What causes cough with phlegm and itchy throat, and what should I do?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Coughing with phlegm and an itchy throat may be caused by environmental factors, unhealthy dietary habits, excessive use of the voice, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other factors. Treatment options, such as general care and medication, can be pursued under the guidance of a physician. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Poor Environment

Dry or heavily polluted air may cause dehydration of the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to local irritation and inflammatory responses, which can cause the patient to experience throat itching and mild coughing. It is recommended to maintain an appropriate indoor humidity level, use a humidifier, and minimize exposure to polluted environments.

2. Unhealthy Dietary Habits

Consuming excessive amounts of spicy or greasy foods can increase gastric acid secretion, triggering gastroesophageal reflux. When gastric acid flows back into the throat, it can directly irritate the mucosa, potentially causing itching and reflexive coughing. In daily life, such foods should be avoided, and a bland, easily digestible diet should be adopted. Additionally, it is important not to eat within two hours before bedtime.

3. Overuse of the Voice

Speaking loudly or singing for extended periods can fatigue the throat muscles, affect local blood circulation, and cause minor injuries and inflammation to the vocal cords and surrounding tissues, resulting in symptoms such as throat discomfort, itching, and coughing. To protect the voice, one should appropriately control speaking volume and duration and avoid prolonged, high-intensity vocal activities.

4. Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is typically triggered by genetic factors, environmental pollution, or allergens. During an asthma attack, airway smooth muscle spasms and increased mucus secretion may lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and expectoration. It may also be accompanied by significant throat itching. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as salmeterol fluticasone inhalation powder, prednisone acetate tablets, and montelukast sodium tablets may be used for treatment.

5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD may result from long-term damage to the airway epithelial cells due to smoking, occupational exposure to dust, and other factors. This damage leads to thickened airway walls, reduced elasticity, and irreversible airflow limitation. Patients often have large amounts of thick secretions in their airways that are difficult to expel, causing frequent sensations of throat itching, coughing with phlegm, and other symptoms such as coughing and expectoration. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, acetylcysteine effervescent tablets, and ambroxol hydrochloride injection for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to regularly clean the living environment to ensure fresh air and reduce pollutant concentrations. Strengthening physical health through appropriate physical exercise to boost immunity and prevent respiratory infections is also recommended.