What medications can be taken for cough and sore throat?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Cough accompanied by a sore throat may be caused by excessive use of the voice, dietary irritation, common cold, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and use medications such as Compound Paracetamol and Amantadine Tablets, Ganmaoling Granules, Cetylpyridinium Iodide Lozenges, Domiphen Bromide Lozenges, and Penicillin V Potassium Tablets under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessive Voice Use

Extended loud speaking, singing for long periods, or continuous shouting can cause fatigue in the throat muscles and frequent friction of the vocal cords, leading to localized congestion and swelling in the throat area and causing throat pain. This local discomfort can also stimulate the respiratory tract, resulting in coughing. Usually, medication is not necessary. It is recommended to schedule voice usage time reasonably, avoid prolonged continuous vocalization, and take breaks at regular intervals.

2. Dietary Irritation

Consuming excessive amounts of spicy or overly hot foods can directly irritate the mucous membranes of the throat, disrupting their normal physiological structure and function, leading to throat pain. Additionally, the irritated throat may attempt to relieve discomfort through coughing. Generally, medication is not required. In daily life, it is advisable to minimize consumption of spicy foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, and increase intake of bland foods rich in vitamins, such as various vegetables and fruits.

3. Common Cold

A common cold is usually caused by a viral infection, such as rhinovirus or coronavirus. After invading the upper respiratory tract, the virus multiplies extensively in the throat area, triggering an inflammatory response that stimulates nerve endings in the throat, causing throat pain. Inflammation can also irritate the respiratory mucosa, leading to coughing. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as runny nose and fever. Medications such as Compound Paracetamol and Amantadine Tablets, Ganmaoling Granules, and Vitamin C Yinqiao Tablets can be used under the guidance of a doctor.

4. Acute Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is mainly caused by viral infections, although a few cases are due to bacterial infections. Viruses or bacteria invade the mucous membranes and surrounding lymphatic tissues of the pharynx, causing inflammation. This inflammation stimulates nerve endings, resulting in throat pain, and can also irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing. Symptoms may also include a burning sensation in the throat and discomfort during swallowing. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as Cetylpyridinium Iodide Lozenges, Domiphen Bromide Lozenges, and Yinhuang Tablets.

5. Acute Tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is most commonly caused by infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, although it can also be caused by infections such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacteria multiply extensively within the tonsils, causing inflammation that may lead to redness and swelling of the tonsils, which then stimulates surrounding nerves, causing throat pain. Inflammation can also irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as chills and headache. Under a physician's recommendation, medications such as Penicillin V Potassium Tablets, Amoxicillin Capsules, and Cefaclor Dispersible Tablets may be used for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, and consume more foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, to enhance the body's immune system.