A dry throat is a common condition that typically occurs in the spring or winter season and can be a symptom of allergies, the common cold or the flu. The University of Maryland Medical Center describes a dry throat as sensations of itchiness, irritation or dryness at the back of the tongue, the area called the pharynx that sometimes causes difficult or painful swallowing and a change in the taste. A dry throat is commonly caused by a viral infection, breathing through mouth during sleep, dry air, smoke or any surgical procedure or instrumentation in this area. Some lifestyle changes and homemade remedies can help to reduce dry throat discomfort and they usually resolve the symptoms without seeking medical advice.
Salt Water Gargle
Salt has natural antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and can be safely used to cleanse the mouth and throat to relieve dryness and inflammation. Gargling with salt in warm water once or twice a day soothes the throat and destroys harmful pathogens and their toxins. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends this dry or sore throat remedy and advises to gargle for 30 seconds to a minute before spitting the salt water out.
Honey and Lemon Tea
Honey has natural antiseptic and soothing effects with a mucous-like texture that coats the throat to relieve irritation. It can be taken on its own, but The Mayo Clinic notes that hot honey and lemon tea also provides the same effects to treat a dry throat.
Fluids and Soups
A dry throat can indicate dehydration and signals the body to drink more water and fluids. Soups such as chicken broth are also soothing and a healthy source of energy and electrolytes during illness. Drinking juices rich in vitamins B and C, such as orange and citrus fruit juices, also help relieve dry throat and other cold symptoms. These vitamins help to healing the surface of the throat, strengthen the immune system and produce protective mucus covering.
Humidifiers
Breathing in humidified air reduces the irritation and pain of a dry throat and prevents drying of the throat mucous during sleep. Both cool and warm mist water vaporizers also help in soothing and moisturizing a dry throat.
Lozenges
By sucking hard flavored candies and throat lozenges, the throat gets both the soothing effect and increased mucous. The process of sucking stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva which relieves dryness and removes germs from the throat, as noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
