Although the expression "dry throat" is rather self-explanatory, the term can refer to different types of discomfort, such as itching or irritation, which can cause difficulty in swallowing, pain, the sensation of having dust. at the back of the throat or an altered taste. Dry throat is often caused by medical conditions, often moderate but sometimes dangerous, it can also be due to environmental factors, mouth breathing and dehydration. By using certain types of remedies to treat the usual symptoms while also trying to deal with conditions that can dry out the lining of the throat, you can often effectively heal or at least alleviate your dry throat.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Relieve the symptoms of a dry throat
Step 1. Take a steam bath
Putting yourself in a humid environment will, as if you were using a humidifier, bring in some humidity which will heal your dried up mucous membranes. You can use this as an excuse to occasionally take a long, hot steam bath.
- The other method of taking a steam bath is to boil a pot of water, remove it from the heat, cover your head with a towel, and lean over the pot. However, check beforehand that the steam is not too hot.
- Very inexpensive devices can be purchased that you can place in a room or near your bed. They seem to be more effective than boiling water.
Step 2. Gargle with warm salt water
Salt destroys germs in the mouth and throat, in addition to helping relieve irritation as well as dryness. Gargling with salt water a number of times a day will help relieve a dry throat.
- Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of water.
- Gargle 1 to 2 times daily, each time for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Do not swallow the water after gargling.
- There are some people who gargle using a solution of apple cider vinegar (a teaspoon of the product in a glass of water). It won't taste good, but it can work.
Step 3. Cover your throat with honey
At least honey tastes much better than apple cider vinegar or salt water!
In addition to the protective properties conferred on it by its thick texture, honey also has antiseptic properties. No wonder bees are crazy about it
Step 4. Take lozenges to stimulate saliva production
Sucking hard candy or lozenges, like chewing gum, will stimulate the production of saliva. In turn, this will help soothe your dry throat.
Opt only for products free of sugar, your dentist will appreciate it
Step 5. Drink hot tea
For most people, hot liquids have a soothing effect. So, tea with a low level of caffeine that you mix with lemon and honey can ease your throat very well.
- Common herbal teas such as chamomile can provide relief as well, but there are some people who swear by teas made using ginger, peppermint, cloves, marshmallow root, root. licorice, slippery elm and echinacea.
- You can also add cinnamon or honey, they both have strong healing powers.
Method 2 of 2: Treat conditions that can cause a dry throat
Step 1. Stay hydrated constantly
If you have a dry throat, it may be a sign that you are not getting enough water. Keeping yourself hydrated, especially with plain water, can therefore help relieve dryness in your throat. Drink water or other fluids often throughout the day.
- Limit your alcohol and coffee consumption for the same reasons an athletic trainer would give. This is because these substances have a dehydrating effect, and no matter what the advertisements say, it's not what you need to drink if you want to quench your thirst.
- There are also drugs that can have a dehydrating effect. You should therefore remember to consult your pharmacist or doctor regarding your medications if you experience symptoms of a dry throat.
Step 2. Avoid pollutants and tobacco smoke
Smoking is bad for a thousand different reasons, but it can make your throat dry, like other irritants like pollution and dust. If you have a dry throat (and for that matter, even if it isn't), limit your exposure to pollutants that can irritate your throat.
Step 3. Avoid mouth breathing if possible
Breathing through your mouth will not only expose the back of your throat to the outside air which is drier, but it also means that you are passing air through the wettest place inside. of the nose. This is the reason why you can have a dry throat when you have a stuffy nose.
If you find that you have a dry throat after waking up, it may mean that you breathed through your mouth while you were sleeping. If you breathe through your mouth at night, it could mean you have obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially serious medical condition. See a doctor if you have reason to believe that you have it
Step 4. Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux
This reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus can cause various types of irritation, including a feeling of dryness in the throat. Again, if you often find that you have a dry throat when you wake up, this could be the cause.
If you have acid reflux during the night, you may want to try limiting the amount of acid-producing foods you eat in the evening. You can also raise your head using pillows, prop up the side headboards of your bunk with wooden blocks, or consult your doctor or pharmacist about using prescription or over-the-counter medications
Step 5. Fix the dry air problem using a humidifier
When the air is cold, it retains less moisture, so that, especially in winter and with the additional drying effect of apartment heaters, the air inside your home can become extremely dry. Of course, this can make your throat dry. The cool mist released by the humidifier will relieve your dry throat by providing moisture that will have an effect on the mucous membranes.
You could also use this as an excuse to take a long winter vacation somewhere with a hot, tropical climate
Step 6. Prevent more serious conditions
When caused by illness, a dry throat is often the result of bothersome, but usually mild conditions such as allergies or a simple cold. That said, a dry throat or sore throat can also be a warning sign of more serious illness.
- Having a dry throat can be a symptom of mononucleosis, strep throat, esophageal or throat cancer, or (more terrifying and rarer) an Ebola virus infection.
- If you have muscle soreness and fever in addition to a dry throat, see your doctor to see if you have an infection.