What should I do for persistent dry cough and itchy throat?
Dec 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. Persistent dry cough and pharyngeal itching may be caused by factors such as poor environmental conditions, improper diet, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, bronchitis, and other conditions. Treatment may include general therapies and medication under the guidance of a physician. It is also important to develop good dietary habits, avoid contact with allergens, maintain a regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "lifestyle作息" or "作息" can be removed if not suitable), and engage in appropriate exercise to improve physical health.
Generally, the throat refers to the pharynx. Persistent dry cough and itchy throat may be caused by environmental factors, improper diet, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, bronchitis, and other reasons. Treatment options include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Poor Environment
In dry, cold, or heavily air-polluted environments, the pharyngeal mucosa is easily irritated. Dry air causes moisture loss in the pharyngeal mucosa, making it dry and sensitive, thus triggering dry cough and an itchy throat. It is important to maintain indoor air humidity, and a humidifier may be used.
3. Improper Diet
Consuming spicy, irritating, overly salty, or sweet foods may irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing an inflammatory response and resulting in an itchy throat and dry cough. Maintain a bland diet, reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and eat more vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins.
2. Excessive Voice Use
Speaking loudly or singing for extended periods can fatigue the throat muscles and cause congestion and dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to an itchy throat and dry cough. It is recommended to use your voice appropriately, avoid prolonged continuous talking, and take regular breaks with adequate hydration to soothe the throat.
4. Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis may result from repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, nasal or sinus diseases causing postnasal drip that irritates the throat, or long-term mouth breathing. The persistent inflammation keeps the pharyngeal mucosa in a sensitive state, possibly causing dry cough and an itchy throat, along with sensations of a foreign body or burning in the throat. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as watermelon frost lozenges, pharyngitis tablets, and compound borax mouthwash may be used for treatment.
5. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is mainly caused by viral or bacterial infections or irritation from physical and chemical factors, leading to inflammation of the bronchi. Inflammatory stimulation causes congestion and edema of the bronchial mucosa, increased secretions, and when these secretions irritate the throat, they can cause dry cough and an itchy throat, possibly accompanied by coughing and sputum production. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, azithromycin dispersible tablets, and ambroxol hydrochloride tablets for treatment.
Maintain healthy eating habits, avoid allergens, keep a regular作息 schedule, engage in appropriate exercise to strengthen physical health, stay warm, and prevent respiratory infections to avoid the occurrence of dry cough and itchy throat symptoms.
