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Cough Due to a Tickling Throat: What to Do

Updated on December 6, 2010

A lot of people suffer from a condition that is simply referred to as a "tickle cough." Due to either nasal drops in the back of the throat or some other irritation, an uncontrollable urge to cough occurs. I have had this problem for several months of a year for the last several years. It is unbearable and have sometimes driven me to the point of tears due to the frustration I have felt. So, if you suffer or have suffered from this condition, I can truly sympathize.

When this happens to me, it has usually followed a cold and/or sore throat. I've been to the doctor and was simply told to take some allergy pills. My frustration with doctors is at an all-time high, especially with those that don't seem to care. They acknowledge that others have similar conditions, but that they simply don't know of any solutions. They brush my condition aside as if they just don't care. Well, after researching this for some time, I have some suggestions that others with this problem may try:

First, determine whether or not it is caused by an allergy. If it's allergy season, that may be a clue. You can take over-the-counter allergy pills, and see if that makes any difference. Be aware that some of these pills can make you drowsy (side effect).

Second, try some homemade remedies including hot lemon tea, a tea made of honey with some cinnamon sticks, and a hot drink made of hot water and a couple of tablespoonfuls of apple cider vinegar. Some people swear by these.

Although it may not be a cure, resting horizontally on the floor with your chest facing down on a pillow could help to reduce the nasal drops (if they are indeed what is causing the tickling). Try to have your head lean downwards to further reduce the nasal drops.

Tickling may also be caused or exacerbated by dry air. Hence, using a humidifier may help to alleviate some of the coughing.

In addition to all of these things, you may also want to do some investigation to determine if you've been exposed to harmful fumes. Your workplace and home should be thoroughly checked to make sure there are no exposed solvents, cleaners, glues, etc. Concentrated fumes can be harmful to the throat and lungs.

Finally, keep talking to your doctor and share everything with him/her. Even if the doctor may not show much interest (because they can't do anything), let them know clearly that you still have this problem and that they must continue helping you in any way possible. Potentially, they could refer you to a specialist.


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    • profile image

      Julie 2 years ago

      It also happened to me when one day in April 2014, I was in my classroom (I'm 11, such an early age) and my throat started get itchy and if someone poured a packet of salt and it dissolve in the back of my throat, I try to hold it in, but if I do, tears leads after that, and I try coughing to make it go Away, it stops but it happens 10'times a day for me. It's February 2015 now and I'm 12 and I think this is really serious but my doctor thinks I'm just overreacting, I just want it to stop, or this will take my life away (as in the things I wan want to do)

    • Traqqer profile image

      Traqqer 5 years ago from Atlanta, GA

      Good for you! It seems that most people who've never had this problem think it sounds like an annoyance, but the truth is that it can be a real health hazard. The more knowledge is spread on this issue, the better people can be helped and perhaps make doctors more informed on such a serious issue. Thanks for sharing.

    • PenHitsTheFan profile image

      Amy L. Tarr 5 years ago from Home

      Well, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one with this problem. I've asked the doctor about it. She was able to look at my throat and determine it was an allergy issue. You are right on about dry air triggering it. That seems to be my biggest trigger. I keep a bottle of water with me always and hard candies in my purse. I find that taking a sugar free candy and sucking on it gets things lubricated again and stops the attack.