Throat irritation may refer to a dry cough, an itchy feeling in the back of the throat, a feeling of thick feeling, something trapped behind the throat, or perhaps a feeling of dust in the throat. The symptoms are unpleasant and usually temporary, but sometimes indicate more serious health problems, such as strep throat.
Video Throat irritation
Allergies
During the summer months, allergies are a common cause of throat irritation. Many people have allergies to pet dander, dust, mites, pollen and fungi that can trigger allergic reactions that come with runny noses, red eyes, nasal congestion and throat irritation. Often dry cough is also present.
Maps Throat irritation
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the voice box that may occur due to excessive use, irritation or infection. Laryngitis can be a short-term disease or a prolonged problem. The majority of cases of laryngitis is due to a viral infection lasting only a few days. Laryngitis is often a common complaint in singing individuals. The opera singers or those who shout at sports events filter the throat muscles and develop cases of laryngitis. However, persistent throat irritation and hoarseness may come from more serious disorders such as cancer.
Pharyngitis
Viruses are a common cause of the common cold. Less commonly, bacteria can also cause pharyngitis. Both of these organisms enter the body through the nose or mouth as an aerosol particles when a person sneezes or coughs. Because many germs are contagious, one can even get them from touching equipment, toys, personal care products or doorknobs. The most common viruses that cause throat irritation include the common cold virus, influenza, infectious mononucleosis, measles and croup. Most bacteria and viruses usually cause throat irritation during winter or autumn.
Epiglottitis
This is a very serious disorder in the back of the throat near the throat. The most common cause of epiglottitis is infection by bacteria, H influenza. This condition can appear suddenly with high fever, severe sore throat, difficult and painful swallowing, salivation drooling, hoarseness, trouble breathing and malaise. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate hospitalization. Epiglottitis is treated with antibiotics. Regular vaccinations have made epiglottis very rare but still present in some children. Rapid diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
Post-nasal drip
Also called rhinorrhea, is a very common medical disorder that occurs when nasal tissue gets clogged and excess fluid flows in the back of the throat or out of the nose. Post-nasal drip can be caused by common cold, dust allergy, smoking, or pet dander. Even spicy foods can sometimes lead to post-nasal drip. A watery nose is not life-threatening but can be uncomfortable and socially unacceptable.
Strep throat
This is caused by bacteria that if not handled can cause many other problems in the body. Strep throat is most common in childhood but can affect people of all ages. It may present with sore throat, difficulty swallowing, tonsils that are painful and swollen, fever, headache, skin rash and flu. The diagnosis of straight sore throat and treatment requires a penicillin course. However, if treatment is inadequate, rheumatic fever may occur with damage to the heart valve.
Environment
When the environment is dry especially in winter, it can create a dry sensation and itching in the throat. This is most often observed in the morning. Other people who also experience throat irritation are those who breathe through the mouth because the nasal congestion. Environmental pollution is also a common cause of throat irritation. In fact, indoor pollution due to tobacco smoke is used to be a common cause of throat irritation. Other items known to cause throat irritation include alcohol, spicy or hot food and smokeless tobacco.
Acid Reflux
This suffering is a common cause of throat irritation. Usually the stomach produces acid in the stomach neutralized in the small intestine. To prevent acid from flowing backward, the lower part of the swallowing tube (esophagus) has a valve that closes after the food passes. In some individuals, this valve becomes incompetent and acid rises to the esophagus. Reflux episodes often occur at night and one can develop a bitter taste in the mouth. The throat can be very irritated when the acid touches the vocal cords and can cause a coughing spasm. To prevent throat irritation from reflux, one must lose weight, quit smoking, avoid coffee drinks and sleep with elevated head.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of throat irritation includes physical examination and throat culture.
Treatment
The majority of cases of throat irritation usually disappear without treatment. There is no real treatment for throat irritation from the virus. If you have difficulty swallowing then someone should drink fluids, suck throat loam, ice chips or mix salt with warm water to rinse. Bacterial infections generally require antibiotics. Home remedies for throat irritation include gargling with warm water twice a day, inhaling a mixture of honey and lemon or sucking lozenges. If the cause is dry air, then someone should moisten the house. Because smoke irritates the throat, stop smoking and avoid all smoke from chemicals, paints, and volatile liquids. Rest your voice if you shout or sing. If you have pharyngitis, avoid infecting others by closing your mouth when coughing and wearing a mask.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia