Throats dry out when you breathe air that’s too hot or too cold, drink cold liquids or breathe through the mouth rather than the nose, as you do when sleeping. These are all perfectly natural habits, but they cause your throat to become drier and lead to symptoms like scratchiness and soreness. Luckily, there are some great ways to treat the irritation associated with a dry throat so you can get back to breathing normally without discomfort.
Why Does My Throat Feel Dry
When winter strikes and the colder temperatures begin, it is not uncommon for people to experience a dry throat. If you find yourself asking why is my throat dry, you’re in luck because there are many possible reasons that your throat might be feeling this way. In this blog post, we’re going to go over some of the causes as well as remedies so you can get on your way to feeling better!
Your mouth produces moisture through two glands in the neck called the salivary glands.
Drinking Plenty of Fluids
It is important to stay hydrated, but this may not be enough to alleviate a dry throat. If you are looking for more immediate relief, try chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy or cough drops. These will help stimulate saliva production which can reduce the dryness. Drinking warm liquids such as tea or broth can also provide temporary relief. Gargling with water before swallowing may also offer some relief by washing away the irritating substances that lead to a dry throat.
Taking Salt Water Gargles
Salt water gargles are the most common way to treat a dry throat. They’re inexpensive, easy to find, and can be done at home with minimal effort. Another way to soothe a dry throat is by drinking warm liquids, such as tea or soup. Certain medications may also be used, such as over-the-counter lozenges or nasal sprays that contain numbing agents.
Medication
Dry throat is often caused by low levels of saliva, which can be caused by anything from poor hydration to sinus congestion. If you have a dry mouth or are experiencing difficulty swallowing, then you could have a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as laryngopharyngeal reflux.
The best way to combat dryness is to increase your saliva production by drinking plenty of fluids – water and other liquids are recommended if you are unable to drink due to a sore throat.
Avoiding Colds
If you’re suffering from a dry throat, the best thing to do is rest and drink fluids. If your throat is itchy or inflamed, try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl. And if your throat pain has been going on for more than two days or if it gets worse, see a doctor immediately.
