Scratchy Throat and Dry Cough

Scratchy throat and coughing, generally observed in children, can be extremely annoying as it generally results in difficulty in swallowing, fever and viral infections. Being a common health problem, scratchy throat symptoms mainly include dryness or itchiness in the throat, scratchy or burning sensation in the throat, frequent coughing, headaches, fever, running nose, etc. Although it is not a serious health disorder, there are various reasons that may contribute to a dry scratchy throat along with cough.

Main Causes

Allergies: People can be allergic to anything on this earth. Dust, pollen grains, molds, pets, etc., are some common allergens that cause throat allergies, and may lead to symptoms like sneezing, dry cough, nasal congestion, strep throat, headaches and watery eyes.

Common Cold: Common cold, a contagious, viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system is the most common cause for scratchy throat and cough. This cold is primarily accompanied by running nose and sneezing which may cause a sinus infection that may further lead to a sore throat.

Seasonal Flu: A scratchy throat and dry cough is one of the most common symptom of seasonal flu, also called influenza, caused by either influenza A or B viruses. The virus mainly invades the nose, throat and lungs, and causes scratchy throat, runny nose, dry cough and high fever.

Air Pollution: Presence of harmful gases and chemicals in the atmosphere lead to air pollution that causes irritation or congestion in the throat or lungs, hence, another cause for scratchy throat and dry cough in most people.

Other Causes: Viral or bacterial infections, smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, straining of vocal cords, change in weather, or a throat surgery, are some other factors that may lead to this condition.

Remedies

• Gargling with hot saline water 3 - 4 times a day, is not only the oldest but the best dry scratchy throat remedy. It reduces the infection in the throat and also cures swollen tonsils.
• Drinking warm ginger and honey tea 2 - 3 times a day also helps treating scratchy throat. To prepare, boil water, add tea and few pieces of freshly cut ginger roots. Now bring it to boil, drain it in a mug and then add honey and lemon juice to taste.
• Over-the-counter cough syrups are also effective remedies that provide instant relief from pain and irritation. Though some of these cough syrups may cause drowsiness, hence, it advisable to have them before going to bed.
• Coltsfoot, a perennial herb that works as an expectorant, i.e. it helps spit out the cough, also reduces the urge to cough. Drinking tea with two tsp of coltsfoot and one cup of water 3 - 4 times a day, will surely help curing the scratchy throat and the dry cough.
• Myrrh is an antimicrobial with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which helps in soothing the mucous membranes. Adding half a tsp of Myrrh to 2 cups of hot water, gargling and then swallowing the solution 3 - 4 times a day will not only relief irritation and pain but also helps in coughing up phlegm.

Drinking pineapple juice blended with pieces of ginger root, increasing vitamin C intake, inhaling steam, avoiding spicy or oily food, etc., are some other ways to treat this problem. However, if the aforementioned remedies bring no relief or comfort, it's recommended to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause, and for further necessary medications.