Dry throat occurs for many reasons which are mostly minor, but sometimes can result from a more serious underlying condition.
Dry Throat: Some Facts
- Allergic conditions, like hay fever and others, may cause a dry throat.
- There are medical treatments and home remedies available for a dry throat.
- It is a good idea to see a doctor if symptoms last for longer than 1 to 2 weeks.
Dry Throat: Allergies
Around 30 to 40 percent of the world’s population is affected by allergies. When a person has seasonal allergies, substances in their environment cause their immune system to overreact.
Common triggers include:
- pollen
- grass
- mold
- dust mites
- pet hair
- certain foods
For a person with seasonal allergies, these allergens cause the immune system to release a chemical called histamine. The histamine released in an allergic reaction may cause:
- a cough
- stuffy or runny nose
- itchy skin, mouth, or eyes
Dry Throat: Dehydration
When a person is dehydrated, they may get a dry throat. Other signs of dehydration include:
- feeling very thirsty
- urinating less
- having dark urine
- tiredness
- dizziness
Dehydration is caused by not drinking enough water.
Dry Throat: Common Cold
The common cold is a term for an infection that is caused by one of several different viruses.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an adult will get 2 to 3 colds each year, on average. A cold may make a person’s throat feel dry, scratchy, or sore. The underlying infection may also cause:
- runny, stuffy nose
- sneezing
- a cough
- mild fever
- body aches
Dry Throat: Mononucleosis
A dry, scratchy throat may be a symptom of mononucleosis. This is a disease that is usually caused by an infection by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is most frequently passed on through a person’s bodily fluids, with saliva transmission being very common.
Mononucleosis is commonly known as mono or the “kissing disease.” It most often affects teenagers and those of college age, but a person may catch it at any time in their life.
As well as a dry, scratchy, or a sore throat, the symptoms of mono include:
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes in neck and armpits
- headache
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- swollen tonsils
- night sweats
Mono typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks, but for some, their body may take longer to recover.
Dry Throat: Acid Reflux
A dry throat may be a symptom of acid reflux. The acid in the food pipe causes a burning, as well as:
- trouble swallowing
- a dry cough
- hoarse voice
- burping
The proper name for this condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease, abbreviated to GERD. It causes acid to come up from the stomach into the food pipe.
Dry Throat: Tonsillitis
A dry throat may be a symptom of tonsillitis. This is inflammation of the tonsils, which is commonly caused by infection with a virus but can also be caused by bacteria. The tonsils are fleshy lumps at the back of the throat that help fight infections.
As well as a dry, scratchy, or a sore throat, symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- swollen, red, or white patches on the tonsils
- fever
- hoarse voice
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- headache
- bad breath
Dry Throat: Strep Throat
A dry throat may be a symptom of strep throat. This is a throat infection that is caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus pyogenes.
Other symptoms of strep throat include:
- swollen, red, or white patchy tonsils
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- rash
- nausea and vomiting
- body aches
Dry Throat: Treatments
Treatments can include:
- staying hydrated
- gargling
- sucking on lozenges
- night time humidifier
- nasal decongestants
- antihistamines
- corticosteroid nasal sprays
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