Dry throat is often a symptom of pharyngitis, or a sore throat, per the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms include swelling and irritation, pain and difficulty swallowing. A dry, sore throat may also occur with swollen glands and swollen tonsils. Viral infections are the most common cause for a dry, sore throat, per the Mayo Clinic, however, bacterial infections, environmental irritants and allergies can all trigger the condition. In some cases, a dry throat may resolve on its own and home remedies can help relieve some of the symptoms.
Step 1
Consult your physician to determine the cause of the dry throat. If the cause is bacterial, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic.
Step 2
Stop smoking, or cut back drastically. Cigarette smoke can exacerbate a dry throat. If you have difficulty quitting, consider nicotine patches.
Step 3
Use a humidifier or steam from a hot shower to keep the throat moist.
Step 4
Breathe through your nose and cover your mouth in cold, dry weather. Consider a decongestant or nose strips to help you breathe better.
Step 5
Use throat lozenges to moisten and soothe the throat. Natural lozenges have herbs such as horehound and lemon balm.
Step 6
Use over-the-counter throat sprays. Throat sprays contain menthol and a numbing agent called benzocaine. These sprays may also come in lozenge form.
Step 7
Drink plenty of fluids. Try teas, broths or hot lemon and honey. Juices and water can also moisten the throat and prevent dehydration.
Step 8
Gargle with warm salt water. The Mayo Clinic suggests up to a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Things You'll Need
- Lozenges
- Nicotine patches
- Humidifier
- Decongestants
- Nose breathing strips
- Scarf
- Throat spray
- Tea
- Juice
- Lemon
- Honey
- Water
- Sea salt
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