Table of contents:
- Various causes of dry throat
- 1. Tonsil disease
- 2. Allergies
- 3. Dehydration
- 4. Sjogren's Syndrome
- 5. Salivary gland cancer
- 6. Sleep apnea
- 7. Laryngitis
- How to relieve dry throat
- Gargle salt water
- Lozenges
- Honey
One of the most common flu symptoms is a dry and inflamed throat. Usually if your throat feels uncomfortable, you can guess that you will have the flu. However, what if your throat feels dry but you are free of flu or colds? Dry throat is a fairly common condition. The causes can vary, for example, dry air and smoking. If a dry throat is accompanied by pain in the body, coughing, nausea, diarrhea, or other complaints, you need to be vigilant because it could be that your dry throat is a sign of a serious problem.
Various causes of dry throat
A dry throat caused by the weather, caffeinated drinks, or physical activity such as exercise will usually subside as soon as you increase your fluid intake. However, in some cases, the throat can still feel dry even though you have drank as much water as you can. Do not underestimate this condition, especially if it has been going on for several days and is followed by other health complaints. To find out the cause, consider the various possible diseases characterized by a dry throat below.
1. Tonsil disease
The tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat, help the immune system by blocking various germs from entering the respiratory tract. If the tonsils become swollen, they will prevent saliva from getting into the throat, which can make your throat feel dry. Generally, other complaints that arise are pain when swallowing, hoarseness, bad breath, and fever.
2. Allergies
Certain types of allergens such as pollen, cigarette smoke, and pets can cause allergic reactions in the form of a dry throat. If your dry throat doesn't go away after days and is accompanied by a cough, itchy throat, and runny nose, then you are most likely suffering from certain allergies.
3. Dehydration
One of the symptoms of lack of fluids is a dry throat. Other signs you should look out for are dry mouth, swollen tongue, dizziness, and a racing heart. You can also look at the color of the urine to make sure that you are not dehydrated. If ignored, dehydration can be fatal. Anyone can get dehydrated, especially if you sweat a lot, don't drink enough water, or have diarrhea. Being in a closed room with air conditioning can also make you forget to drink, even though the body still releases fluids through breathing and evaporation of the skin. As a result, the body becomes dehydrated and the throat feels dry.
4. Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the mucous membranes and glands that keep moisture. Usually the eyes, mouth and throat are the parts of the body that will feel dry. This disease can strike at any age, but is mostly found in women over 40 years. Sjogren's syndrome is also characterized by joint pain, rash on the skin, cough with phlegm, and in some cases accompanied by attacks of lupus or rheumatism.
5. Salivary gland cancer
The salivary glands are located in the throat, neck and mouth. Its function is to produce fluid to keep the tissue moist. Salivary gland cancer is usually indicated by symptoms of dry throat and mouth, swelling of the neck, and in the final stages, a lump appears that makes it difficult to swallow. This cancer is rare and the causes vary, ranging from a diet high in fat, smoking habits, to heredity.
6. Sleep apnea
Be careful if you wake up frequently with a dry and sore throat. It could be that you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to have difficulty breathing. Usually this disease is also characterized by feeling tired or drowsy even though you have had enough sleep, headaches in the morning, and waking up suddenly due to shortness of breath, choking, or gasping for breath. If not treated promptly, sleep apnea can be life threatening.
7. Laryngitis
This disease occurs when your vocal cords become inflamed or irritated. Usually laryngitis is caused by bacteria or a viral infection. Symptoms include dry throat, hoarseness, fever, and cough with phlegm. The laryngitis should subside after about two weeks. However, if the disease doesn't go away after weeks, it is possible that you have chronic laryngitis, which takes longer to recover.
How to relieve dry throat
Dry throat certainly makes you uncomfortable and it is difficult to carry out daily activities such as eating or talking. Apart from drinking lots of water to soothe a dry throat, feel free to try the following methods.
Gargle salt water
Dissolve the salt in warm water and gargle for 30 to 60 seconds. Salt can reduce swelling and irritation as well as clear the viruses that are lodged in the mouth and throat.
Lozenges
Lozenges can moisturize the tissues in the mouth and throat. In addition, this candy will also stimulate the production of saliva which will help moisten the throat. Avoid lozenges that contain sugar or added flavorings so that your throat doesn't feel itchy.
Honey
Honey has a throat soothing effect and acts as a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent. Also, the thick texture of the honey will help keep the moisture in the throat longer. You can mix honey with warm water or tea, but you can also consume it directly.
