Coughing is the body’s natural reflex that helps remove irritants from the respiratory tract. Cough is not a disease but a symptom of some diseases. Sore throat is a common cause of cough, especially when the throat mucosa is dry, itchy, and painful due to viral or bacterial infections or dusty, cold, or low-humidity environments. Cough due to sore throat is often accompanied by throat irritation, hoarseness, throat tightness…
Some other causes of acute cough include rhinosinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, flu… Chronic cough often occurs due to gastroesophageal reflux, chronic sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, interstitial lung disease, malignant diseases such as laryngeal cancer… Treatment depends on the cause of the disease. The doctor examines, performs nasopharyngoscopy, orders tests… to determine the correct cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Doctor Hang is performing a throat endoscopy on a patient. Image: Tam Anh General Hospital
If your sore throat is caused by a virus, treatment often helps relieve symptoms. When a bacterial infection occurs, the patient is prescribed antibiotics. They need to follow the correct dosage and duration according to the doctor’s instructions to avoid antibiotic resistance.
Patients can combine home care such as gargling with saline 2-3 times a day, using a humidifier if the air-conditioned room is dry, and avoiding dust, cigarette smoke, and chemical odors. Drinking warm water, mixed with lemon and honey, fortified with fruit, supplemented with vitamin C, applying warm compresses to the throat… also contributes to reducing cough.
When the cough lasts longer, does not improve or is accompanied by fever, chest pain, hoarseness, or signs of reflux, you should go to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department for an endoscopy, appropriate diagnosis and treatment, to avoid serious progression.