Having a dry throat during the winters is normal. When the air is dry and upper respiratory infections are common, a dry, scratchy throat is a frequent symptom. You may wonder why my throat is dry, what are the reasons and how to alleviate or prevent it?
It is possible to get a dry throat for a variety of causes. The most common reasons for a dry throat are minor. However, a more serious underlying problem can sometimes result in a dry throat. This article explains everything you should know about dry throat; keep reading to learn more.
Why is My Throat Dry?
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A dry throat can result when the mucous membranes dry out and can no longer keep the air passages wet. Various factors may cause a dry throat; here, I have listed some of the most common.
Cold and Flu
A dry throat might be a sign of a cold. Several different viruses can produce an infection known as the common cold.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that the average adult has two or three colds a year. One of the most common cold signs is an itchy, dry, or painful throat. Infection may also result in:
- Uncomfortable and congested nose
- Little heat and some pain in my body.
Influenza, or the flu, can also cause a dry, scratchy, or painful throat.
An influenza virus is responsible for the flu, a contagious respiratory ailment. The CDC estimates that it takes two days after a person is exposed to the flu virus for flu symptoms to appear. The flu is more dangerous than the typical cold and may necessitate a person’s bed rest.
Strep Throat
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Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause a dry throat. An inflamed and parched throat results from this bacterial infection in the throat. Streptococcus pyogenes is the bacteria that causes it.
In addition to these, strep throat can cause:
- Rash
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lymph nodes in the neck
- Pains in the joints
- Large, red, or spotty white tonsils
Allergies
Around 30 to 40 % of the world’s population suffers from allergies. Seasonal allergies may occur by the immune system overreacting to chemicals in the environment.
Among the most common are:
- Mold
- Grass
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Certain foods
These allergens stimulate the immune system to produce a substance called histamine in those with seasonal allergies.
Additionally, histamine might induce a runny nose, a dry throat, itchy eyes, skin, and mouth.
Dehydration
source: evidentlycochrane.net
You may be experiencing a dry throat because you haven’t drank enough water. Dehydration causes your body to generate less saliva, which can cause dry mouth and throat.
A lack of water can potentially lead to the following side effects.
- Decreased urination
- Darker urine
- Increased thirst
- Dizziness
- Dry lips
- Fatigue
Mononucleosis
A virus causes mononucleosis or mono. Saliva carries it from one person to another, allowing it to spread. A scratchy throat is one of the most common signs of mono.
In addition to these, there are different symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Swelling of the lymph nodes in your neck and under your arms
- Swollen tonsils
Opened Mouth While Sleeping
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When you’re sleeping, you may be snoring through your mouth because of nasal congestion causing your mouth to dry. ‘You can use the following to prevent it:
- Decongestants for the nose
- Antihistamines
- Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids
- Adhesive strips applied on the nose bridge can also help prevent mouth breathing.
Acid Reflux
Stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is a disorder that affects the pipe that delivers food from your mouth to your stomach. Acid reflux is the reverse flow of acid.
Acid damage the lining of your esophagus, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Heartburn, a burning sensation in your chest
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dry cough
- Burping up of sour liquid.
- If the acid makes it to your throat, you may experience some discomfort or burning.
Tonsillitis
Tonsils are the two soft growths at the back of your throat that aid in the body’s ability to fight off diseases. Tonsillitis is a tonsil infection caused by viruses or bacteria. Tonsillitis symptoms might involve more than just a scratchy throat.
- Hoarse voice
- Headache
- Bad breath
- Sore, reddish-pink tonsils
- Tonsillitis with white patches
- Swollen neck lymph nodes
Preventive Measures
Consult with the best ENT Specialist doctor to confirm the exact cause. You can try the given tips to get rid of the pain.
Remain Hydrated
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Be sure to stay well-hydrated throughout the day. You should drink a minimum of eight to ten glasses of water daily to keep your body well hydrated.
Comfort your Throat
Tea with honey is a good choice for a hot beverage. In addition to soothing your throat with the tea, honey has powerful antibacterial properties. You can use it to treat coughs if your dry throat is due to a cold or flu.
Lozenges
Sucking on throat lozenges increases saliva production, which helps alleviate dryness and coat the throat. It can reduce the pain and itching in the throat.
Gargle
To lubricate your throat, gargling with salt water can assist extract moisture from the surrounding tissue.
Clear your Nose
As a result of a clogged nose or postnasal drip flowing down the back of your throat, it may result in dryness. Dry throat in such cases can be alleviated if you address your nasal troubles. Blowing your nose or spraying your nose with a nasal spray can help relieve dry, inflamed nasal passages.
Avoid Caffeine
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Too much caffeine and alcohol may be the source of your issue, in which case you should avoid them.
Make your Home Dust Free
Ensure your home, especially your air ducts, is free of dust. Keeping your windows closed and your home as pollen-free as possible is essential if you suffer from allergies to pollen.
You can also consult an ENT specialist if you are experiencing a consistent dry throat for a long time. Get expert advice from an experienced doctor through Marham.
FAQs
1. When to go to a doctor if you have dry throat?
There are both medical and non-medical choices to get rid of a dry throat. If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it’s best to visit a doctor.
2. Is a dry throat an allergy symptom?
Seasonal allergens, such as hay fever, can cause a dry, itchy throat.
3. Is lemon beneficial for the dry throat?
Like saltwater and honey help break up mucus and alleviate pain, lemons can do the same for a sore throat.
