Dry Throat Causes

Dry throat, often known as a sore throat (pharyngitis) is characterized by a dry scratchy and sometimes a sore feeling around and in the throat, that gets aggravated while speaking or swallowing food. A very common medical condition, especially during the dry winters, it mostly goes away with a few home remedies and over-the-counter medications.

Causes of a Dry Throat

Besides the cold winter months, when viral infections such as a cold or influenza cause the throat to dry, there are a few other causes of dry throat, some of which have been listed below.

• Dehydration
A very common cause of dry throat is a parched throat. Low levels of fluid in the body make the throat go drier, especially in the winters. So drink plenty of fluids and avoid salty foods to avoid dehydration.

• Smoking
Smoking cigarettes, tobacco and/or any form of drug abuse causes a dry throat. The ingredients of these substances dehydrate the body by dispensing fluids. Smoking the leaves of cannabis plant (marijuana) causes the throat to become dry and scratchy. The easiest way to deal with this cause would be to avoid smoking, or reduce the quantity.

• Botulism Food Poisoning
Botulism food poisoning is an infectious diseases caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium's toxins block nerve function, resulting in respiratory and musculoskeletal paralysis. Within 12 to 36 hours after being infected with it, symptoms like dry throat and mouth become noticeable. If one suspects this form of food poisoning, seek professional medical assistance immediately.

• Allergies
Allergies caused by food or exposure to certain chemicals or environmental changes can also cause the throat to go dry. There are many household cleaning products that comprise strong chemicals, hence one should be careful about them as they might cause dry throats after use.

• Certain Medical Conditions
Laryngitis, chronic cough, gastroesophageal reflux disease, strep throat, salivary gland cancer etc., are some of the medical conditions which result in throat dryness. Treatment of the underlying condition is the key to ease the discomfort associated with dry throat.

• Dry Air
Winter season reduces the levels of moisture in the air, forcing dry cold air inside while we breathe, which in turn irritates throat membranes causing them to feel dry and scratchy. So humidify the air around you, especially while spending long hours indoors.

• Vocal Cords
A loud voice or constant over the top screeching also results in a dry throat. Although not really a medical condition, excessive screaming and screeching stretches the vocal cords and irritates it.

A dry throat is primarily caused by an infection. The most exhibited symptoms of a dry throat are a dry and scratchy feeling in the throat, swelling in the throat, pain while swallowing, talking, and/or breathing. If dry throat is a symptom of cold, then it may be accompanied with other symptoms like coughing, fever, body aches, etc. Dry or sore throat is also a symptom of tonsillitis or strep throat, under which other symptoms may include inability to swallow, swollen tonsils, high fever, rashes around the throat, and a persistent dry cough or sore feeling.

As mentioned before, most dry throat problems can be cured with easy home remedies or over-the-counter medications. However, if dryness in throat is persistent, it would be best to consult a doctor as it could be a symptom of some serious health complication.