Experiencing a dry throat isn’t uncommon, especially during winter. Even the strongest of people are susceptible to developing this condition. It is a scratchy or itching sensation in the throat, resulting from not taking enough fluid, mouth breathing, or even an allergen.
Factors responsible for dry throat are often mild and resolve without treatment; however, the dry throat can be one of many symptoms of an underlying medical condition requiring urgent care.
Most fast remedies for dry throat only relieve the symptoms momentarily if the condition is uncomplicated. Still, they do not cure the underlying causes such as fever, cold, or throat inflammation.
Learn more about dry throat’s causes, symptoms, and home remedies in this article.
Causes of dry throat
A dry throat can be self-occurring or as part of the symptoms of another ailment. Frequently diagnosed causes of the dry throat include:
Allergies
Allergies occur when your body develops immunity to particles entering your airways, causing inflammation of the nasal cavity.
Allergies affect approximately 30 to 40% of the world population. Common triggers or irritants of allergic reactions causing a dry throat include dust, smoke, pollen, or grasses.
Sleeping with an Opened Mouth
If you frequently wake to a dry throat after a good night’s sleep, then you may be breathing with your mouth when you sleep. This bothersome dry throat can be triggered by congested nose or medication conditions such as Sleep apnea.
You can also experience a dry throat and bad breath if you snore in your sleep. Speak to your doctor if the condition persists and causes discomfort.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a significant cause of dry throat and dry mouth. The salivary gland in the mouth relies on a regular water supply to manufacture saliva, which keeps the mouth moist.
When insufficient water intake, saliva production is limited, leading to a dry throat. If your dry throat condition is caused by dehydration, drinking a few glasses of water can help stimulate saliva production and prevent the dry feeling.
Dehydration may also cause fatigue, dizziness, and increased thirst.
Acid reflux or GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux is a condition that occurs when stomach acids back up in the esophagus. This acid causes a burning sensation in the esophagus, resulting in a dry throat.
You can use antacid to neutralize the stomach acid and ease discomfort. Other common symptoms of acid reflux include dry coughing, bitter or sour taste, and heartburn.
Common Cold
A dry throat may indicate an underlying condition such as a common cold or flu. A common cold is an infection caused by several viruses and resolves quickly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average, an adult will develop a standard cold 2 to 3 times each year. Other symptoms of the common cold include sneezing, coughing, and sore throat.
How do you Treat Dry Throat?
Treatment options are recommended by your doctor depending on the underlying condition. the frequently recommended option includes
Stay Hydrated
Constantly hydrating and drinking water is an effective way to prevent dehydration and dry throat. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Steam your throat during a hot shower if you wake up with a dry throat. Always use a humidifier regularly to disperser moisture in the air.
Saltwater Gargling
An easy home remedy you can use to treat dry throat is to mix salt and water for gargling. The mixture effectively clears bacteria and stimulates proper circulation in your throat.
Soothe your Throat
If you develop a dry throat, drinking a warm liquid like tea can help soothe the condition and ease discomfort. You can add honey to your diet because it provides antibacterial effects, which help relieve cough and dry throat.
Suck on candies or lozenges
Low saliva production can cause dryness in the throat. You can suck on Lozenges or chew gums to stimulate saliva production to alleviate this condition. This approach is undoubtedly one of the most convenient treatments for a dry throat.
Avoid triggers
Avoid all known triggers of dry throat that may make your condition worse. If alcohol or caffeine consumption causes symptoms of dry throat, you should cut down on your intake of both and always keep your environment dust-free as possible.
If your condition doesn’t improve with the home remedies discussed above, visit your doctor for diagnosis and alternative treatment.