Throat itching and prolonged cough can be signs of various issues, ranging from colds to pharyngitis, allergies, and more. However, is this symptom dangerous, and how can it be treated at home? Join us in exploring these questions in the following article!
Causes of Throat Itching and Prolonged Cough
Throat itching and prolonged cough are often indicators of irritation in the respiratory system, commonly observed in various age groups, including children and the elderly. There are several possible causes for this condition:
1. Cold and Flu
Cold and flu are common and frequent causes, especially during weather fluctuations. Symptoms include coughing, throat itching, fatigue, and a runny nose. Although it may resolve within 5-7 days, lingering cough and throat itching may persist due to the immune system’s ongoing response to the illness.
2. Allergies
Allergies can induce coughing and throat itching as the body reacts to dust, secretions, and bacteria in the environment. Exposure to pollen, animal dander, food, etc., can lead to these symptoms lasting for months or even years.
3. Dehydration
Loss of fluids, especially in hot weather, after exercising, or during illness, can result in increased throat dryness, thirst, and itching.
4. Pneumonia and Bronchitis
Pneumonia and bronchitis can contribute to prolonged throat itching, especially when these conditions become chronic.
Pneumonia and bronchitis can potentially induce throat itching and prolonged cough
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD can cause a sensation of acid reflux during sleep, stimulating the throat area, leading to itching and a dry cough.
6. Asthma
Asthma can also contribute to this condition, with swollen bronchial mucosa causing difficulty breathing, dry cough, especially at night.
These symptoms require attention and may necessitate treatment to avoid potential complications.
7. Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis often occurs during seasonal changes, especially during the transition between seasons. It can be caused by viruses, allergies, or GERD. Common symptoms include dry cough and throat itching, accompanied by sore throat, swollen throat, headaches, runny nose, fever, fatigue, and lethargy.
8. Sinusitis
This is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses, often lasting from 4 weeks (acute) to over 3 months (chronic). In addition to throat itching and dry cough, patients may experience headaches, facial and forehead pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, and throat discomfort when swallowing saliva. Sinusitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, nasal or sinus tumors, or genetic issues.
9. Other Causes
Other factors such as environmental pollution, exposure to harmful chemicals, sudden weather changes, frequent air-conditioned sleep, excessive use of ice, and vocally demanding occupations can contribute to throat itching and prolonged cough.
Is Throat Itching and Prolonged Cough Dangerous?
Many people mistakenly consider throat itching and prolonged cough as common symptoms, leading to subjective views and neglect of treatment. However, as the condition worsens, treatment becomes more challenging.
If patients do not pay attention and let the condition persist, it can result in the following impacts and complications:
- Reduced quality of life, affecting daily activities. Difficulties in eating, communicating, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating on work.
- Chronic fatigue, lethargy, decreased work performance.
- Appetite issues, nausea, acid reflux, body weakness, and rapid weight loss.
- Increased risk of throat cancer due to continuous exposure to harmful agents attacking the throat mucosa.
- Bacteria and viruses from the respiratory tract may move to the lungs, causing pneumonia or even lung cancer.
- Vocal cords may be damaged, leading to changes in voice or throat pain.
- Increased blood pressure, risk of blood vessel rupture in the eye.
- Increased risk of osteoporosis and rib fractures in patients.
Home Remedies for Throat Itching and Prolonged Cough
1. Gargling with Saltwater
This is a quite effective method for addressing prolonged throat itching. Using warm saltwater to gargle helps cleanse the throat, eliminate bacteria, and reduce irritants.
Mix about 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 240ml of warm water. Gargle with this solution for about 10 seconds and then spit it out. Gargle with saltwater 2-3 times a day, especially in the morning, to reduce throat itching and dry cough.
2. Ginger and Honey Tea
Honey and ginger have warming, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, suitable for soothing dry or damaged throat mucosa. Make ginger tea with honey and lemon as follows:
Pour 1 cup of warm water, mix with 1 tablespoon of honey. Cut two slices of lemon, squeeze the juice into the honey-water mixture. Thinly slice ginger, add to the cup, stir well, and drink while warm. Consume 2-3 times a day.
Note: Children under 1 year old should not consume honey as it may cause digestive system poisoning due to incomplete digestion.
Honey and ginger are suitable for dry and cracked throat mucosa or when it is damaged
3. Herbal Tea
Many types of herbal tea can help soothe an itchy and dry throat. You can try elderberry tea, licorice, red clover, peppermint, or chamomile tea to alleviate symptoms.
If the cause is GERD, you can drink turmeric milk to soothe the throat and reduce stomach acid production, suitable for consumption in the evening for the best effect.
Preventive Measures for Prolonged Throat Itching and Cough
To alleviate symptoms of prolonged throat itching and cough, patients can apply the following advice:
Adjust Sleeping Positions
- Elevate the head with a pillow while sleeping: A pillow height of about 15-20cm helps open the airway, preventing irritants from coming into contact with the throat and reducing dry cough.
- Sleep at an incline: This position helps keep the throat clear, unaffected by fluids and mucus, reducing dry cough.
Prevent Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Eat less in the evening and avoid eating close to bedtime.
- Limit spicy, hot, or greasy foods.
Maintain Humidity in the Bedroom
- Plant greenery such as basil, thyme, and lavender to balance humidity and filter the air.
- Use a humidifier to prevent dry respiratory passages, reducing dry cough and throat itching.
Utilizing an indoor humidifier
Adjust Lifestyle
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke to protect the respiratory mucosa.
- Avoid contact with irritants such as animal dander, dust, humid moldy air, alcohol, and hot foods.
- Engage in regular physical activity, provide proper nutrition to boost immunity.
- Clean the house regularly to maintain a clean and dry environment.
- Limit shouting or speaking loudly to reduce throat stimulation.
The article has provided information on “throat itching and prolonged cough” and methods of treatment. If symptoms do not improve or are accompanied by unusual signs such as fever, difficulty breathing, increased coughing, difficulty swallowing, facial swelling, patients should seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may stem from other diseases that require early diagnosis and treatment.
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
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