Why is the throat still itchy and sore when the cough has healed?

Usually when coughing, the throat will also feel itchy and sore. Generally, some types of coughs caused by minor infections will go away in a matter of days. Unfortunately, sometimes the throat still leaves pain and itching even though the cough that is experienced has been healed. What could have caused this?

The cause of sore and itchy throat even though the cough has healed

Coughing is the most common health problem. Coughing is normally the body's natural response when the respiratory tract "arrives" with foreign particles or other irritating substances. This is the body's way of cleaning the respiratory tract from these foreign particles. However, a persistent cough is a symptom of an illness.

Most people recover quickly from coughs caused by minor infections, such as the flu or cough due to allergies. However, sometimes the throat still often feels itchy and sore even after the cough has stopped. This of course makes you often clear your throat due to discomfort in your throat.

In general, respiratory specialist Garry Stadtmauer from the City Allergy of New York explained that the condition of the throat that still itches after a cough has healed is the effect of the body's immune system which is still active against the bacterial infection that causes coughing.

In addition, there are also several other conditions that may be the cause of a sore throat even though the cough has subsided, namely:

1. The remaining mucus that still accumulates

If your cough with phlegm or dry cough is accompanied by other cold symptoms, it's normal for your throat to still itch and hurt after the cough has cleared up.

This may be due to the remaining mucus (phlegm) that has accumulated along the airways. This mucus will continue to drip down the back in the throat and cause itching and dryness in the throat. This condition is also called an event post-nasal drip and it is very common after recovering from a cold or flu.

To fix this, you can use a nasal spray containing saline (salt water) to thin the mucus in the nasal passages. This medicine can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription or can be made independently at home as a natural cough medicine.

However, make sure you read the rules for use on the drug packaging carefully. If you do not understand the rules of use, do not hesitate to ask the doctor immediately.

2. Secondary infection

A sore throat that keeps on itching even though the cough has healed could be a sign that another infection is attacking you.

Coughing can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Now after the body has successfully fought the germs that cause coughing, sometimes other germs can quickly take turns in and attack your body again. Especially if your immune system at that time is still not 100 percent fit. Then it is easier for you to fall ill again.

Secondary infections characterized by itching and sore throat after the cough has healed should not be underestimated because they can cause more serious health problems.

Immediately see a doctor to get the right treatment. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antivirals to fight infections in your body.

3. Symptoms of acid reflux problems

If you have acid reflux problems such as GERD (acid reflux), you can also experience symptoms such as coughing and itching and sore throat.

Acidic liquid is produced routinely to facilitate the work of the digestive system. However, when the amount of acid produced is too much, you can experience stomach acid problems, such as ulcers or GERD.

GERD can cause stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus. If left untreated, this can irritate the lining of the throat and cause an itchy, sore sensation in the throat or a chronic cough.

Try to avoid foods that trigger high stomach acid so that the itching in your throat subsides. If necessary, take stomach acid medicine to neutralize stomach acid that is too high.

4. Allergic reactions

Do you have a history of allergies to dust, air pollution, cigarette smoke, or other irritants?

Allergic airways or rhinitis can cause persistent coughing symptoms as the body's natural way of removing allergens or substances that are considered harmful to the body. Some of the other symptoms that may arise from allergies are stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and sore throat.

These allergy symptoms can appear and disappear simultaneously or alternately. So after the cough reaction due to allergies subsides, it is not impossible that your throat will continue to feel sore and itchy.

So, so that an itchy throat gets better quickly, try to avoid various irritants that can trigger allergies. Don't hesitate to see a doctor immediately if your itchy throat doesn't go away.