What causes a dry cough and an itchy throat?
Dec 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, dry cough and itchy throat may be caused by factors such as dry environment, insufficient water intake, upper respiratory tract infection, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. To prevent dry cough and itchy throat, it is important to maintain appropriate environmental humidity, drink sufficient water, follow a balanced diet, and avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Generally, dry cough and itchy throat may be caused by factors such as dry environment, insufficient water intake, upper respiratory tract infection, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the above conditions occur, timely medical treatment is recommended. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dry Environment
Low environmental humidity, such as using heating or air conditioning indoors during winter, can dry out the air. This causes the throat mucosa to lose moisture, leading to dryness, itching, and a resulting dry cough. Using a humidifier regularly can help alleviate this condition.
2. Insufficient Water Intake
Inadequate water consumption may lead to dehydration, causing dryness of the throat mucosa, which becomes more susceptible to irritation, resulting in dry cough and throat itching. In daily life, consuming more water-rich fruits and vegetables is recommended.
3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Upper respiratory tract infections are usually caused by viruses or bacteria, such as the common cold or acute pharyngitis. These conditions can cause congestion, swelling, and increased secretions in the throat mucosa, which may trigger dry cough and the above symptoms. Symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose may also occur. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as compound paracetamol and amantadine tablets, azithromycin tablets, or isatis root granules for treatment.
4. Allergies
For individuals with allergic constitutions, inhaling allergens such as dust or animal dander may trigger allergic cough, causing symptoms such as coughing and throat itching. Symptoms such as itching and red patches may also occur. It is recommended that patients take antiallergic medications such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, or desloratadine tablets under a doctor's guidance.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Poor lifestyle habits, esophageal dysfunction, delayed gastric emptying, and other factors may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD causes stomach contents such as gastric acid to flow back into the esophagus and throat, irritating the mucosa and causing dry cough and throat itching. Symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn may also occur. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or ranitidine tablets for treatment.
To prevent dry cough and throat itching, it is important to maintain appropriate environmental humidity, drink sufficient water, eat a balanced diet, and avoid unhealthy habits to maintain the health of the throat and digestive system.
