What could be causing persistent dryness and itching in the throat?

Generally, persistent dryness and itching in the throat may be caused by factors such as dry environment, excessive voice use, allergic pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, or reflux laryngopharyngitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dry Environment: Low air humidity causes rapid evaporation of moisture from the respiratory mucosa, leading to dryness and sensitivity of the throat lining, resulting in itchiness. Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40%–60%, drink 1500–2000 mL of warm water daily, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct airflow from air conditioning or heating systems.

2. Excessive Voice Use: Prolonged loud speaking or frequent throat clearing causes continuous friction and damage to the throat mucosa, leading to dryness and itching. Reduce frequency of speaking, lower voice volume, suck on sugar-free lozenges, and rinse mouth with warm saline after meals to soothe the mucosa.

3. Allergic Pharyngitis: After exposure to allergens such as pollen or dust mites, the immune system releases histamine that irritates the throat mucosa, causing dryness, itching, and paroxysmal coughing. Follow medical advice to take medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets, or loratadine capsules. Avoid known allergens and wear a mask when going outdoors.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis: Repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis or long-term irritation can lead to chronic congestion of the throat mucosa and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, causing persistent dryness, itching, and a sensation of a foreign body. Under doctor's guidance, use compound borax mouthwash, drometrizole lozenges, or yin-huang lozenges. Avoid smoking and exposure to油烟 (cooking fumes) and dust.

5. Reflux Laryngopharyngitis: Stomach contents flow back into the throat, where gastric acid irritates the mucosa and triggers inflammation, manifesting as dryness, itching, and a burning sensation. Take omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or domperidone tablets as directed by a physician. Avoid lying down immediately after meals and refrain from eating within two hours before bedtime.

In daily life, ensure good indoor ventilation, avoid spicy and irritating foods, maintain regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), and strengthen immunity. Seek prompt medical evaluation for persistent symptoms to identify the underlying cause and avoid self-medication that may delay proper treatment.