How to Treat a Dry Throat

The term 'dry throat' itself clearly describes the condition, but it can also refer to various other discomforts (such as burning or itching), leading to pain, difficulty swallowing, changes in taste, or a sensation of something like dust in the back of the throat. A dry throat is often caused by illness, typically mild and not serious, but it can also result from environmental factors, dehydration, mouth breathing, and other causes. By applying common remedies and addressing the factors that dry out the throat's mucous membrane, you can either cure or at least reduce throat dryness.

Steam Inhalation. Similar to using a humidifier, exposure to steam can add moisture to the dry mucous membranes. Use this reason to occasionally take longer showers under hot water!

• Another way to use hot steam is by boiling a pot of water, removing it from the heat, draping a towel over your head, and holding your face over the pot of steaming water. Be sure to check first to ensure the steam is not too hot.
• You can also purchase an affordable steam inhaler to place in your room or beside your bed. Steam inhalers tend to be more effective than boiling water.

Gargling with Warm Saltwater. Salt has the ability to kill bacteria in the mouth and throat, while also helping to reduce dryness and irritation. Gargling with saltwater twice a day can soothe a dry, scratchy throat.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with some warm water, let it cool slightly, then add cold water.
• Gargle 1-2 times a day for 30-60 seconds.
• Spit out the saltwater after gargling; do not swallow.
• Some people also gargle with an apple cider vinegar solution (1 tablespoon of vinegar mixed with a cup of water). Although vinegar's taste isn't the most pleasant, it can be effective.

Soothing Your Throat with Honey. At least honey is much more pleasant than saltwater or apple cider vinegar!

• In addition to its ability to coat the throat with a thick consistency, honey also has antibacterial properties. No wonder bees are so fond of honey!

Using Lozenges to Stimulate Saliva Production. Lozenges, hard candies, or chewing gum can stimulate saliva production, helping to soothe a dry throat.

• Be sure to choose sugar-free products – your dentist will thank you for this!

Drinking Warm Tea. Most people find that warm liquids are soothing, so teas with low caffeine (perhaps with honey and lemon) are a good choice to treat a dry throat.

• Popular herbal teas like chamomile can help calm the throat, but many also claim that teas made from ingredients like spicy peppermint, ginger, clove, licorice root, slippery elm, echinacea, and wild cherry bark are also great.
• You might also want to add honey or cinnamon to your tea. Both are believed to have excellent healing properties.

Ensure Proper Hydration. A dry throat may be a sign that your body isn't getting enough fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help resolve this issue. Be sure to drink water or any fluids throughout the day.

• Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks for the same reasons recommended by sports coaches. These substances can cause dehydration, so despite their tempting advertisements, they are not suitable for quenching your thirst.
• Some medications can also lead to dehydration, so consult your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you're taking and the dry throat symptoms you're experiencing.

Avoid Cigarette Smoke and Polluted Air. There are countless reasons why smoking is a harmful choice, but on top of that, smoking – along with other irritants like dust and polluted air – can also cause throat dryness. If you're dealing with a dry throat (or even if your throat seems fine), limit exposure to irritants like smoke and pollution.

Address Mouth Breathing Issues. When you breathe through your mouth, the dry outside air comes into direct contact with your throat, bypassing the moist environment inside your nose. This is why dry throat can occur when you have nasal congestion.

• If you notice your throat is especially dry when you wake up, it could be due to mouth breathing during sleep – a potential sign of sinus issues.

Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus can lead to various forms of throat irritation, including dryness. Just like the above, if your dry throat occurs frequently in the morning upon waking, it might be caused by acid reflux.

• If you experience acid reflux at night, try avoiding acidic foods at dinner, raising your head while sleeping, propping up your bed's head with blocks, and consult your pharmacist or doctor about over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Combat Dry Air with a Humidifier. Cold air often holds less moisture, which is why indoor air can become extremely dry in the winter months, especially when heaters further dry it out and lead to a dry throat. The mist from a humidifier will help soothe a dry, scratchy throat by adding moisture to the mucous membranes.

• This could also be your excuse to enjoy a long winter vacation in warm tropical regions!

Excluding serious illnesses. When dry throat is caused by a disease, it is typically related to conditions that are uncomfortable but not dangerous, such as allergies or a cold. However, if the cause is a more serious illness, dry and/or sore throat might be an early symptom.

• A dry throat can be a sign of an underlying serious condition. If you experience frequent sore throats, consider consulting an ENT specialist to rule out other issues.
• If dry throat is accompanied by fever and body aches, consult a doctor to determine if there is a risk of infection.

• Dry throat is often an uncomfortable condition but not typically serious. However, if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, body aches, fatigue, white patches on the tongue or tonsils, or coughing up blood or coffee-ground like material, you should call your doctor.