Every time my nasopharynx feels dry and painful, I catch a cold afterward.

Under normal circumstances, recurrent dryness and pain in the nasopharynx followed by a cold may be caused by pathological conditions such as acute nasopharyngitis, acute pharyngitis, or upper respiratory tract infections. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Acute Nasopharyngitis

Dryness and pain in the nasopharynx are primarily caused by acute nasopharyngitis, a common ear, nose, and throat condition. Clinical symptoms vary among individuals but commonly include nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, dizziness, snoring during sleep, and mouth breathing in some patients. It is recommended that patients drink plenty of water, rest adequately, isolate to prevent spreading infection, avoid spicy and irritating foods, quit smoking and alcohol, and take medications such as amoxicillin capsules or roxithromycin dispersible tablets as directed by a physician.

2. Acute Pharyngitis

This condition usually has a sudden onset. Patients may experience dryness, burning, roughness, mild pain in the throat, with sore throat gradually worsening and eventually causing pain when swallowing. The throat pain may radiate to both ears and the neck. If the larynx is involved, symptoms such as coughing and hoarseness may occur. Severe swelling and pain in the soft palate and uvula can lead to changes in the resonance chamber. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen tablets under medical guidance.

3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection include local manifestations like nasal congestion and runny nose, as well as systemic symptoms such as fever and chills. Local symptoms typically involve sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and nasal congestion; some patients may also experience sore throat, sputum production, and hoarseness. Systemic symptoms include fever, malaise, body aches, fatigue, and exhaustion, with fever being the most common. Patients may take medications such as acetaminophen tablets or enteric-coated aspirin tablets as prescribed by a doctor.

Besides the three causes mentioned above, other conditions such as allergic rhinitis, nasal mucositis, and sinusitis may also be responsible. If discomfort occurs, patients are advised to seek immediate medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delayed diagnosis and potentially serious consequences.