Be Alert to Four Diseases That Can Cause a Sore Throat

Generally speaking, there is no medical basis for the claim that a throat itch should raise alarm for four specific diseases. The throat refers to the pharynx, and conditions that may need attention when experiencing a pharyngeal itch include chronic pharyngitis, allergic pharyngitis, reflux laryngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and cough variant asthma. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Chronic Pharyngitis

Often caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, long-term smoking or alcohol consumption, nasal or sinus diseases causing postnasal drip, and gastroesophageal reflux. The pharynx remains in a state of chronic inflammation for a long time, with submucosal tissue hyperplasia and thickening, and increased sensitivity of nerve endings, which easily causes a sensation of itching. Mild irritation can trigger coughing, especially noticeable during dry swallowing.

2. Allergic Pharyngitis

Mainly caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and certain foods, leading to an allergic reaction in the body. Allergens stimulate the pharyngeal mucosa, triggering an allergic inflammatory response that causes mucosal congestion and edema, and the release of histamine and other allergic mediators, which stimulate nerve endings to produce a sensation of itching while also inducing a cough reflex to expel the allergens.

3. Reflux Laryngitis

Mainly caused by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, excessive gastric acid secretion, reduced esophageal clearance capacity, delayed gastric emptying, and unhealthy lifestyle habits, which lead to the reflux of gastric acid, pepsin, and other substances into the throat. These reflux materials irritate the throat mucosa, causing an inflammatory response that damages the normal barrier function of the mucosa, leaving the throat mucosa in a sensitive state, producing a sensation of throat itching, possibly accompanied by pain, burning sensation, cough, and other symptoms. Symptoms may worsen with changes in body position, such as lying down or bending over.

4. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Usually caused by viral infections. When the body's immunity decreases, viruses easily invade the upper respiratory tract. In the early stages of a viral infection, the throat mucosa becomes inflamed, leading to mucosal congestion and edema, stimulating nerve endings, thus causing a sore throat itch. Subsequently, symptoms such as coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and fever may appear.

5. Cough Variant Asthma

Often associated with genetic factors, environmental factors, respiratory tract infections, and immune system disorders. Chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness exist, and when stimulated by cold air, irritating odors, exercise, or other factors, airway smooth muscle contracts, and the mucosa becomes congested and edematous, leading to coughing episodes. Additionally, since the throat is connected to the airways, the inflammation can spread to the throat area, causing a sensation of throat itching.

In daily life, it is important to keep the throat moist, avoid dry environments and irritants, and gargling with warm salt water can help alleviate discomfort.