What Causes a Dry, Scratchy Throat?

What Is a Scratchy Throat?

A sore throat is a pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that sometimes gets worse when you swallow.¹ A sore throat can also feel dry and scratchy.² The symptoms you might experience when you have a sore or scratchy throat can vary, but some signs and symptoms are:¹

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• Swollen, red tonsils
• White patches or pus on your tonsils
• A hoarse or muffled voice

The Causes of a Sore or Scratchy Throat

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu. However, a sore or scratchy throat may also be a symptom of:³

• Bacterial infection. Bacterial infections like strep throat and bacterial sinus infections may cause sore throats.
• Allergies. Your dry and scratchy throat might also be caused by allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, pets or mold. When you have a sore throat because of allergies, it’s from the postnasal drip or mucus that irritates your throat and causes pain when it drips down the back of your throat.
• Tonsillitis. This is caused by bacteria and viruses as well and occurs when your tonsils, which are the two small lumps of soft tissue at the back of your throat, become infected and inflamed.
• Overuse or irritants. Yelling or screaming can also strain your throat. Your scratchy or sore throat may also be caused by eating spicy foods, smoking or drinking very hot liquids.
• Mouth breathing. Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose while you’re sleeping may also be the cause of your sore throat.

How to Reduce Your Scratchy or Sore Throat

• Some ways to reduce your sore throat are by taking steps to protect yourself against colds and the flu, such as:³
• Washing your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoiding people who are sneezing and coughing.
• Avoiding sharing foods, drinks or utensils with people who are sneezing and coughing.
• Being vaccinated against the flu.

When to See a Doctor About Your Scratchy Throat

There are times when you should consult a doctor about your sore or scratchy throat if you’re an adult or if you have a child who has a sore throat. If you’re an adult who has a sore throat, you should see a doctor if you have:¹

• A severe sore throat or it lasts longer than a week.
• Difficulty swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth.
• Joint pain.
• An earache.
• A rash.
• A fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Blood in your saliva or phlegm.
• A sore throat that recurs frequently.
• A lump in your neck.
• Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks.
• Swelling in your neck or face.

Make sure you’re monitoring your child’s scratchy throat because there are instances where you might need to take them to the pediatrician as well. If your child has a sore throat, you should take them to get immediate care when:¹

• They have difficulty breathing.
• They have difficulty swallowing.
• They have unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow.

How to Relieve Your Sore or Scratchy Throat

Before you try to relieve your dry, scratchy throat, it’s important to pinpoint the cause of it. Consult with your doctor to determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination.² Sometimes, your healthcare provider will also swab your throat.² If your sore throat is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help.² Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week.² Until then, some ways you can feel better when you have a sore throat are to:²

• Suck on ice chips, popsicles or lozenges.
• Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
• Gargle with salt water.
• Drink warm beverages and plenty of fluids.
• Use honey to relieve cough for adults and children who are at least 1 years old.

You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you manage the symptoms of a cold or flu so you can feel better.² Cold and cough medicine like Robitussin’s Maximum Strength Honey Severe Nighttime Cough, Flu + Sore Throat medicine provides you with the relief you need to help you rest. If you prefer lozenges instead, try Robitussin’s Honey Medi-Soothers. These liquid-filled lozenges relieve sore throat pain and cough for up to four hours. Relieve your dry, scratchy throat from the comfort of your home with easy-to-follow remedies and tasty Robitussin products.