Why does my throat itch so much that I can't help coughing constantly, and what should I do?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Itching in the throat and an uncontrollable urge to cough may be caused by poor environmental conditions, dietary irritation, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, reflux laryngitis, or other reasons. Treatment options, such as general management and medication, can be adopted under the guidance of a physician. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Environmental Conditions

When in a dry, dusty, or polluted environment with irritating gases, the mucous membrane of the throat may be directly irritated, potentially triggering a cough reflex aimed at clearing these irritants, leading to symptoms such as an itchy throat and an uncontrollable urge to cough. One should try to avoid staying in such adverse environments for prolonged periods. If unavoidable, wearing a protective mask can reduce contact with harmful substances.

2. Dietary Irritation

Consuming excessive amounts of spicy, greasy, overly sweet, or acidic foods can affect the normal physiological environment of the throat, irritating the mucous membrane, causing congestion, swelling, or increased sensitivity, thereby triggering an itchy sensation that leads to coughing to relieve the discomfort. Maintaining a balanced diet, reducing intake of such irritant foods, and increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in vitamins and moisture can help maintain the health of the throat mucosa and reduce irritation.

3. Excessive Voice Use

Speaking loudly, singing, shouting, or talking continuously for extended periods can cause fatigue of the throat muscles and frequent vibration and friction of the vocal cords, resulting in congestion, dryness of the throat mucosa, and increased local sensitivity. This can easily produce an itchy sensation, and coughing is the body's natural response to relieve this discomfort. It is recommended to plan voice usage reasonably and avoid prolonged continuous vocalization.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis often results from repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, or nasal and sinus diseases causing postnasal drip. The throat remains in a state of chronic inflammation for a long time, with submucosal tissue hyperplasia and thickening, increased sensitivity of nerve endings, making it prone to itching sensations. Even minor stimuli can trigger coughing, which may also be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and dry heaving. Under the guidance of a physician, medications such as Jinshang Liyan Pills, Compound Borax Mouthwash, and Omeprazole Enteric-coated Capsules may be used for treatment.

5. Reflux Laryngitis

Reflux laryngitis mainly results from dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, excessive gastric acid secretion, and reduced esophageal clearance, causing gastric acid, pepsin, and other reflux materials to flow back to the throat area. These reflux materials can irritate the throat mucosa, causing inflammatory reactions, damaging the normal barrier function of the mucosa, and making the throat mucosa hypersensitive, leading to throat itching, and may also be accompanied by pain, burning sensation, coughing, and other symptoms. It is necessary to follow medical advice to use medications such as Domperidone Tablets, Hydrotalcite Chewable Tablets, and Amoxicillin Capsules for treatment.

In daily life, one should develop good living habits, maintain a regular schedule, ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late and overexertion, and maintain the body's normal physiological functions.