Question

I have been experiencing long-term chronic dry cough without phlegm. The coughing comes and goes, and this has been going on for 4 to 5 years. My throat always feels itchy, and I tend to cough in air-conditioned rooms, dusty environments, or after eating very sweet food without producing any phlegm. Recently, my cough has become more severe, especially at night when my throat feels itchy and swallowing saliva is painful. Sometimes there is phlegm, which is white in color. Drinking some hot water can slightly relieve the cough.

Answer

Hello, based on your description, it may be symptoms of chronic pharyngitis or its underlying cause. I suggest you visit a regular otorhinolaryngology specialty hospital for a detailed examination. Chronic pharyngitis is a chronic disease that, if left untreated for a long time, may affect other respiratory organs and should be taken seriously. Medications are only auxiliary treatment methods for chronic pharyngitis; antibiotics are needed only if there is a bacterial infection, such as pus spots in the throat or symptoms like fever. Currently, the advanced “low-temperature plasma microincision ablation technology” has achieved very good clinical effects in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis. This treatment is painless, has no bleeding, and requires a short treatment time without affecting normal daily life, study, or work. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Strengthen disease prevention awareness; usually no antibiotic drugs are needed during the chronic stage; do not necessarily use antibiotics just because there is an “inflammation” word.
  2. Avoid smoking and spicy food.
  3. Pay attention to nutrition.
  4. Improve your work and living environment; reduce dust and harmful gas stimulation; keep the air fresh in your living and working environment.
  5. Maintain a regular lifestyle; pay attention to balancing work and rest; treat various chronic diseases in a timely manner.
  6. Control your voice appropriately; avoid excessive use of voice. 7