What medications can be taken for a cold with an itchy throat and cough?

Generally, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. Itchy throat and cough caused by a cold may be due to environmental dryness, dietary irritation, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, cough variant asthma, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and take medications such as Xigua Shuang (watermelon frost) throat tablets, Amoxicillin capsules, Qinghou Liyan granules, Compound Guazijin granules, or Montelukast Sodium tablets as directed by a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Environmental Dryness

When in a dry environment, moisture loss from the respiratory mucosa accelerates, making it dry and fragile. This can irritate the nerve endings in the throat, causing itching sensations and subsequently triggering a cough reflex. Medication is generally not required for this condition. Using a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60% is recommended, especially during dry seasons or when spending prolonged periods indoors, to regulate humidity effectively.

2. Dietary Irritation

Consuming excessive amounts of spicy, greasy, overly sweet, or acidic foods can directly irritate the throat's mucous membranes, leading to mucosal congestion, swelling, or increased sensitivity. This results in throat itching, while coughing is the body's natural response to alleviate discomfort. Typically, no medication is necessary. It is advised to maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of such irritating foods, and increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in vitamins and moisture, which helps maintain the health of the throat's mucous membranes.

3. Acute Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is often caused by viral or bacterial infections. After infecting the throat, viruses or bacteria multiply extensively on the pharyngeal mucosa, triggering an inflammatory response that causes mucosal congestion, swelling, and increased secretions. These irritate the nerve endings, producing itching sensations and initiating a cough reflex to clear secretions and irritants from the throat. Symptoms may also include fever and fatigue. Treatment may involve medications like Xigua Shuang throat tablets, Lanqin oral liquid, and Amoxicillin capsules under a doctor's guidance.

4. Acute Tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is primarily caused by infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. When the body's immunity decreases, bacteria proliferate and invade the tonsillar crypts, causing inflammation. This may lead to redness, swelling, and pain in the tonsils, which can irritate the throat, causing itching and coughing. Symptoms may also include chills and headache. Treatment may involve medications such as Qinghou Liyan granules, Compound Guazijin granules, and Liushen pills as advised by a physician.

5. Cough Variant Asthma

Cough variant asthma is often associated with genetic factors, environmental influences, and respiratory infections. Chronic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness exist in the airways. When exposed to triggers like cold air, irritating odors, or physical exertion, airway smooth muscles contract, and the mucosa becomes congested and swollen, leading to coughing episodes. Since the throat is connected to the airways, inflammation can spread to the throat, causing throat itching. Symptoms may also include chest tightness and breathing difficulties. Treatment requires medications such as salbutamol aerosol, Montelukast Sodium tablets, and Azithromycin tablets as directed by a physician.

In daily life, maintaining adequate sleep, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and avoiding excessive fatigue can enhance the body's immunity and help reduce the occurrence of colds.