[chiralSPO (OP)]

I usually use a Q-tip to clean/dry the inside of my ears after getting out of the shower. I don't put them in particularly deep, or use any substantial force, just a slow sweeping motion around the inner edge of the inside of my ear. However, without fail, every time I finish this I feel that I have an itch in the back of my throat that is immediately satisfied by one quick cough.

Why do I feel the itch, and why does a cough fix it?

[RD]

... I usually use a Q-tip to clean/dry the inside of my ears after getting out of the shower ... without fail, every time I finish this I feel that I have an itch in the back of my throat that is immediately satisfied by one quick cough.

That could be analogous to photic sneeze & gustatory rhinitis: strong simulation of one sense triggers a reflex-action in an apparently unrelated system , ( a crossover in the wiring ? ).

[chiralSPO (OP)]

Interesting... thanks!