Throat dryness is often a symptom of other underlying issues, such as a cold or illness. Other discomforts that often accompany a dry throat include soreness, dry cough, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. Persistent throat dryness should be discussed with a health care professional as it can indicate a more serious health concern. If home treatment does not improve the situation or other signs of illness are present, a visit to the doctor is recommended.
Smoking
Smoking can lead to throat dryness. Breathing in hot smoke can dry the mouth and throat. It can also cause throat irritation, leading to coughing and a raspy voice, explains the American Academy of Otalaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Smokers breathe through the mouth in order to inhale the smoke, which is not the proper way to breathe. The nose has a very important role in protecting the body, which is why breathing through the mouth can cause so many issues. The nose is responsible for moisturizing and warming the air to the appropriate body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) before it reaches the lungs. Smoking prevents the nose from doing its job.
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is common during sleep as a result of an illness causing nasal congestion or due to other nasal problems. Some people breathe through the mouth out of habit. As with smoking, continued exposure to air can cause the throat to become dry and sometimes painful. The winter months, when indoor heating systems are used frequently, can increase throat dryness. Adding moisture to the air with a household humidifier may provide relief for this discomfort. Sleep apnea, snoring and nasal obstructions are other dry throat causes, reports the National Institutes of Health. Breaking the habit of mouth breathing is difficult, but it can be done and will improve throat dryness.
Illness
Any type of irritant that impacts the respiratory system and/or sinuses can cause throat dryness. Examples include bacteria, viruses and allergens. When these irritants exist, the tonsils can become inflamed and swollen, leading to dryness due to inhibited salivation and frequent coughing. Some medications, such as antihistamines, can produce throat dryness as a side effect.
Other Causes
Talking for extended periods of time, especially without drinking fluids, can cause mouth and throat dryness. This is something public speakers and vocalists may experience often. Sipping water or other beverages frequently can reduce dryness. Dehydration can also cause throat dryness, as the mouth does not produce saliva regularly without an oral stimuli, including food. Hard candies or throat lozenges can trigger salivation to soothe a dry throat.
