What causes severe dry cough and itchy throat in women leading to vomiting, and what should be done?

Generally, severe dry cough with throat itching in women that leads to vomiting may be caused by factors such as dry air, anxiety, allergic pharyngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or cough-variant asthma. Appropriate management strategies including general care or medication can be selected based on specific conditions. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dry Air

Prolonged exposure to dry environments causes moisture loss from the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to dryness, sensitivity, itching, and dry cough. Severe coughing can stimulate the pharyngeal reflex and trigger vomiting. Use a humidifier indoors to maintain humidity between 40% and 60%, and drink at least 1,500 mL of warm water daily.

2. Emotional Anxiety

Mental stress and anxiety may disrupt autonomic nervous system function, causing spasms of the throat muscles, resulting in itching and dry cough. Frequent coughing may involve the diaphragm and induce vomiting. Practice deep breathing and meditation to relieve emotional tension, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid staying up late, which can worsen anxiety.

3. Allergic Pharyngitis

Exposure to allergens such as pollen or dust mites triggers an allergic reaction in the pharyngeal mucosa, causing itching and dry cough. Intense coughing may stimulate the vomiting center. Under medical guidance, medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine syrup, or montelukast sodium chewable tablets may be used. Avoid known allergen-exposed environments.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Reflux of gastric acid irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, causing throat itching and dry cough. Severe coughing may further aggravate reflux and lead to vomiting. Follow doctor’s instructions to take omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets. Avoid lying down immediately after meals.

5. Cough-Variant Asthma

Heightened airway reactivity leads to persistent dry cough upon exposure to irritants. Throat irritation causes itching, and intense coughing may provoke vomiting. Under medical supervision, use budesonide/formoterol powder inhaler, salbutamol aerosol, or ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution. Avoid exposure to cold air and smoke.

Maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or overly sweet foods that may irritate the throat. Wear a mask outdoors to reduce contact with allergens and pollutants. If frequent episodes of dry cough and vomiting interfere with eating or sleep, seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.