A throat tickle is a sensation in the throat that is often found along with a sore or scratchy throat, and may be a sign of an impending cold or some type of throat irritation caused by post-nasal drip. The tickling is sometimes caused by dryness and irritation but may also be due to a buildup of mucus in the throat. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to relieve the discomfort of a throat tickle, ease the coughing that often follows the tickling, and be able to focus your attention on other matters.
One of the quickest ways to deal with a throat tickle is to try using throat lozenges that contain menthol as an ingredient. These will often help to soothe any irritation that may be present, easing the severity of the tickling. The lozenges are sometimes formulated to include honey or cloves, both of which aid in minimizing the tickling and also help to coat the throat.
Peppermint candy is also sometimes very effective in dealing with a throat tickle. Hard peppermints that can be placed into the mouth and allowed to gradually dissolve help to coat the throat and provide a soothing sensation. Soft peppermints that dissolve more rapidly can also be used if desired. This approach can often work well if throat lozenges are not readily available.
Another approach is to try drinking lots of fluids. Tea that is sweetened with a little honey will often help minimize the sensation of the throat tickle. Steeping cloves in hot water, then adding some honey and a small amount of lavender may also help to ease the irritation and help coat the throat, flushing out any mucus that may be lingering there.
Over the counter cough medication may also help ease the discomfort of a throat tickle. This is particularly true with liquid cough medicines that can coat the throat and soothe the irritation which is causing the tickling sensation. Follow the directions and do not exceed the recommended dosage without first consulting a physician.
In some cases, the throat tickle may be a sign of some type of more serious underlying health issue. Should the tickling persist over several days, don’t hesitate to see a physician. An examination can determine if the tickling is in fact a symptom of a specific ailment, making it possible to initiate treatments that will help bring about healing of that illness and eliminate the tickling as part of the process.
