Question: what are the causes of a scratchy throat?
Answer: Colds, the flu, and other viral infections.
Strep throat and other bacterial infections. Bacterial infections can also cause sore throats. ... 
Allergies. ... 
Dry air. ... 
Smoke, chemicals, and other irritants. ... 
Injury. ... 
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ... 
Tumor.