What causes a dry cough in the throat?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Dryness and coughing in the throat are usually related to factors such as dry environment, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, allergic pharyngitis, and reflux pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dry Environment

When the environmental humidity is low, the reduced moisture in the air can cause dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa, thereby triggering a cough reflex. It is advisable to appropriately use a humidifier in daily life to maintain suitable indoor humidity.

2. Excessive Voice Use

Overuse of the voice can lead to congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in dryness and coughing. It is recommended to manage voice usage time reasonably and avoid prolonged loud speaking or singing.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is usually caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, long-term irritation from smoking and alcohol consumption, and other factors. Chronic inflammation leads to congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, increased secretions, and consequently dryness and coughing in the throat. Symptoms commonly include a foreign body sensation, burning sensation, and pain in the throat. Treatment typically involves following medical advice to use medications such as compound borax mouthwash, pharyngitis tablets, and throat-clearing granules.

4. Allergic Pharyngitis

Allergic pharyngitis may be triggered by allergens such as pollen and house dust mites irritating the pharyngeal mucosa. The allergens stimulate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing congestion, swelling, and allergic reactions, which can lead to throat dryness and coughing. Symptoms often include throat itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Treatment may involve using medications such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, and montelukast sodium tablets as advised by a doctor.

5. Reflux Pharyngitis

Reflux pharyngitis is usually caused by stomach acid or gastric contents flowing back into the pharynx. The reflux irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, causing mucosal congestion and swelling, a sensation of a foreign body, and subsequent coughing. Additional symptoms may include a burning sensation behind the breastbone, acid regurgitation, and belching. Medical treatment typically involves following a doctor's instructions to use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, and domperidone tablets.

In daily life, maintaining suitable indoor humidity and managing voice usage time reasonably can help maintain throat health.