Dry throat is a common condition, especially in the fall and winter, when we are more prone to upper respiratory infections. Insufficiently moistened pharyngeal mucosa can lead to a deterioration in well-being and the development of bacterial or viral diseases. Chronic dryness in medicine is called xerostomia, when the work of the salivary glands, which are responsible for properly moisturizing the throat, is disrupted.

Simple procedures you can do at home can help relieve dryness in your upper airways. However, if they do not help, you should consult a doctor, because only he can exclude the development of serious diseases. So, how do you deal with dry throat?

Dry throat: Causes of a dry throat?

Dry throat
Dry throat is most often complained of in the autumn-winter period, when there is low humidity in the premises, which can increase discomfort, cause coughing and pain. It is also caused by cigarette smoking, chronic stress, bacterial infections and metabolic disorders. Home remedies can be used initially. If they do not give a tangible result and your dryness persists for more than two weeks, see a doctor who will rule out serious diseases.

Dry throat: Xerostomia What Causes?

Xerostomia is a chronic dry throat that occurs intermittently or chronically. This is because the glands do not work properly, producing less saliva, which is responsible for lubricating the throat. This is mainly influenced by drug use, excessive consumption of coffee and tea, the use of certain medications, as well as diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis and diseases of the immune system. Xerostomia is often accompanied by pain and a persistent cough in addition to a dry throat. It should be remembered that this should not be due to a dry throat that results from high summer temperatures.

Home remedies for dry throat

Luckily, if the dry throat isn’t caused by an illness, you can use home remedies. It is best to provide a lower temperature and higher air humidity in the room. Ionizers and humidifiers that absorb toxins at the same time are very effective. One of the easier and cheaper ways is to place water containers on radiators or hang damp cloths such as towels on them.

Dry throat: Remember to moisturize your throat

You can keep your throat dry by drinking more often. The greatest enemy of the respiratory system is dehydration, so you should drink at least two liters of fluid a day. Herbal infusions will also help moisturize the throat, among them the best effectiveness is peppermint, ginger and mullein. The latter is rich in saponins – substances that have moisturizing and protective properties. Nothing prevents gargling with herbs. In order for their effects to be measurable, you need to use them regularly. Preferably twice a day.

Dry throat: Give up these drinks

Although moisturizing the throat with infusions and drinks is crucial, not all of them can help, on the contrary: they increase discomfort and pain. What should I avoid? Of course, alcohol, because even the smallest doses can seriously harm a sore throat. Coffee and tea are also blacklisted as caffeine and then have a drying effect. Unfortunately, sage has a similar effect. Although invaluable for many infections, it increases dryness in the upper airways. At the bottom of the list are carbonated drinks, especially sweetened ones.

Dry throat: Inhalation

Сухість в горлі: Вдихання
Dry throat: Inhalation

Various inhalations are invaluable for any diseases of the respiratory system. It’s the same with a dry throat. How to prepare them? All you need is a teaspoon of herbs (or a bag), such as chamomile, pour boiling water over and wait until it cools down a little. To enhance the effect of the mixture, you can drop a few drops of essential oil (especially tea tree, citrus, thyme, pine, camphor or eucalyptus) into it. The volatile substances they contain not only moisturize the throat, but also cleanse the sinuses, clear the nose and relieve inflammation of the entire respiratory system.

Dry throat: Lightning fast way

There are 100% natural remedies for dry throat that work instantly. They not only moisturize them, but also relieve inflammation and cough. Easy to prepare, all you need is flaxseed and make a jelly from it. Pour two tablespoons of grains with a glass of hot water and wait for cooling. The mixture should be consumed in small portions, several times a day. If someone does not like the specific taste of the stone, you can make a homemade drink based on warm milk, a spoonful of honey and a little oil. Homemade onion syrup is also very effective.