Why Your Throat Hurts When Coughing

That burning, sharp pain in your throat when you cough isn’t random. It’s your body’s way of waving a red flag. So, once you understand why, your symptoms will suddenly make a lot more sense. Let’s uncover the science behind it. 

Causes of Throat Pain When Coughing

Cough is the body’s reflex action to get rid of dirt, germs and other irritants in the throat. However when the throat hurts when coughing, it could be because of:¹ 

• The intensity of the cough  
• Mechanical injury to the throat tissues 
• Persistent cough straining vocal folds
• Underlying medical conditions (infections, GERD, etc.)

Coughing can trap your throat in a vicious cycle, leading to a sore throat and pain that makes it hurt to cough. Each cough forcefully brings the vocal cords together, irritating the sensitive throat lining. This irritation triggers inflammation, which then leads to even more coughing. When your body works to clear chest congestion, the repeated force of these coughs further aggravates the soreness. Known as Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome or Irritable Larynx Syndrome, this condition makes throat nerves overly sensitive, so even mild stimuli can spark intense discomfort.² 

Common Conditions That Cause Throat Pain

Throat pain may be caused by many different conditions, not just a persistent cough. These conditions include:³ 

• Pollution 
• Allergens 
• Dry air 
• Respiratory viruses (infections including cold and flu)
• Occasionally bacterial infections
• Physical injury

Symptoms Associated with Throat Pain from Coughing

Pain in the throat due to coughing carries with it some common symptoms that you can look out for. These are cues that, when identified, can help prevent bigger health issues:⁴ 

• Throat feels "raw," "scratchy," or "burning" 
• Feeling of mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Irritation of the vocal cords (lasting longer than 2 weeks)
• Painful swallowing
• Nasal congestion
• Symptoms indicating infection (such as fever, swelling of tonsils, shortness of breath etc.)

Recognizing Different Types of Throat Pain 

Throat pain or sore throat after cough are usually classified based on their causative factors: 

• Viral
• Bacterial
• Allergic
• Reflux induced
• Mechanical irritation

Throat pain may also be classified based on its duration as: 

• Acute sore throat – lasts less than 2 weeks (usually caused by infections)
• Chronic sore throat – lasts longer than 3 weeks (usually caused by smoking, allergies or GERD)

It’s important to identify which type of throat pain you have, so visit your doctor so they can diagnose and prescribe appropriate medicines for a speedy recovery.

Remedies to Relieve Throat Pain Caused by Coughing 

Whether you’re trying to rest or be able to go with your daily routine without disruption, you can soothe a severe cough and throat pain with these home remedies: 

• Salt water gargling
• Warm drinks with honey
• Herbal teas (Chamomile, ginger or licorice root)
• Use a humidifier
• Take an OTC lozenge

If you have a sore throat that hurts when you cough, then try an over the counter medication for temporary relief. Delsym Cough+ Sore Throat Honey Flavored Liquid provides a maximum strength formula that uses acetaminophen and dextromethorphan HRr to relieve pain and suppress your cough any time of day or night. 

Indicators You Should See a Doctor If It Hurts to Cough

If you’ve been having a throat that hurts when coughing for more than two weeks despite OTC medication, it’s time to consult your doctor.  

Other indicators that you must see your doctor immediately are:  

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Fever above 101⁰F (38.3⁰C)
• Coughing up blood
• Severe pain when swallowing
• Hoarse voice for more than a week
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash breaks out

A sore throat with a cough is difficult to manage, but with the right care and awareness of your symptoms, you can find relief and recover quickly.  

References

1. Alhajjaj MS, Sankari A, Bajaj P. Chronic Cough. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; October 7, 2024.
2. Rodriguez LE, Rodriguez JE, Boodoosingh DR, Salcedo VM. Identification and management of cough-induced laryngotracheitis. Ann Thorac Med. 2018;13(3):193-194. doi:10.4103/atm.ATM_21_18
3. Addey D, Shephard A. Incidence, causes, severity and treatment of throat discomfort: a four-region online questionnaire survey. BMC Ear Nose Throat Disord. 2012;12:9. Published 2012 Aug 10. doi:10.1186/1472-6815-12-9
4. Hilton E, Marsden P, Thurston A, Kennedy S, Decalmer S, Smith JA. Clinical features of the urge-to-cough in patients with chronic cough. Respir Med. 2015;109(6):701-707. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2015.03.011

Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.