What is the most effective treatment for dry cough and itchy throat?

Generally speaking, there is no specific method considered the most effective for treating a dry cough accompanied by a sore throat. The throat refers to the pharynx; a dry cough and sore throat may be caused by poor environmental conditions, dietary irritation, allergic pharyngitis, acute bronchitis, chronic pharyngitis, or other reasons. Under a doctor's guidance, general treatments or medication may be used. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Environmental Conditions

When staying in a dry, dusty, irritating-gas-filled, or heavily air-polluted environment, the pharyngeal mucosa can be directly irritated, triggering a cough reflex in an attempt to clear these irritants. Because there is no sputum or only minimal phlegm, it manifests as a dry cough. It is advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to such adverse environments. If unavoidable, wearing a protective mask can reduce contact with harmful substances.

2. Dietary Irritation

Consuming excessive spicy, greasy, overly sweet, or acidic foods can affect the normal physiological environment of the throat, irritating the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to congestion, edema, or increased sensitivity, thus causing an itchy sensation and subsequently triggering a cough reflex. Since mucus secretions do not significantly increase, it results in a dry cough. Maintaining a balanced diet, reducing intake of such irritant foods, and increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in vitamins and moisture can help maintain the health of the pharyngeal mucosa and reduce throat irritation.

3. Allergic Pharyngitis

Allergic pharyngitis mainly occurs due to exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal hair, etc., causing the body to have an allergic reaction. Allergens stimulate the pharyngeal mucosa, triggering an allergic inflammatory response, making the mucosa congested, edematous, releasing allergic mediators such as histamine, stimulating nerve endings to produce an itchy sensation, and simultaneously causing a cough reflex to expel the allergens. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as nasal itching and sneezing. Medications such as Loratadine tablets, Budesonide suspension for inhalation, and Pharyngitis tablets should be used under a doctor's instructions.

4. Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by pathogenic microbial infections or environmental factors. Inflammatory mediators irritate the bronchial mucosa, leading to nasal congestion, sore throat, and possibly a dry cough with an itchy throat. It may also be accompanied by fever and fatigue. Medications such as Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride tablets, Azithromycin tablets, and Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide oral solution can be used under a doctor's guidance.

5. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is often caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, and other factors. The throat remains in a state of chronic inflammation for a long time, with increased sensitivity of nerve endings, easily producing an itchy sensation, and slight irritation can trigger coughing. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and dry heaving. Medications such as Yinhuang Tablets, Pharyngitis tablets, and Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid can be used under a doctor's guidance.

In daily life, one should develop good living habits, maintain a regular schedule, ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue, and maintain the body's normal physiological functions.