You might wonder why you have a dry throat despite drinking water. This could indicate several health problems, such as allergies, tonsillitis, and Sjogren’s syndrome. If you have this problem, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Hay fever
You may have heard of hay fever, but you might not have realized that the same virus that causes it can also cause a dry throat. Besides the apparent symptoms, such as sneezing and watery eyes, you can expect a runny nose and scratchy throat to accompany your misery. It can be a challenge to get the symptoms under control, but there are things you can do to alleviate your discomfort.
The best way to combat this is to increase your water intake and stick to a consistent schedule. A half-ounce of water per pound of body weight is ideal as a rule of thumb. Keeping hydrated can also help reduce your risk of infections and boost your immune system. If you are prone to hay fever or cold, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine.
While at it, consider a CPAP machine. This is an in-home therapy system that does not require mouth breathing. Not only can it help with the symptoms mentioned above, but it also helps clear your airway and keep your nasal passages moist. Lastly, you can opt for a nasal mask, a device that can dispense medication while keeping your hands free.
Of course, the most important thing to remember is to be careful to get the appropriate treatment. To keep your hay fever at bay, you should avoid rubbing your eyes and be sure to drink plenty of fluids. In the end, you should be able to enjoy your summer without the annoyances of hay fever. Using the proper medications can ensure that your symptoms are minimized.
Sjogren’s syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the glands of the body, particularly the lacrimal glands, which produce tears. This causes the eyes to dry out and can lead to various symptoms.
Most people who develop this condition will be women. However, men are also affected. Some people are born with a predisposition to this disease. Symptoms can begin at any age and occur in all body parts.
People with Sjogren’s usually have high levels of inflammation in their blood. The disease can affect joints, glands, and other body parts. Treatments for this disease aim to ease symptoms and prevent complications.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor. An excellent first step is to take a saliva test. Your doctor will measure how much saliva you produce in five minutes. They will also check your mouth and eyes for dryness.
Saliva helps the body to digest food and fight infection. It also contains a range of electrolytes and enzymes. You may find it hard to swallow or speak when your mouth is dry. To remedy this, try chewing sugar-free gum. Also, keep a glass of water nearby.
Your doctor might prescribe drugs to boost saliva production. These include pilocarpine and evoxac. While these medications are helpful, they have some adverse side effects. Other medications, such as steroid injections, can reduce inflammation and pain.
A balanced diet is essential for people with Sjogren’s. A healthy weight will help to reduce strain on the joints. Keeping a food diary can help you identify foods that trigger your symptoms.
Your doctor might also recommend medication to control pain or swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help to relieve joint pain.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, the swollen and fleshy pads located at the back of the throat. These help the body fight infections and filter out bacteria and germs.
You may have tonsillitis if you notice pain or redness in your tonsils. Other signs include white patches and swelling in the lymph nodes in your neck and jaw.
If your tonsils are swollen, it can interfere with your ability to swallow correctly. Also, if you feel like your throat is too dry, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will likely look at your health history and symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.
The most common cause of throat dryness is dehydration. Drinking lots of water will keep your throat moist and help prevent a cold. Caffeine, alcohol, and certain foods also contribute to dehydration.
Tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics. You can also use over the counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or paracetamol.
Another symptom of tonsillitis is a hoarse voice. You can ease this symptom by gargling warm salt water. It may also help suck on throat lozenges, eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink low-sugar juices.
Several illnesses, including mono, strep, and viral infection, can cause tonsillitis. In most cases, the symptom will improve on its own. However, if you are experiencing repeated tonsillitis, you may need to have your tonsils removed.
If you are suffering from ongoing tonsillitis, try to rest and get plenty of rest. Take antibiotics to control the disease, and a lot of rest will help you to recover.
Radiotherapy
If you have cancer and are getting radiation therapy, you may develop changes in your swallowing abilities. These changes are called dysphagia. There are several different ways that your doctor can treat these changes.
Radiation can affect your mouth, throat, and esophagus. It can make it difficult to eat, drink, or chew. The treatment can also lead to oral infections.
During treatment, you should eat well and drink plenty of fluids. Drinking liquids between meals can also help you keep up your fluids. You can also drink with straws and ice chips.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine that helps your salivary glands produce more. This is also an excellent way to combat dry mouth.
Saliva is needed to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Also, saliva helps prevent infection. When your mouth is too dry, it can be challenging to chew or swallow.
Chemotherapy and other medicines used to treat cancer can cause sores in your mouth. Viruses or bacteria can cause oral infections.
A dry mouth is often the result of dehydration. Symptoms include dryness, a burning sensation, and soreness in your mouth. Use liquids to moisten food and drink plenty of water.
If you have trouble swallowing, you should immediately let your doctor know. Your healthcare team can also teach you exercises to strengthen your swallowing muscles.
For severe dysphagia, your doctor may put you on a feeding tube. You will also need to increase the amount of exercise you do.
A speech and language pathologist will help you with exercises to help your swallowing. They can also advise you on how to improve your posture.
You can also use a humidifier or spray bottle to make breathing more comfortable. Make sure you wear loose clothing during radiation therapy.
Mouth breathing
If you are waking up with a dry throat, consider consulting a medical professional. There are a few possible causes, but one could be obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing during sleep, which can lead to various health complications.
Another cause of a dry throat is a congested nose. This can result from a nasal decongestant or an irritation in the nasal cavity. Depending on the cause, you can get relief from gargling with salt water. You can also try a humidifier.
Drinking plenty of water is the best way to combat a dry throat. Saliva keeps the mouth moist. Dehydration can cause a lack of saliva production, leading to a dry throat.
A dry throat can make it difficult to swallow and speak. Also, a dry throat can be triggered by several factors, including allergies, head and neck radiation, sulfates, and pollution.
Other reasons for a dry mouth include allergies, asthma, and diabetes. Dry mouth is more common in older adults. Luckily, some effective home remedies include drinking more water, using a humidifier, and avoiding caffeinated beverages. Ultimately, it would help if you did what your body was telling you.
If you are experiencing the snore above and your mouth is dry, you might exhibit obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. You should also check your blood pressure, as sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure. CPAP therapy can help you to sleep better at night. Lastly, a mandibular advancement splint is a good choice, as it can help prevent the dry mouth associated with a stormy night’s sleep.
