Asthma and an itchy throat: what treatment may help?

An itchy throat alone is not a typical asthma flare. Asthma more often presents with wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. Allergy, postnasal drip, a respiratory infection, dry air, smoke, reflux or irritation from an inhaler may explain the throat symptom. Treatment therefore depends on the pattern and accompanying signs.

Allergens such as pollen or house dust mites can affect both the nose and lungs. Allergic rhinitis may cause sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and mucus dripping down the throat; the same exposure can trigger cough or wheeze in a person with asthma. A cold can create a similar overlap. Throat itching that begins soon after food, medicine or an insect sting needs particular attention because it may be part of an allergic reaction.

A dry, hoarse or irritated throat after an inhaled corticosteroid may relate to medicine settling in the mouth and throat. This does not mean the preventer should be stopped. Inhaler technique, the device or a spacer may need review.

Follow your written asthma action plan and take inhalers exactly as prescribed. If wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness or worsening cough starts, use the reliever specified in that plan. Do not use an antihistamine as a substitute for asthma reliever treatment.

Sip water, avoid smoke and strong fragrances, and note whether symptoms follow meals, a new medicine, dust exposure, outdoor pollen, cleaning products or contact with an animal. If allergy symptoms are present, a clinician or pharmacist can advise whether an allergy medicine is suitable alongside your asthma medicines. After an inhaled corticosteroid, rinse, gargle and spit out the water; ask for a technique check if irritation continues.

Call emergency services if breathing is very difficult, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips or face look blue or grey, you feel faint or confused, or your prescribed reliever is not helping. Use your asthma action plan while help is arranged.

Sudden throat tightness or itching with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, noisy breathing, widespread hives, vomiting, dizziness or collapse may signal anaphylaxis. Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if one has been prescribed, then call emergency services.

Arrange a clinical review if throat irritation persists, repeatedly follows inhaler use, wakes you, makes swallowing difficult, or accompanies asthma symptoms that are becoming more frequent.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergic rhinitis, infection, reflux, dryness or an inhaler side effect; whether your inhaler technique and spacer are right for you; which throat or allergy medicines are compatible with your prescriptions; and what changes in cough, wheeze or reliever use should trigger an asthma review. Bring your inhalers and a note of exposures that precede the itching.