Dry Throat – Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

A dry throat is best explained as that scratchy, rough and often itchy feeling in the back of your throat. The condition is common, especially during the cold and flu seasons and during times of the year when the weather is cold. External outside conditions can set the stage for a stuffy nose, a runny nose, a sinus infection or an upper respiratory infection.

A raspy throat usually signals a minor body dysfunction. In these instances, the throat returns to normal within a few days or less.

At times, such a condition is an accompanying sign of a serious medical condition or disease. When this is the case, a dry throat recurs. 

Acute throat infections are the most common reasons why people visit their general practitioner.

What Causes a Dry Throat? 

Numerous conditions and factors cause a dry throat. While some of these are common, others are unique and may require medical intervention.

Some of the common causes of dry throat include:

• Hay fever and other allergies

• Cold, flue and other viral infections

• Smoke and chemical irritants

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Throat

The symptoms of dry throat can vary depending on the trigger that causes it. Understanding what those symptoms are can help you determine what to do to feel better.

These are the symptoms associated with various types of dry throat:

• Dehydration: This usually involves a dry and sore throat accompanied by feeling very thirsty, urinating little, dark-colored urine, dry skin, and feeling tired.

• Allergies: Symptoms include a dry throat that is accompanied by itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, hives, redness, and pain.

• Flu: This may involve a sore throat accompanied by fever, cough, runny nose, muscle aches, and headaches.

• GERD: This is signified by a sore throat accompanied with heartburn, regurgitating stomach contents into the throat, chest pain, nausea, and problems with swallowing.

• Irritants: Inhaling an irritant like ozone can lead to a sore throat accompanied by inflamed airways, pain with deep breaths, and an increased risk of lung infection.

From the initial dry throat symptoms, it may prove difficult to pinpoint the exact underlying cause. However, as mentioned above, a dry throat disappears within a few days. If the dryness persists, you can consult your medical service provider.

Together with other symptoms you may be exhibiting, the doctor can properly diagnose and treat the underlying condition while also soothing the dry throat.

How is a dry throat treated?

How your doctor will treat your dry throat depends on the cause of the problem. Once you’ve been carefully examined and your underlying condition has been identified, you can create a treatment plan to help you get better. Here’s what you should know about each condition and how it’s treated:

Dehydration

If your doctor determines that your dry throat is caused by dehydration, it’s critical to place more fluids inside your body.

By drinking plenty of water and fluids, you nourish the throat and keep it from drying. Men should consume 15.5 cups of fluid, while women should consume 11.5 cups. Fluid-packed foods such as watermelon and strawberries can help you consume more fluids too.

Running a humidifier could help. Steam from a hot shower can also soothe, hydrate, and lubricate your throat.

Some dehydration symptoms are serious and require immediate medical care. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• Confusion

• Fainting

• Rapid heartbeat

• Rapid breathing

Your doctor can replace your missing fluids through intravenous medications. Your doctor can also perform blood tests to determine what’s causing the dehydration.

Allergies

A doctor can perform detailed testing to determine what is causing your allergic reactions. When you know what you’re allergic to, you can take steps to avoid those triggers. Your doctor can also prescribe medications to reduce symptoms like itchy eyes and a swollen throat.

Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Call 911 immediately if you or anyone else experiences symptoms such as wheezing while breathing, chest tightness, fainting, or a sense of impending doom.

Flu

Most people who develop the flu recover in a few days. Resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating soothing foods can help you feel better quickly. If you develop serious flu symptoms, your doctor can use medications (like Tamiflu) to reduce their severity.

Some flu cases can be life-threatening. Call 911 immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing

• Pain in the chest

• Persistent confusion

• Seizures

• Inability to urinate

• Weakness

GERD

Lifestyle changes (such as eating fewer acidic foods) and over-the-counter GERD medications can reduce your symptoms and help you to feel better. If these steps don’t help, your doctor may recommend prescription medications. Your doctor can also examine (and maybe adjust) your use of other medications like NSAIDS that could cause symptoms.

Pollutants

The best way to steer clear of a dry throat from pollutants is to keep the air around you as clean and clear as possible. The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends staying inside on hot, sunny days when pollution levels are high. Running an air purifier inside your home and keeping the windows closed may help too.

Preventing a dry throat from starting

Every tissue in your body relies on water to stay healthy. The best way to keep your throat from feeling dry is to consume water as much as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends carrying a reusable water bottle with you at all times, and always choosing water over sugary drinks.

If you often have dry throat issues, the following tips may help:

Use lozenges

Sucking a throat lozenge boosts saliva production to coat the throat and reduce dryness. Lozenges can also help reduce pain and itchiness caused by the dry throat.

Gargle with warm salty water

Salt draws moisture from surrounding environments. When you gargle with salty water, it draws moisture from nearby tissues to help lubricate the throat.

Watch your environment

Some people develop recurring dry throat issues due to factors outside of your control. They include poor air quality and seasonal changes. Sometimes, just stepping outside can make your throat feel much worse.

If you struggle with throat problems, download an app like IQAir AirVisual, and check the figures regularly. Apps like this can tell you when pollen counts are high and pollution levels rise to toxic levels. This data can help you plan your days and avoid common triggers.

Using humidifiers and air purifiers may help too, especially if you can’t avoid some triggers that originate inside the home. Running these products while you’re sleeping may be especially helpful, as they could make the deep breaths you take much more comfortable.