a scratchy throat is a subsequent inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis). This is an infection of the pharyngeal mucosa, which is usually caused by viruses (e.g. parainfluenza, rhino or adenovirus).The body’s own immune system is mobilized in the event of a cold and increased blood circulation of the pharyngeal mucosa occurs – those affected feel a scratching and tingling sensation in the throat. Due to the inflammatory reaction, the mucous membrane in the throat is damaged, which makes it easier for bacteria to settle and causes a bacterial super-infection.

In such cases, treatment with antibiotics is necessary. Another cause of a scratchy throat is irritation from external influences, such as cigarette smoke or exhaust fumes. But also too low humidity (due to air conditioning or overheated room air) can lead to a scratchy feeling in the throat.

This causes the mucous membrane to dry out and small injuries to form, which causes the scratching. Likewise, some people react to allergies or intolerances with an unpleasant scratching in the throat. Heartburn also causes a scratchy feeling in the throat.

What could also be of interest to you in this respect: Causes of sore throatAn allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system to so-called allergens. These are substances that do not cause a reaction in a healthy person, but which lead to a defective activation of the immune system in allergy sufferers. Especially grass pollen and early bloomers lead to allergic symptoms in the respiratory tract and throat (“hay fever“).

In addition to a runny nose, itching and sneezing, it can also lead to scratching in the throat and difficulty swallowing. After repeated contact with the allergen through inhalation or oral absorption, the substance is recognized by the body as foreign and an immune response is triggered. Certain immune cells, the mast cells, then release inflammatory mediators such as histamine and prostaglandins.

Histamine then triggers an inflammatory reaction, causing the blood vessels to dilate and the mucous membranes to swell. Scratching in the throat can also be caused by a histamine intolerance. This is not really an allergy, but a food intolerance.

Those affected react to the consumption of histamine-containing foods, such as cheese, wine or seafood, by coughing, a scratchy throat, headaches and digestive problems. A doctor can relatively easily determine whether the scratching in the throat is caused by an allergy or a histamine intolerance. What you might also be interested in in this regard: Sore throat due to allergySome medications cause a scratching of the throat and a dry cough as a side effect.

These include, above all, the class of so-called ACE inhibitors (e.g. ramipril, captopril or enalapril), which are used as drugs for hypertension (high blood pressure). Many patients find the constant coughing irritation very tormenting. The only possibility is then often to stop taking the medication.

ACE inhibitors can be replaced by an active substance from the Sartane group, e.g. Losartan or Valsartan. These drugs have a different mechanism of action, but like ACE inhibitors, they also effectively lower blood pressure. A scratchy throat can be caused by heartburn.

The disorder occurs when acidic stomach contents pass from the stomach back into the esophagus. The aggressive stomach acid damages the stomach lining and the affected person feels a scratchy throat. Frequent accompanying symptoms are also dry cough, difficulty swallowing and a burning pulling behind the breastbone.

Typically, the symptoms occur after a meal. Stress, being overweight and the consumption of alcohol or nicotine can cause heartburn or increase the symptoms. Many consumers of e-cigarettes suffer from a scratchy throat and a coughing sensation after steaming.

The nicotine contained in the Liquids of the E-cigarette can be to blame for it. In order to reduce the throat scratching and coughing, it can help to switch to liquids with a lower nicotine content. Certain flavors can also cause increased coughing and scratching of the throat in sensitive people.

Each person reacts differently, so if you have a medical condition, it helps to simply try other types of liquid. The liquids for e-cigarettes usually contain both propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) as carrier liquids. Especially PG can often cause discomfort and a scratchy feeling in the throat. In such cases it can help to switch to liquids with a higher proportion of VG.Smoking an e-cigarette drains fluid from the body, causing the mucous membrane of the throat to dry out more quickly and the throat to scratch. For this reason consumers of E-cigarettes should make sure to take sufficient liquid to itself.