How to effectively treat a cold, cough, and itchy throat

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. A sore throat accompanied by a cold, cough, and itching may be caused by dry environment, dietary irritation, excessive use of the voice, acute pharyngitis, cough-variant asthma, or other reasons. Treatment options, such as general care and medication, can be adopted under a doctor's guidance. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Dry Environment

When in a dry environment, the respiratory mucosa loses moisture more quickly, becoming dry and fragile. This can irritate the nerve endings in the throat, causing an itchy sensation and subsequently triggering a cough reflex. Using a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40%-60% can help. This is especially important during dry seasons or when spending prolonged periods indoors. Additionally, increasing water intake helps keep the respiratory mucosa moist.

2. Dietary Irritation

Consuming excessive amounts of spicy, greasy, overly sweet, or acidic foods can directly irritate the throat's mucous membranes, leading to congestion, swelling, or increased sensitivity, which can cause throat itching. Coughing is the body's natural response to relieve this discomfort. Maintaining a balanced diet, reducing intake of such irritating 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 adverse irritation caused by diet.

3. Overuse of the Voice

Speaking loudly for prolonged periods, singing, or continuous talking can fatigue the throat muscles and cause frequent vibration and friction of the vocal cords. This leads to congestion, dryness, and increased sensitivity of the throat mucosa, making it prone to itching and subsequent coughing. It is recommended to plan voice usage reasonably, avoid prolonged and uninterrupted vocalization, take appropriate breaks during extended speaking periods, and drink plenty of warm water to soothe the throat.

4. Acute Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is often caused by viral or bacterial infections. After infecting the throat, viruses or bacteria multiply extensively on the pharyngeal mucosa, causing an inflammatory response that leads to mucosal congestion, swelling, and increased secretions. These stimulate the nerve endings, producing an itchy sensation and triggering a cough reflex aimed at clearing secretions and irritants from the throat. Symptoms may also include fever and fatigue. Medications such as Watermelon Frost Throat Tablets, Lan Qin Oral Liquid, and Amoxicillin Capsules can be used under a doctor's guidance.

5. Cough-Variant Asthma

Cough-variant asthma is often associated with genetic factors, environmental factors, respiratory infections, and immune dysfunction. Chronic inflammation and heightened airway reactivity exist, and when exposed to irritants such as cold air, strong odors, or physical activity, the airway smooth muscles contract, causing mucosal congestion and swelling, which leads to coughing. Since the throat is connected to the airways, inflammation can spread to the throat, causing an itchy sensation. Symptoms may also include chest tightness. Treatment typically involves using medications such as Salbutamol aerosol, Montelukast Sodium Tablets, and Azithromycin Tablets, as directed by a physician.

In daily life, it is important to maintain fresh indoor air, regularly clean living spaces, and reduce allergens and dust. Dress appropriately according to weather changes, avoid getting chilled, and take preventive measures against colds and other illnesses.