Dry throat is characterized by a rough, scratchy and sore feeling in the throat. This is a fairly common condition in the winter seasons. Dry throat is sometimes referred to as sore throat or pharyngitis. Swallowing food or speaking
Dry throat is characterized by a rough, scratchy and sore feeling in the throat. This is a fairly common condition in the winter seasons. Dry throat is sometimes referred to as sore throat or pharyngitis. Swallowing food or speaking could aggravate the condition. This can be a condition independent of any other underlying illnesses or it can be a symptom of a much bigger medical problem.
Symptoms of Dry Throat
The most common symptom of this condition is a scratchy and dry feeling in the throat. Usually, one will also experience swelling of the throat and pain when swallowing or talking. Dry throat, however, may have other symptoms if this condition is only a symptom of an underlying disease. For instance, if one has dry scratchy throat due to colds, he may also have fever or body aches. The accompanying symptoms will depend upon the underlying disorder or illness causing the condition.
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty breathing
- White patches covering the throat, particularly the tonsils
- Sore throat
If sore dry throat is associated with a problem with the digestive system, the following symptoms may accompany the condition: difficulty swallowing, vomiting and heartburn. If the problem is associated with a condition affecting the circulatory or immune system, the person suffering from dry sore throat will also experience the following symptoms:
- Body aches
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blurred vision
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the throat
- General malaise
- Muscle weakness
Chronic dry throat may indicate a serious underlying health condition that should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Dry Throat Causes
“My throat is dry. What could be causing this?”
People experience dry throat at night. Typically, this happens when the mucus membranes dry out as a result of sleeping with one’s mouth open. This also happens when one breathes through his mouth. These are also the possible causes for dry throat in the morning. This may also be caused by exercising, breathing in dry air or not drinking enough water. Excessive coughing, vomiting or throat clearing may also result to throat dryness. Some medications may also result to sore throat. The condition may also result from excessive coughing or use of tobacco or marijuana. This may also be caused by some medical conditions or disorders like:
- Throat inflammation
- Throat cancer
- Oesophageal cancer
- Strep throat
There are many possible causes of dry throat. Check also for cold sores because they can also thrive in the throat. It is a good idea to know what could be causing the condition, so that proper treatment may be given.