What to do if you have a cold and a hoarse throat, and how to recover quickly

Cold-induced hoarseness is usually associated with factors such as severe coughing, vocal cord edema, and inflammatory infection. It is recommended to adjust daily habits and diet appropriately, and when necessary, use medications or undergo nebulized inhalation therapy under medical guidance.

1. Adjust lifestyle and diet

During illness, symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and sputum production may occur. Strong coughing can damage the mucous membranes of the throat, leading to pain and hoarseness. It is advised to minimize talking, avoid spicy, irritating, and greasy foods, and drink plenty of warm water to prevent local irritation.

2. Oral medication treatment

Damage to local tissues causing vocal cord edema may result in hoarseness when speaking. Under a doctor's supervision, medications targeting the underlying cause—such as Lan Qin Oral Liquid, Compound Houttuynia Cordata Syrup, Shuang Huang Lian Oral Liquid, Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules, Anti-viral Oral Liquid, or Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets—may be prescribed.

3. Nebulized inhalation therapy

Upper respiratory tract infections caused by bacterial or viral infections allow pathogens to invade the throat, resulting in significant pain and laryngitis. If inflammation progresses into acute pharyngitis, nebulized therapy may be required under medical supervision. Commonly used clinical medications include dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, budesonide suspension, and ambroxol hydrochloride for injection, which help alleviate symptoms.

It is advisable to correct unhealthy habits to prevent symptom worsening, seek evaluation at the respiratory medicine department of a reputable hospital, and actively cooperate with medical treatment to avoid disease progression.