Itchy eyes, ears and throat could have a few causes that aren’t usually serious. You may even be able to treat the causes with home remedies. It’s still a good idea to stay educated on potential causes so you can know when it’s necessary to seek help.
Illnesses, allergies, infections and environmental factors could all be causes for itchiness. Allergies are a common culprit, with more than 100 million people in the U.S. experiencing allergies each year.
What Causes Itching?
Potential causes for itchiness:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Allergies occur when your body reacts to something in the environment, like pollen at Hampton Park, that isn’t typically harmful. This can result in itchiness, runny nose, headache and sneezing.
- Food or medication allergies: Food allergies also occur when the immune system reacts to something that isn’t normally harmful, such as peanuts or milk. Allergic reactions range in severity, so if you experience symptoms that impact your breathing, seek medical attention right away.
- Colds and other viruses: Colds and other viruses can cause runny nose, coughing and sneezing. Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, can develop after a cold, leading to itchiness.
Treatments For itching
You can often treat these conditions with home remedies. The treatment options vary for each condition.
Treatment options:
- Allergic rhinitis can be managed using over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants or steroids. An allergist can also perform an allergy test to determine your triggers. Then, you can work to avoid your allergies.
- Food allergies can be treated in emergencies using an EpiPen®. You should avoid all food and drug allergies and see an allergist to determine your food allergies.
- Colds and viruses can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants. There is no cure for the common cold, and most should clear up on their own within a week. If your symptoms progress or last longer than two weeks, call your doctor.
Taking over-the-counter medications should help to relieve itchiness experienced from any of these conditions. If the itching becomes painful or breathing becomes difficult, seek medical attention.
To learn more or schedule an allergy test, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy.