Tips for Soothing a Dry Winter Throat

Winter is cozy-up-at-home season, a time for wearing comfy sweaters, curling up on the couch and kicking back with friends and family. Unfortunately, it’s also when you’re likely to experience a dry throat, which can put a damper on your plans.

What Can Cause the Condition

When you breathe in air, your nose and mouth humidify it to 100% and warm it to your body temperature. In the winter months, the air is dry and cold, so your nose and mouth must work harder to warm and humidify it. Your body may become more aware of this extra effort and the difference between the outside air and the air you’re breathing in, all of which can contribute to the feeling of a dry throat.

Relieve That Sandpaper Sensation

While a dry winter throat can be irritating, you can take steps to help soothe it:

• Reduce alcohol consumption and smoking. Regular, ongoing alcohol use is known to lead to a dry throat. Smoking also contributes to that parched feeling, as it dries out the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.
• Use a humidifier at home. Running the heater dries out the air in your living space, so consider deploying a humidifier in your home to keep a dry throat at bay.
• Drink more water: When you get between eight and 10 cups a day, you’re helping moisturize your mouth and throat and prevent dehydration.
• Limit caffeine: A dry throat caused by caffeine is common, but cutting back on coffee, tea and soda can help.
• Choose menthol-free throat lozenges. It’s natural to reach for a throat-coating lozenge to make your dry throat feel better—just make sure the lozenges you use don’t contain menthol, which is a drying agent.

When to See a Physician

A dry throat that persists for more than six to eight weeks is considered chronic and requires a medical professional’s help. They will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of your discomfort.

Living with a chronic dry throat? Contact our ENT department team today to book your appointment.