What should I do if my itchy throat and cough have not improved after a month?

Itching in the throat with cough lasting for a month without recovery may be caused by environmental irritation, excessive voice use, allergic pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, or gastroesophageal reflux. Symptoms can be improved by avoiding triggers, resting and proper care, and medication. Seek medical attention promptly if accompanied by blood in sputum, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

1. Environmental irritation: Long-term exposure to dust, smoke, or dry air continuously irritates the mucous membranes of the throat, causing itching and coughing, which is mostly dry and non-productive. It is recommended to avoid polluted environments, use a humidifier to maintain moist air, and wear a mask outdoors to reduce irritation.

2. Excessive voice use: Prolonged loud speaking or frequent voice use can lead to congestion and dryness of the throat's mucous membrane, resulting in persistent itching and cough. It is advised to reduce voice usage, drink plenty of warm water to soothe the throat, and avoid shouting or prolonged conversations.

3. Allergic pharyngitis: After exposure to allergens such as pollen or house dust mites, the throat’s mucous membrane experiences an allergic reaction, leading to persistent itching and paroxysmal coughing, often accompanied by sneezing. Patients may take medications such as loratadine tablets, montelukast sodium chewable tablets, or levocetirizine hydrochloride oral solution under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Chronic bronchitis: Long-standing inflammation irritates the bronchi, increasing mucosal secretion, causing throat itching and persistent cough with small amounts of mucous sputum. It is recommended to take medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, ambroxol oral solution, or salbutamol aerosol under a doctor’s supervision to alleviate discomfort.

5. Gastroesophageal reflux: Stomach acid reflux irritates the throat and airways, causing long-term throat itching and cough, with symptoms worsening when lying down or after eating. Patients may follow medical advice to take omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets to improve symptoms.

Drink plenty of water to keep the throat moist, eat a light diet avoiding spicy and greasy foods, maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late, engage in moderate exercise to strengthen physical health, and minimize factors that trigger throat discomfort.