Dry throat is not necessarily a medical problem. It can simply be a sign that the body needs more hydration or that it is irritated from overuse, dry indoor air or environmental irritants. It can also be a sign of a throat infection, like strep throat or a viral infection as seen in flu or common cold. Indoor heaters, dry climate, dehydration, coughing, sinus problems, snoring, breathing through the mouth, allergies - these are all common reasons for dry mouth and throat. Less common ones include snake bites, botulism poisoning and problems with salivary glands, such as tumors.
Remedies for dry throat
Whether it is a mild and temporary issue or a long-term problem, it is good to know that there are remedies that can alleviate the uncomfortable problem with dry, scratchy mouth.
Humidifiers and vaporizers
Dry air and low humidity are among the most common reasons for dry throat. Since no one can actually control the weather and the climate, the next best thing is to control the indoor air and make it more humid. Today, this can be done very easily, by using humidifiers or vaporizers. These devices that increase the humidity of the air are best if installed in bedrooms, since dry throat tends to get worse during the night.
Those who cannot afford a humidifier can simply go to the bathroom and turn the hot water on for several minutes, filling the room with vapor.
Hydrating with water and gargling with saline solution
When the body is not sufficiently hydrated, it reacts in many ways, one of them being dry throat. The remedy in this case is simple - it is necessary to drink more water and to avoid diuretic beverages, such as coffee, sodas and tea.
In order to relieve dry throat, it is recommended to gargle with saline solution, which is made by diluting a teaspoon of table salt in a large glass of lukewarm water. This solution should not be swallowed.
Lemon and honey mixture
Lemon and honey are very soothing both for the sore throat and for the dry throat. They work best when combined together or blended in tea or warm water. There are also lozenges that soothe the throat and make it less scratchy. Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint and sage are very beneficial as well. They should be warm, not hot or cold.
Proper breathing technique
People who often suffer from dry throat because they breathe through their mouth should practice breathing techniques that could help them break out from that habit, which is also often associated with snoring.
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