Is That Tickle in Your Throat Something More? Causes, Symptoms and When to See a Doctor 

woman touching throat

February 06, 2026 | Tags: Wellness

You wake up feeling an itch in the back of your throat. You try taking a sip of water to clear it, but the feeling lingers. As the day progresses, it hurts to swallow or talk. While throat problems like soreness, dryness or irritation can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, they usually clear up on their own. But a persistent sore throat might be a sign of a bigger issue. Being proactive with your throat care and treatment can benefit your overall wellness. 

What’s causing your throat pain?  

Your throat plays a major role in your healthcare, serving as a key passageway that connects your mouth to both your respiratory and digestive systems. Everything that passes into your body through your mouth – food, drink and even air – exposes your throat to possible irritants. Throat pain can look like many things: 

  • Chronic cough 
  • Dryness caused by lack of saliva  
  • Allergies 
  • Tonsillitis 
  • Tumors (rarely)  

A sore throat, called pharyngitis, is one of the most common types of throat ailments. It’s described as a scratchy or burning feeling in the back of your throat. Sore throats can be caused by viral infections, like a cold or the flu, and bacterial infections, like strep or a sinus infection. Even cold, dry winter air can create conditions that cause a sore throat to linger. Additional symptoms of a throat infection can include: 

  • Fever
  • Headache 
  • Fatigue 
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Redness or swelling in your throat or tonsils 
  • White patches, spots or streaks in your throat or tonsils
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose 
  • Thick, muffled voice

Tips and remedies for a healthy throat 

If you have that feeling like there’s “something stuck in your throat,” consider the following at-home remedies to relieve your symptoms:  

  • Hydration is key: Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to combat dryness and reduce the risk of infections. Warm liquids can help loosen mucus and clear and soothe your throat while cold drinks can help with pain and inflammation. 
  • Foods that soothe: Honey* works to relieve irritation and reduce coughing while also having antibacterial properties. Add it to hot tea or swallow a teaspoon by itself. Frozen foods like popsicles can work to relieve painful inflammation. You can also gargle with a saltwater or baking soda solution to reduce swelling and break up mucus. Mix one-half teaspoon of either with a glass of warm water and repeat every three hours. 
  • Moisture in the air: Dry air dries out mucous membranes. Using a humidifier can moisturize your throat to reduce irritation. If congestion is a symptom, steam from a hot shower can loosen mucus or phlegm.  
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: If needed, use OTCs to treat and alleviate symptoms. Throat lozenges and sprays with a numbing effect can soothe pain. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also help treat symptoms of a viral infection. Always check dosage amounts and talk with a pharmacist or your primary care provider (PCP) before taking any medications.
  • Rest up: Resting, especially when you’re feeling unwell, can help your body heal faster. Elevate your sleeping position when your throat hurts as lying flat can exacerbate swelling, increase congestion and cause discomfort.  

*Honey should never be given to children younger than 1 year old, as it can carry a bacteria that can cause weakness.   

Speak up – to your provider 

Talk to your PCP about throat pain you’re experiencing or if symptoms last longer than a week. Seek medical help if you develop: 

  • Severe pain in your throat. 
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing. 
  • A fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). 
  • A visible bulge in the back of your throat. 
  • Blood in your saliva or phlegm. 
  • Rash on any part of your body. 

Your PCP may recommend you speak to an ear, nose and throat specialist, or ENT. Need help finding a PCP or specialist in your network? Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool in My Health Plan portal or call the Customer Care number listed on your member ID card.  

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