text: why is it that when you have cold  the inside of your ear becomes itchy?   colds are caused by viruses. these viruses affect the upper respiratory tract consisting of the nose,mouth and throat. there is proximity and actual connection between the respiratory tract and the ear thus maikng it easy for the spread of the virus to the ear. the virus causes inflamation of the eyes (conjuctivitis), nose (rhinitis), throat(laryngitis), and if it spreads to the ear(otitis). infalmation causes the release of histamines which cause itching to release sites eg itchy ears, throat, etc.