Dry Throat: Causes, Prevention, and Remedies

Do you wake up in the morning with a dry throat that makes it painful to swallow? Does it not go away after drinking a glass of water? There are many different reasons why you may be suffering from a constant dry throat. It may be physical, environmental, or even health-related. 

We sometimes think that we only get dry throat in the colder months when we are prone to illnesses and are confined indoors in dry heated homes. That isn’t necessarily true because a dry throat can catch you off guard at any time of the year. 

There’s no need to keep suffering from an itchy or irritated throat. There are several remedies and simple lifestyle changes to help you with a dry, painful throat.  

What Causes a Dry Throat

Numerous things can cause a dry throat. It can creep up slowly or hit you all at once. We all know that it is a very unpleasant feeling, and we want to get rid of it as soon as we can. It can be your lifestyle; it can be brought on by an illness; it can be physical; or even environmental. 

Lifestyle

• Smoking cigarettes or other substance

We all know that smoking can cause several health issues. Smoking can irritate your throat over time and cause a constant dry throat.

• Consuming excessive alcohol

Everything in moderation is key. But if you’ve had a few too many, you may wake up with a dry throat. Overdoing it on the evening drinks can also have you snoring up a storm, and snoring is a major cause of a dry throat. 

• Drinking too much coffee

Coffee is an irritant if taken in high doses. 

• Yelling, shouting, or singing

That karaoke party was fun, but you’re feeling it the next day? You didn’t use your inside voice and shouted during a heated argument? Your throat can become irritated, dry, and sore if strained too much. 

Illness or Health condition

• Allergies

Allergies can cause you to experience unpleasant symptoms like a dry throat.

• Cold or flu

Certain temporary illnesses like colds or cases of the flu tend to bring along throat issues.

• Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection that is caused by bacteria that cause painful dry throat. 

Physical

• Acid reflux

Acid reflux can be a temporary issue brought on by eating certain foods, or it can be a chronic condition that can bring on a dry throat over time.

• Snoring

Snoring is a common cause for waking with a dry throat. Snoring is caused when your soft tissues fall back into your throat or when your nasal passages are blocked or congested. This usually causes you to breathe through your mouth. Regular snorers often suffer from a constant dry throat.

• Mouth breathing

Chances are you will end up with an irritated dry throat if for some reason, your nasal passages are blocked by a deviated septum, for example. This causes you to breathe through your mouth and dry out your throat. 

Environmental

• Pollution

Pollution and other environmental irritants can cause a chronic dry throat. Chances are higher for you to suffer from a dry throat if you live in a big city where pollution is a problem. 

How Can I Prevent a Dry Throat

Some cases of dry throat can be alleviated by making some lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, for example. We know it's easier said than done. Other cases are uncontrollable and seem to appear out of nowhere. But some simple things to consider may help prevent a dry throat from happening at all.

• Lifestyle changes

Obviously, not smoking and avoiding excessive drinking will have a positive impact on your throat and other aspects of your health as well.

• Protection

Try to avoid illnesses like colds and flus with regular hand washing and other preventative measures.

• Treatment

Snoring can be treated with simple solutions and can prevent mouth breathing. This can stave off morning dry throat.

How Can I Cure Dry Throat

So, you have a dry and sore throat. Now what? You can wait it out. Or you can take action to alleviate the discomfort immediately. 

• Humidify

Sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom can help prevent dryness and cure your dry morning throat.

• Hydrate

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also recommended to hydrate your throat and your body.

• Medicate

Over-the-counter lozenges can decrease the pain of itchy dry throat with mild analgesics that numb the area temporarily. 

Decongestant nasal sprays and antihistamines can help with a stuffy nose and allergies symptoms that can bring on dry mouth. 

Antacids can neutralize stomach fluids to help with acid reflux.

DIY Simple Dry Throat Remedies

Some simple home remedies can also help lift the uncomfortable feeling of a dry throat. You can add some of these remedies to the other solutions we recommended above. 

• Honey

Honey contains natural antiseptic properties and also has an immediate soothing effect. You can take honey on its own or pour a few spoonfuls in some hot water to drink. Add 2 tablespoons of honey in a glass of warm water and feel the soothing effects instantly. Drink as needed.

• Salt Water

Saline gargles are proven to help alleviate a dry, sore throat. Salt can inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth and throat to prevent disease. Make a salt gargle with half a teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle for 30 to 60 seconds and spit out. The solution will not immediately take away the pain but will help clean and prevent further complications.

• Lemon

Lemon can help break up mucus and clear the throat of irritants. Lemons also contain vitamin C that can help boost your immune system to help you fight any infection you may have. A teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in a cup of warm water will do the trick.

• Teas

There are many natural teas available on the market that can help ease the pain of a dry throat. Green tea and clove tea contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help you fight infections that can be causing your sore, dry throat.

Peppermint tea can temporarily numb your throat giving, you some relief from your dry throat. Chamomile tea can lubricate your throat to keep it hydrated and pain-free. Other teas like raspberry are also known to help ease the pain and discomfort of a dry throat. 

Make sure your tea doesn’t contain caffeine, as this can prevent you from sleeping. And we all know how important sleep is! 

When to See Your Doctor

You should see your doctor if none of these solutions or remedies have cured you of your dry throat, persist for more than two weeks, and if your sore throat is accompanied by fever and chills. Also, seek medical attention if you are coughing up blood or notice lumps in your throat. These necessitate a closer medical examination. 

Dry Throat Be Gone

Most dry throats are not a cause for concern and usually clear up on their own. But we know having a dry throat can be annoying, and it’s always good to have a few options to help it move along. A dry throat can also cause painful swallowing and even alter the taste of food. 

Drink up those liquids, rest your throat, and you’ll be back to normal in no time. Don’t hesitate to pass along these practical dry throat remedies with anyone you know who suffers from a constant sore throat by sharing this article with them.