Dry Throat

When the weather is cold and dry, or if you ever sleep with your mouth open, you may find yourself with an uncomfortably dry throat. No one likes this feeling, so today we’re going to discuss ways of treating a dry throat.

WHAT CAUSES A DRY THROAT?
In order to properly treat your throat, you have to first know the cause. Along with dry air or breathing through your mouth, dry throats can be caused by caffeine and alcohol consumption, smoking, allergies, acid reflux, certain medications, and other medical conditions.

KEEP YOUR THROAT HYDRATED
Keeping your throat hydrated and lubricated is the best way to keep it from getting dry and sore. If you have a humidifier, run it regularly. Drink plenty of fluids each day, too. In particular, try to drink at least 8 to 10 cups of water a day. If you wake up in the morning with a dry throat, the steam from a hot shower could help hydrate and lubricate your throat.

SOOTHE YOUR THROAT
Drink warm liquids, like tea with honey. Not only will the tea soothe your throat, but honey has strong antibacterial effects and helps treat coughs, which is useful if your dry throat is related to a cough. If it’s lunchtime, a simple soup may help ease any dryness.

USE A LOZENGE
Sucking on throat lozenges increases saliva production, which reduces dryness and coats the throat. This, in turn, cuts down on pain and itchiness.

GARGLE
Gargling with salt water can help because salt can help draw moisture from surrounding tissue, which in turn can lubricate your throat.

BREATHE EASIER
If you have a blocked nose and are sleeping with your mouth open, or you have postnasal drip that’s running down the back of your throat, treating your nasal issues can help with your dry throat. Blowing your nose or using a nasal spray can help clear your nasal passages.

PRACTICE AVOIDANCE
If your dry throat is caused by caffeine or alcohol, cut down on both, especially before bed. If you smoke, quit. If you have dust allergies keep your house, especially your air ducts, clean. If you have pollen allergies, keep your windows closed and your house as pollen-free as possible.