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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