Dryness of the throat: the most important causes, methods of prevention and treatment
Some people suffer from Throat dryness This may be due to several reasons, some of which may be simple, while others may indicate a more serious health condition. Therefore, through this article, we will learn about the most common causes, the most common symptoms, and methods of prevention and treatment.
Causes of dry throat
The most common causes of dry throat are:
1. Hayfever
Also known as (allergic rhinitis). Which occurs as an allergic reaction to internal or external allergens, such as:
- pollen
- the lawn
- Dust mites
- animal hair and saliva
- eating certain foods
Where these allergens lead to the immune system to release histamine, and it is considered one of the symptoms that is also caused by histamine in addition to dry throat:
How to treat hay fever:
It is considered one of the therapeutic methods to reduce allergy symptoms:
- Nasal spray
- Moisturizing eye drops
- Allergy immunotherapy injection
- antihistamines
- Keep away from pets, and places full of dust mites
- Wash the bed sheet weekly in hot water
2. Mouth open while sleeping
If a person sleeps leaving his mouth open during sleep, he begins to breathe through the mouth instead of the nose, which leads to air entering the mouth. Which causes dry saliva, and thus dry throat when waking up.
Among the symptoms:
- Bad breath
- snoring
- Daytime fatigue
Methods of Treatment:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays
- antihistamines
- Using nasal strips, which help breathe through the nose easily
3. Salivary gland problems
A blockage or narrowing of the ducts of the gland may impede the flow of saliva, and symptoms include dry throat, pain in the face or mouth, and bad taste in the mouth.
Treatment of salivary gland problems:
- Medical examination in order to find out the causes
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
- Maintain oral hygiene
- Chew gum to help produce saliva
4. The common cold
It may be a symptom of the common cold, or the flu, dryness and sore mouth and throat. This is in addition to several other symptoms, including:
Treating the common cold:
Some of the ways to help relieve symptoms are:
- Get some rest
- Drink more fluids
- Gargle with salt water to relieve dry throat infections
5. Dehydration
When a person suffers from dehydration as a result of losing a large percentage of water, the throat may also become dehydrated as a result of the body not producing enough saliva, which helps moisturize the mouth and throat. Which leads to congestion of the mouth and throat, and its symptoms also:
- Throat dryness
- Decreased urination, with a darker color
- Fatigue
- dizziness;
- Feeling very thirsty
Methods of treating dehydration:
- Drink more fluids, especially water.
- Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee.
A good average daily fluid intake is 15.5 cups of fluids for men and 11.5 cups of fluids for women.
6. Mononucleosis
It is also called infectious mononucleosis. The virus that causes this, usually Epstein-Barr virus, is transmitted through saliva, sneezing, coughing, or by sharing tools with an infected person. Among its symptoms:
- Dryness and sore throat
- fever
- swollen tonsils
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
Treatment of mononucleosis:
To help relieve the symptoms of mononucleosis, you should:
7. Sore throat
It may be a symptom of sore throat, dry throat. It is an infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Other symptoms of sore throat are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- body pain
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Swollen tonsils with white or red spots
Sore throat treatment:
- Gargle with warm salt water.
- Take painkillers.
- Using sprays that moisturize the mouth.
8. Acid reflux
It may be a symptom of GERD, dry throat. Where the acid rising from the stomach into the food pipe causes dryness and burning in the throat, in addition to other symptoms such as:
Methods of treating GERD:
It is considered one of the means to help relieve the symptoms of GERD and dry throat:
- Antacids such as Maalox and Mylanta
- Gastric acid secretion inhibitors
- Eat small amounts of food
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
9. Dry throat and diabetes
Symptoms when diabetes affects the digestive system may include dry throat, difficulty swallowing, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea or constipation.
Methods of Treatment:
- Adjust the sugar level
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Drink more fluids, especially water, in moderate amounts during the day
- Constant brushing of teeth
- Eat sugar-free gum, such as male gum
Read also: The benefits of male gum and its most important therapeutic uses
Treat dry throat with natural recipes
1. Honey with tea
Honey contains antibacterials, which help treat cough and dry throat. So you can drink warm tea with a spoonful of honey to soothe the throat.
2. Gargle with salt water
Salt helps draw moisture from the tissues surrounding the throat, thus soothing the pain and preventing the growth of bacteria. All you have to do is add half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and use it to gargle for a period ranging from 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat it twice a day to get quick results.
3. Green cardamom and clove herbal tea
These herbs are rich in antioxidants, which help treat sore throat.
4. Turmeric milk
Turmeric milk is an effective remedy for inflammation and dryness of the throat, and most types of cough. It is also used to boost immunity, and you can prepare it by:
- Boil garlic in a cup of warm milk
- Add half a teaspoon of turmeric
5. Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help treat many health problems, especially throat problems.
- Add the fenugreek seeds to the water, bring it to a boil until the color changes, and then let it cool.
- Now I use it to gargle twice a day
6. Thyme tea
Thyme essential oil is used as a natural remedy for cough, sore and dry throat, and to relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis.
7. Treating a stuffy nose with steam
Treating a stuffy nose will help you avoid resorting to mouth breathing, which leads to dry throat. Therefore, steam therapy is a good choice for cleaning the nasal passages and facilitating normal breathing.
In the end, if the dryness of the throat is frequent, you should visit the doctor for diagnosis and to find out the causes. And now if you want to get medical advice: you can talk to a certified doctor through this link.