Why Is My Throat So Dry? Doctors Reveal Common Triggers and Home Remedies That Help
A scratchy throat isn’t always harmless—find out when it may be a sign of something more serious
If your mouth feels like the Sahara these days, you’re probably wondering, “Why is my throat so dry?” Keep reading as top specialists answer that question, share simple home remedies that ease discomfort fast and explain when a dry throat could be a sign of something more serious that deserves medical attention.
3 signs you have a dry throat
While its most salient characteristic is plain to see—or feel, as the case may be—a dry throat normally comes with a variety of other symptoms that patients typically describe, notes Breanne Schiffer, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Laryngology, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah. A few of the most common signs include:
- A scratchy or irritated feeling
- A burning sensation
- Difficulty swallowing certain consistencies of food or liquid
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Why is my throat so dry? 3 causes and home remedies
“I like to divide a dry throat into two broad categories: My throat feels dry because it is dry, and my throat feels dry because of something else—it’s an important distinction,” adds Michael M. Johns, III, MD, a professor in the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, where he serves as division director of laryngology and director of the USC Voice Center.
It can be tricky, however, to discern the difference. “The throat is one of those parts of the body that’s just not easy to examine,” Dr. Johns continues. “Unlike other areas—you can look in a mirror and see your skin or open your mouth and see the oral cavity—you can’t really see down into the throat itself, the voice box, the vocal folds or the opening of the esophagus.”
This helps explain why what we feel in our throat doesn’t always line up with what’s actually happening, he points out. That said, let’s take the first of Dr. Johns’ two categories: Your throat feels dry because it is indeed dry. Here, he shares a few common causes:
Dehydration
“We live in a fast-paced environment,” observes Dr. Johns. “And when we’re busy at work or absorbed in other activities, we often don’t take the time to stay properly hydrated.”
Even mild dehydration can contribute to a sensation of dryness, he notes, explaining that this ramps up the production of mucus. (Discover what the color of mucus can signal about your health.)
In fact, we produce about two liters of mucus every day, which acts like oil, keeping the many moving parts of the throat lubricated so they move smoothly and don’t feel dry. The problem? “When the body becomes dehydrated—even relatively so—that mucus thickens,” explains Dr. Johns. “As it dries out, it becomes thicker and stickier, irritating the throat even further.”
When it comes to staying hydrated and soothing throat pain, Dr. Johns recommends drinking about 8 cups of water a day and eating a few “wet snacks” like fruit.
Also smart: “Glycerin-based lozenges can be especially helpful because they’re very slippery and provide lasting lubrication,” he says. “The key is to choose one that don’t cool, numb or tingle, so stay away from menthol-based throat lozenges.”
Environmental factors
Being in a dry environment can lower the relative humidity and contribute to dryness in the throat, notes Dr. Johns. If this sounds familiar, a simple humidifier may combat dry air and be your throat’s best friend.
“Cooler air also holds less moisture and can make the throat feel parched. Poor air quality can further aggravate dryness,” Dr. Johns adds.
Certain medications
Many medications have what are called anticholinergic side effects. “A wide variety of prescription drugs across different categories can contribute to dryness,” says Dr. Johns. “And some anti-allergy medications can also make your throat feel dry.” Consult your healthcare professional for advice on alternatives or ways to relieve dryness.
Indeed, dry mouth is more likely in individuals who are on multiple medications, either over-the-counter or prescription, as these may contribute to overall dehydration or reduced saliva production, adds Dr. Schiffer. If your dry throat is chronic and disrupting your daily life, ask your doctor if changing your dosage or medication might be an option for you.
Other common causes of throat symptoms are common colds, upper respiratory infections and viruses, as well as issues like inflamed tonsils. These conditions usually improve with time and appropriate treatment.
Why dry throat is often worse at night
Nighttime is a common time for throat dryness, especially if we snore, because we often breathe through the mouth instead of the nose and swallow less while sleeping, explains Dr. Johns. “Using a humidifier by your bed at night can help [add moisture to the air and] keep your throat more comfortable.”
3 risk factors for dry mouth
A few health conditions or habits that may make you more prone to dry mouth:
Diabetes
The chronic disease may contribute to dry mouth, says Dr. Schiffer, largely owing to the fact that diabetics may be on multiple medications and high blood sugar levels can cause dehydration.
Autoimmune diseases
“Certain autoimmune diseases [like Sjögren’s Syndrome] or inflammatory disorders may impact salivary gland function, which can increase the likelihood of dry mouth as well as dry eyes,” reveals Dr. Schiffer.
A history of smoking or vaping
Smoking or vaping may exacerbate dry mouth, as can a history of radiation, Dr. Schiffer says. “Caffeine and alcohol use can also increase overall dehydration.” (Discover empowering strategies to help you quit smoking.)
When dry throat could be a sign of something more serious
As Dr. Johns notes above, sometimes (often, even) a dry throat is nothing to worry about. But sometimes, a dry throat can signal an underlying health concern. Here, Dr. Johns points out a few symptoms that may require medical attention.
- Bad throat clearing
- Voice changes
- Sharp pain
- Irritation
If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it’s worth having a doctor examine your throat, as tumors, including throat cancer, can sometimes cause irritation or other symptoms.
Fortunately, evaluating persistent throat symptoms is generally straightforward, assures Dr. Johns. “We can see what’s happening in the throat using a procedure called laryngoscopy. It’s most commonly done with a flexible, thin tube about three to four millimeters in diameter, which is passed through the nose.”
A numbing spray is applied to the nasal passages to make the procedure comfortable. This allows doctors to examine the throat, vocal cords and larynx, and check for a wide variety of issues that could be causing sore throat symptoms.
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