Throat itches right after falling asleep
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In general, experiencing an itchy throat right after falling asleep may be caused by non-pathological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as chronic hypertrophic rhinitis or reflux laryngitis. It might also be related to allergic pharyngitis, sinusitis, or variant asthma. The specific cause should be evaluated by timely medical consultation to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Generally, experiencing an itchy throat right after falling asleep may be caused by non-pathological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as chronic hypertrophic rhinitis or reflux laryngitis. Patients should seek symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
I. Non-Pathological Factors
Low humidity in the sleeping environment or insufficient fluid intake can lead to a dry and itchy throat during sleep. It is recommended to drink adequate amounts of water.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Chronic Hypertrophic Rhinitis
Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis causes nasal obstruction, leading to mouth breathing or postnasal drip of nasal secretions into the pharynx, which results in throat discomfort, foreign body sensation, or itching after falling asleep. In such cases, medications such as Huodan Pills or Tongqiao Biyan Tablets may be used under medical supervision.
2. Reflux Laryngitis
When gastric contents reflux into the throat upon falling asleep, they irritate the throat mucosa, causing an itchy sensation. In this situation, medications such as famotidine tablets or ranitidine hydrochloride tablets may be taken under a doctor's guidance.
In addition to the three common causes mentioned above, other possible causes include allergic pharyngitis, sinusitis, and variant asthma. Specific diagnoses require thorough evaluation at a hospital, followed by treatment according to medical advice. Prompt medical consultation is essential to avoid delays in treatment.
