Because it’s the rainy season again, it’s inevitable to get the flu or cough and cold, not only for children but also for adults. Aside from the cold and rainy weather, there are also other possible causes of dry cough and itchy throat. What is the medicine for itchy throat and dry cough for adults? Find out here!
Symptoms and causes of dry cough
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A cough is a reflex action caused by irritants and mucus in the airways. There are two types of cough: productive and nonproductive.
A productive cough produces phlegm or mucus, which is present in the lungs. A nonproductive cough, also known as a dry cough, does not produce phlegm or mucus.
Many things – from allergies to acid reflux – can cause a dry cough. In some cases, there is no clear cause. Whatever the cause, a persistent dry cough can seriously impact your daily life, especially if it’s worse at night. That’s why it’s important to find the right medicine for itchy throat and dry cough for adults to relieve symptoms and get back to normal activities. Learn about effective solutions and medicines for itchy throat and dry cough for adults that may help with your condition.
Causes of itchy throat and dry cough
Here are some causes of having a cough or itchy throat .
This is a condition in which the airways become swollen and narrow. Coughs associated with asthma can be productive and unproductive, but they are often unproductive.
Coughing is a common symptom of asthma, but it is often not the most well-known. However, there is a type of asthma called cough variant asthma (CVA) that includes a chronic dry cough as its main symptom.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) is a type of chronic acid reflux. It occurs when stomach acid regularly flows back up into your esophagus, which connects your mouth to your stomach. Stomach acid can irritate your esophagus and trigger your cough reflex.
3. Postnasal drip
Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that drips down your throat. When you have a cold or seasonal allergies, your nose responds by producing more mucus than usual.
This mucus is watery and runny. So it can easily drip down the back of your throat. This is what causes coughing.
4. Viral Infection
When you’re infected with one of the many viruses that cause the common cold, your short-term symptoms usually last less than a week. It’s not uncommon, however, for a cough to linger after your other symptoms improve.
These post-cold coughs are usually dry and can last up to two months. They are often the result of irritation in the airways, which are often hypersensitive after a viral illness.
This type of cough is difficult to treat and often requires time and patience. Coughing only adds to the irritation in the airways.
So try using throat lozenges and warm liquids to soothe your throat. This may help reduce your coughing, giving your airways a chance to heal. For a more effective solution, it’s also important to consider itchy throat and dry cough medicine for adults .
Other causes of itchy throat and dry cough
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Also known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis may be one of the most common causes of an itchy throat. It affects an estimated 40 to 60 million Americans.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body overreacts to a harmless substance, releasing something called histamine that causes these overreactions.
Common triggers include pollen, dander, dust, and irritants such as cigarette smoke or exhaust fumes.
Food allergies occur when the body reacts to certain things we eat as if they are harmful to the body. Reactions usually occur within minutes or hours after consuming the trigger food.
Allergies can be mild with symptoms that stop at an itchy throat or mouth. However, they can be life-threatening.
Common trigger foods include peanuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, and wheat. To relieve the symptoms of a sore throat, it is also important to consider medication for a sore throat and dry cough for adults.
7. Drug Allergies
Many people suffer from allergies to certain medications including penicillin and other antibiotics. The severity of the allergy ranges from mild to life-threatening.
Symptoms of a drug allergy may include an itchy throat that begins shortly after taking a new medication.
Medicine for itchy throat and dry cough
Medicine for itchy throat and dry cough | Photo by Alex Green from Pexels
Treatment for an itchy throat is to reduce discomfort, itching, and painful sensations in the affected area until the condition resolves.
Remedies for itchy and sore throats focus on reducing swelling and irritation of the throat, as well as secondary symptoms such as coughing.
1. Medicine for itchy throat and dry cough: Cough drops and lozenges
Many people use cough drops or lozenges to help relieve an itchy or sore throat .
However, cough drops that contain menthol can cause irritation to your throat in the long run.
A study found that regularly taking too many mentholated cough drops or lozenges can make coughing more frequent .
2. Soup or hot tea
Staying hydrated is important to help your body heal. Getting enough fluids can help keep your mucus membranes clear, preventing uncomfortable buildup in your throat.
Warm temperatures can also help soothe the back of the throat for some people. Sipping on a comfortably warm beverage is an easy way to stay hydrated and potentially reduce throat irritation at the same time.
3. Honey | Remedy for itchy throat and dry cough
While hot tea with honey is often used as a cough suppressant and a way to relieve a sore throat, plain honey can also be effective.
Two teaspoons of honey can be as effective as some types of cough medicines in relieving throat irritation and coughing.
However, honey can sometimes lead to botulism – a type of illness caused by food poisoning – in children under one year old, so never give it to babies.
4. Dehumidifier
If your itchy throat is the result of dry air or allergies , a humidifier can help. Increasing the humidity in the air keeps your throat from drying out too much when you breathe.
It also helps keep mucus from drying out and irritating the back of your throat. You can also take a hot shower with lots of steam for similar results.
5. Gargling with salt water | Remedy for itchy throat and dry cough
Saltwater gargles are most effective for sore or itchy throats caused by bacteria or viruses. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 240 milliliters or 1 cup of warm water and gargle with the saltwater mixture several times daily.
The heat can reduce the irritation of your throat and the salt can help reduce the build-up of mucus.
Some ways to help relieve an itchy throat and dry cough
- Limit caffeine and alcohol – These can cause dehydration, so it’s best to avoid drinking too much.
- Avoid irritants – Avoid smoking, smoke, and other allergens such as dust and pollen.
- Drink plenty of water – Keep your body hydrated. Water helps keep your throat moist.
- Eat a healthy diet – Include foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, to maintain health.
- Get enough sleep – Proper rest is essential for maintaining a strong immune system.
Consult a doctor
Not all itchy or sore throats will go away on their own. Sometimes, your itchy throat may be the first sign of a more serious condition.
Talk to your doctor immediately so that you can be better assessed and given a prescription for appropriate medications.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Philippines
