An effective way to deal with a dry throat based on the cause

One of the most common flu symptoms is a dry and inflamed throat. However, a dry and itchy throat can be caused by many different things, such as dry air and smoking. Therefore, the best way to treat it must be adjusted to the root of the problem. Here are the various causes of throat as well as how to deal with a dry throat.

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 and itchy even after you drink lots of water.

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. Viral infections (colds, flu, mononucleosis)

Dry throat is a common symptom of a throat infection caused by viruses such as colds and flu. This infection causes sore throat (pharyngitis) which can make your throat feel dry and itchy.

Apart from sore throat, you also usually experience a series of typical symptoms such as low-grade fever, cough, sneezing, and also aches.

There are also other diseases caused by viral infections that have typical symptoms of an itchy and dry throat, namely mononucleosis. This disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus which is transmitted through saliva.

2. 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 are inflamed (tonsillitis) or other disorders such as tonsil stones, the saliva will be blocked from entering the throat. As a result, your throat will feel dry. Generally, other complaints that arise are pain when swallowing, hoarseness, bad breath, and fever.

2. 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.

3. Allergies

Certain types of allergens such as pollen, cigarette smoke, and pets can cause allergic reactions in the form of an itchy and dry throat. If this disorder 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.

4. 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.

5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD causes stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus. Gastric acid that rises into the esophagus can reach the throat and cause irritation. As a result, the throat will feel dry, itchy, and sore.

In addition, GERD can also show other symptoms such as dry cough, difficulty swallowing, burning and burning sensation in the chest to hoarseness.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Cancer of the salivary glands

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.

How to deal with a dry throat based on the cause

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.

1. Gargle salt water

Gargling with salt water can relieve various disorders that attack the throat, including a dry throat. Salt can reduce swelling and irritation while clearing viruses that are lodged in the mouth and throat.

Dissolve 1/2 tablespoon of salt in one glass of warm water, then rinse your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds. Gargle 3-4 times a day until the dryness in your throat subsides.

2. Increase fluids

Sore throat for no apparent reason may be a sign that you are not drinking enough. A body that lacks fluids cannot produce enough saliva to cause problems with the mouth and throat.

As a way to deal with a dry throat due to dehydration, you just need to drink water until your throat feels better. In addition, try to stay hydrated so that your body doesn't become dehydrated, which can make your throat dry and itchy, dizzy, and weak.

Fruit juice, mineral water, and coconut water are great sources of water to soothe your throat. Avoid sodas and caffeine, which can make the body lose more water.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Dry throat medication due to allergies

Allergic rhinitis a group of symptoms including runny nose, sneezing, cough, dry throat, and itchy eyes that occur as a result of exposure to an allergen. For example, dust or animal hair.

According to studies from The Journal Of Nutritional Biochemistry, Allergic rhinitis symptoms can be treated by:

• Take antihistamine drugs such as diphenhydramine to treat allergies.
• Allergy shots administered by doctors if taking antihistamine drugs do not improve.
• Take a decongestant to relieve nasal congestion.
• Drink warm ginger tea to soothe the throat, as ginger has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Chew garlic, because it has an antihistamine effect.
• Chew onions because they are anti-inflammatory and contain antioxidants.

6. Dry throat medication due to GERD

To treat a dry throat due to GERD, you need to treat GERD itself by:

• Take antacids to neutralize stomach acid.
• Take H2 inhibitors such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), ranitidine (Zantac) to reduce stomach acid production.
• Raising the head on a pillow while sleeping to prevent acid from flowing into the esophagus and throat.
• Do not eat foods that trigger a burning sensation in the stomach such as spicy foods, which contain caffeine, mint, and garlic.
• Wearing loose clothing to prevent stomach pressure, which can increase stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus.
• Give a break 1-2 hours after eating if you want to sleep.

If you experience dry throat symptoms for 1-2 weeks, and it doesn't get better with home remedies and lifestyle changes, then you need to see your doctor for further treatment.