What causes a sore throat and cough, and what should I do?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, a sore throat and cough may be caused by excessive use of the voice, dry environmental conditions, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, bronchitis, or other similar causes. If you experience any discomfort symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, keep a regular routine, and avoid staying up late to enhance your body's immunity.
Generally, a sore throat and cough may be caused by excessive voice use, dry environment, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, bronchitis, or other factors. Treatment can be administered under a doctor's guidance through general or medication-based approaches. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for standardized treatment under a doctor's supervision. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive Voice Use
Extended periods of loud speaking, singing, or shouting can cause fatigue in the throat muscles and damage the vocal cords, leading to a sore throat and cough. It is important to use the voice appropriately and avoid prolonged, high-intensity vocalization.
2. Dry Environment
When the surrounding air is excessively dry, moisture loss from the mucous membranes of the throat accelerates, causing dryness and fragility of the mucosa, which can lead to a sore throat. Dry mucous membranes may also irritate respiratory nerves, triggering a cough reflex. Using a humidifier to increase indoor air humidity and drinking plenty of water to maintain adequate hydration are recommended.
3. Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is primarily caused by viral or bacterial infections. Viruses or bacteria invade the throat mucosa, causing mucosal congestion, edema, and inflammatory reactions, which result in symptoms such as a sore throat and cough. Symptoms may also include a burning sensation or foreign body sensation in the throat. Treatment may include medications such as compound borax mouthwash, Benincasa hispida tablets, and azithromycin dispersible tablets, as directed by a doctor.
4. Acute Tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis is often caused by bacterial infections such as group B hemolytic streptococcus. Bacteria multiply extensively in the tonsillar crypts, triggering an inflammatory response in the tonsils, resulting in redness, swelling, pain, and irritation of the throat and respiratory tract, which can cause a sore throat and cough. Symptoms such as high fever and chills may also occur. Treatment may include medications such as penicillin V potassium tablets, Lanqin oral liquid, and ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, as prescribed by a doctor.
5. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is usually caused by pathogenic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, or mycoplasma. Inflammation causes congestion and edema of the bronchial mucosa, increased secretions, and stimulation of bronchial smooth muscle contraction and respiratory nerves, leading to coughing. Frequent coughing can strain the throat muscles, causing a sore throat. Symptoms such as sputum production and shortness of breath may also occur. It is recommended to use medications such as ambroxol hydrochloride tablets, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, and salbutamol aerosol under a doctor's instructions.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, regular sleep patterns, and avoiding late nights can help strengthen immunity. Reducing the intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods is also recommended to avoid throat irritation.
