What causes a dry cough and itchy throat?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, dry cough and itchy throat may be caused by environmental irritants, excessive use of the voice, chronic pharyngitis, allergic pharyngitis, reflux pharyngitis, and other factors. In daily life, one should avoid prolonged exposure to polluted environments, manage voice usage appropriately, and maintain humid indoor air. At the same time, attention should be paid to dietary hygiene, and contact with allergens should be avoided.
Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Dry cough and itchy throat may be caused by environmental irritants, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, allergic pharyngitis, reflux pharyngitis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Environmental Irritation
Dry cough and itchy throat may result from irritants in the external environment, such as cold air, smoke, and dust, which stimulate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing local nerve endings to become excited and triggering a cough reflex. In daily life, prolonged exposure to polluted environments should be avoided, and wearing a mask can help reduce inhalation of irritants.
2. Excessive Voice Use
Speaking for extended periods or shouting loudly can cause vocal cord and pharyngeal mucosa fatigue, leading to local congestion and swelling, which may result in symptoms such as dry cough and itchy throat. Voice use should be scheduled reasonably, avoiding prolonged or loud speaking. When extended voice use is necessary, timely rest and drinking warm water can help soothe the throat.
3. Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, upper respiratory infections, or environmental factors. Chronic inflammation leads to congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, increasing local nerve sensitivity, which can cause dry cough and itchy throat. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as a foreign body sensation or a burning sensation in the throat. Treatment may include medications such as compound borax mouthwash, cetidine lozenges, and Yinhuang lozenges, as advised by a physician.
4. Allergic Pharyngitis
Allergic pharyngitis may be related to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. The allergic reaction causes edema and increased secretions in the pharyngeal mucosa, stimulating nerve endings and leading to dry cough and throat itching. It is often accompanied by allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. Treatment may include medications such as cetirizine tablets, loratadine tablets, and budesonide nasal spray, as directed by a physician.
5. Reflux Pharyngitis
Reflux pharyngitis may occur when stomach acid flows back into the throat area. The acid irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, causing dry cough and throat itching. It is often accompanied by gastroesophageal reflux symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn. Treatment may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets, as guided by a physician.
In daily life, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to polluted environments, schedule voice use appropriately, and maintain humid indoor air. Additionally, attention should be paid to dietary hygiene, allergens should be avoided, and chronic conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux should be actively treated to prevent the occurrence of symptoms such as dry cough and itchy throat.
