What causes a dry cough and itchy throat, and what should I do?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Dry cough and itchy throat may be caused by environmental factors, dietary irritation, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, allergic pharyngitis, and other reasons. Treatment can be carried out under a doctor's guidance, including general treatments and medication. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Poor Environmental Conditions

When staying in a dry, dusty, or polluted environment with irritating gases, the pharyngeal mucosa can be directly irritated, triggering a cough reflex aimed at clearing these irritants. Because there is no sputum or only minimal phlegm, this manifests as a dry cough. It is best to avoid staying in such environments for prolonged periods. If unavoidable, wear a protective mask to 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 pharyngeal mucosa and causing congestion, edema, or increased sensitivity, which leads to an itchy sensation and subsequently triggers a cough reflex. Since there is no significant increase in mucus secretion, the cough is typically dry. Maintain a balanced diet in daily life, reduce the intake of such irritant foods, and increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in vitamins and moisture to help maintain the health of the pharyngeal mucosa and reduce throat irritation.

3. Overuse of the Voice

Speaking loudly, singing, shouting, or talking continuously for extended periods can cause fatigue in the throat muscles and frequent vibration and friction of the vocal cords. This leads to congestion, dryness, and increased sensitivity of the pharyngeal mucosa, making it prone to itching. Coughing is the body's natural response to relieve this discomfort, and since there is usually no significant mucus production, the cough is dry. It is recommended to plan voice usage reasonably and avoid prolonged continuous vocalization. Take short breaks periodically during extended speaking and drink water as appropriate to keep the throat moist.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis often results from repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis or long-term smoking and alcohol consumption. The throat remains in a state of chronic inflammation, with hyperplasia and thickening of submucosal tissues and increased sensitivity of nerve endings. This makes the throat prone to itching, and even minor stimuli can trigger coughing, especially noticeable during swallowing. Secretions caused by inflammation are often viscous and difficult to expel, manifesting as a dry cough. Symptoms may also include nausea and dry heaving. Treatment can include medications such as Yinhuang Throat Tablets, Pharyngitis Tablets, and Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid, under a doctor's instructions.

5. Allergic Pharyngitis

Allergic pharyngitis is mainly caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander, leading to hypersensitivity reactions in the body. These allergens stimulate the pharyngeal mucosa, triggering an allergic inflammatory response that causes congestion, edema, and the release of histamine and other allergic mediators, which stimulate nerve endings and produce an itchy sensation while also inducing a cough reflex to expel the allergens. Symptoms may also include nasal itching and sneezing. Treatment may involve the use of medications such as Loratadine Tablets, Budesonide Suspension for Inhalation, and Pharyngitis Tablets, as directed by a physician.

Maintain healthy lifestyle habits in daily life, follow a regular routine, ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue, and maintain normal physiological functions of the body.