Itchy throat and cough: What are the causes?

Dec 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, a sore throat and cough may be caused by dry air, prolonged talking or singing, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other factors. In daily life, it is important to keep the throat moist, avoid excessive use of the voice, and maintain good lifestyle habits to promote respiratory health and prevent discomfort such as a sore throat and cough.

Generally speaking, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. Throat itching and coughing may be caused by factors such as dry air, prolonged talking or singing, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the above conditions occur, timely medical treatment is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dry Air

Low humidity can cause respiratory mucous membranes to lose moisture, becoming dry and subsequently irritating the throat, causing itching and coughing. This can be improved in daily life by using a humidifier.

2. Prolonged Talking or Singing

Overuse of the voice can lead to fatigue in the vocal cords and throat area, resulting in itching and coughing. Adequate rest for the vocal cords and avoiding overuse are recommended.

3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections are often caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as the common cold or influenza. Viruses or bacteria invading the respiratory mucosa can cause an inflammatory response, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. Symptoms may include nasal congestion and runny nose. Treatment may involve medications such as compound paracetamol and amantadine tablets, azithromycin tablets, or isatis root granules, as directed by a physician.

4. Allergies

For individuals with allergic constitutions, inhaling allergens such as dust or animal dander may trigger allergic coughing, resulting in symptoms such as coughing and throat itching. Symptoms may also include itching and red patches. Patients are advised to use medications such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, or desloratadine tablets as directed by a physician.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, esophageal dysfunction, delayed gastric emptying, and other factors may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD can cause stomach acid and other gastric contents to flow back into the esophagus and throat area, irritating the mucous membranes and causing dry cough and throat itching. Symptoms may include acid regurgitation and heartburn. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or ranitidine hydrochloride tablets for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to keep the throat moist, avoid excessive voice use, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits to enhance respiratory health and prevent discomfort such as throat itching and coughing.

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