What Does a Scratching Sensation in Your Airway Mean?

Take a survey of the worst symptoms associated with the common cold and a scratchy throat is probably going to rank high on the list. Runny nose, sneezing and coughing are no picnic, but the throat condition is both irritating and painful.

A sore throat can make swallowing very painful and can cause a cold sufferer to forego drinking liquids that can be beneficial to treating symptoms of the common cold. What has actually happened in this situation is that the part of the throat located behind the mouth has become inflamed. The medical term for this condition is pharyngitis because it is the pharynx that is inflamed.

When this condition accompanies the common cold and is caused by a virus, it will eventually heal as the cold virus loses its hold. However, sometimes the problem is caused by bacteria rather than a virus, presenting a challenge in the area of treatment.

This condition stemming from bacteria is called a strep infection. The good news is that antibiotics can be used to treat strep infections. When a scratchy sensation is present with other common cold symptoms like coughing, sneezing and runny nose it probably resulted from a viral infection and is not a strep infection. Making the right determination is necessary to administer the appropriate remedy.

Just when you think you have all the answers, let’s add that a scratchy throat can be caused by means other than viral and bacterial infections. It can be caused by dry winter air, which can irritate the throat. Inflammation can also be caused by allergies. This condition is especially prevalent in the spring as the weather warms and plants begin to pollinate. People who suffer from allergies usually have more issues than those who do not.

In most cases, once you determine the origin of the problem getting relief is relatively simple.