Itchy Throat and Ears: Causes, Relief and When to See a Doctor

01Why

Why the throat and ears itch together

The back of the throat, the middle ear and the ear canal share nerve supply from cranial nerves such as the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. An irritation in one area can therefore be felt in another. In addition, the Eustachian tubes connect the back of the nose and throat with the middle ear, so swelling and mucus from allergies or colds affect both areas.

This explains why many people with hay fever describe an itch “inside the ears” that they cannot scratch.

02Allergy

Allergic rhinitis and hay fever

• Hay fever: pollen from trees in spring, grasses in early summer and weeds later in the year.
• Year-round allergic rhinitis: house dust mites, pet dander, mould and cockroaches.
• Typical symptoms: sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears, and tiredness.
• Clues: symptoms follow a season, worsen outdoors or with dust or animals, and improve with antihistamines.

See also sore throat from allergies.

03Food

Oral allergy syndrome

In some people with pollen allergy, proteins in raw fruit, vegetables or nuts resemble pollen proteins. Within minutes of eating, for example, apples, peaches, cherries, carrots or hazelnuts, the mouth, lips, throat and ears start to itch. Symptoms usually settle quickly when the food is swallowed or removed, and cooked versions of the same food are often tolerated.

Swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, vomiting or dizziness after food suggest a more serious allergy and need urgent help.

04Other causes

Other causes

• Colds and viral infections: an itchy, scratchy throat at the start of a cold, often with blocked ears.
• Postnasal drip: mucus dripping down the throat irritates it; see itchy throat.
• Dry air: heating and air conditioning dry the throat and ear canals.
• Ear canal eczema or dermatitis: dry, flaky, itchy ear canals, sometimes from hair products, earrings or hearing aids.
• Acid reflux: can irritate the throat and cause throat clearing.
• Medicines: some can cause allergic reactions or a dry throat.

05Relief

What helps

• Non-drowsy antihistamine tablets for allergic symptoms.
• Steroid nasal sprays, used regularly, for hay fever and blocked noses.
• Saline nose rinses to clear pollen and mucus.
• Drinking water, sucking lozenges and gargling with salt water for the throat.
• A humidifier in dry environments.
• Not putting cotton buds, keys or fingers in the ears, which damages the skin and worsens the itch.

06Triggers

Reducing exposure to allergens

• Check pollen forecasts and keep windows shut on high pollen days.
• Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
• Put petroleum jelly around the nostrils to trap pollen.
• Use allergy covers on pillows and mattresses for dust mites and wash bedding hot.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom.

07Assessment

How an ENT specialist can help

When symptoms are persistent or not controlled, an ENT specialist examines the ears, nose and throat, often with a small camera, and checks for nasal polyps, a deviated septum, chronic sinusitis or ear canal skin problems. Skin prick or blood allergy tests identify triggers. For severe hay fever, immunotherapy (allergy desensitisation) may be an option.

See also itchy ears if the itch is mostly in the ear canal.

08Children

Itchy throat and ears in children

Children with hay fever often rub their nose upwards, clear their throat, wriggle a finger in their ears and sleep with their mouth open. Allergic rhinitis is linked with asthma, glue ear and poor sleep, so it is worth treating properly. Antihistamines and nasal sprays come in children’s doses; ask a pharmacist or doctor.

10Summary

Key points to remember

• The throat and ears share nerves and the Eustachian tubes, so they itch together.
• Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause.
• Itching after raw fruit or nuts may be oral allergy syndrome.
• Swelling or difficulty breathing is an emergency.