What causes a dry, itchy throat and coughing, and what should I do?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. Dryness and itching in the throat, along with coughing, may be caused by environmental irritants, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic pharyngitis, allergic pharyngitis, or reflux pharyngitis. In daily life, one should maintain fresh and moist indoor air, avoid contact with allergens, maintain a regular diet, and reduce consumption of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods.

Generally speaking, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. Dryness, itching, and coughing in the throat may be caused by environmental factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic pharyngitis, allergic pharyngitis, or reflux laryngitis. Treatment can be carried out under the guidance of a physician through general management and medication. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Environmental factor irritation

Remaining in a dry, cold, or heavily polluted environment for a prolonged period can easily irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing rapid evaporation of local moisture, mucosal dryness, and subsequent dryness, itching, and cough reflexes. It is recommended to maintain indoor air humidity and wear a mask when going outdoors.

2. Unhealthy lifestyle habits

Long-term unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and staying up late can lead to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, affecting its normal function and causing dryness, itching, and coughing. It is recommended to quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy diet, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits.

3. Chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is usually caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, long-term irritation from smoking and alcohol, or inhalation of harmful gases. Chronic pharyngitis leads to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, increased secretions, and irritation causing dryness, itching, and coughing. Symptoms may include a foreign body sensation, burning sensation, and dryness in the throat. Treatment can include medications such as compound borax solution, cetirizine iodine tablets, and menthol throat tablets, under a physician's guidance.

4. Allergic pharyngitis

Allergic pharyngitis is typically triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. These allergens irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing local edema and congestion, which leads to dryness, itching, and coughing. Symptoms may also include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Treatment may include medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine tablets, and budesonide nasal spray, under a physician's guidance.

5. Reflux laryngitis

Reflux laryngitis is usually caused by gastrointestinal diseases, medication use, or lifestyle habits. Stomach acid irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, causing mucosal congestion and edema, leading to dryness, itching, and coughing. Symptoms may include stomach discomfort, acid reflux, and heartburn. Treatment can include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and hydrotalcite magnesium tablets, under a physician's guidance.

In daily life, it is important to maintain fresh and humid indoor air, avoid allergens, maintain regular eating habits, reduce consumption of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, engage in regular exercise, and enhance overall immunity.

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Will my voice return to normal after a cold causes hoarseness?

In general, whether hoarseness caused by a cold can recover depends on the specific situation. Hoarseness due to mild mucosal congestion usually resolves completely; however, if the vocal cords suffer severe damage or pathological changes, recovery becomes more difficult. Daily care should include adequate vocal rest, avoiding loud talking or singing. Drinking plenty of warm water helps keep the throat moist, while spicy or excessively hot foods should be avoided to prevent irritation.

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Can people with bronchitis and cough eat eggs?

In general, patients with tracheitis and cough can usually consume eggs if they are not allergic to them; however, those with a history of egg allergy must absolutely avoid eggs. During tracheitis with cough, the diet should be light and nutritionally balanced, and drinking plenty of warm water helps keep the throat moist. It is also important to ensure indoor ventilation, avoid exposure to irritants such as dust and smoke, reduce coughing episodes, and promote recovery.