How To Effectively Treat A Dry Throat

Quit Smoking

Many patients who smoke tend to have frequent or chronic sore throats. Smoking exposes the throat to more than seven thousand chemicals, and this can cause throat irritation and lead to conditions such as chronic laryngitis and cancer. Doctors advise that individuals who smoke aim to quit smoking as soon as possible. To help with this, patients can try over-the-counter nicotine gums and patches, and they might also wish to attend a local or online smoking cessation course. Having a support group may make it easier to successfully stop smoking, and patients can ask their healthcare provider for the details of local smoking cessation support groups; many are also available online. These groups enable patients trying to quit smoking to share their stories with other members and to receive advice and encouragement. Prescription treatment options to aid in smoking cessation are available to patients who struggle to quit smoking with behavior modification and over-the-counter options, and patients should ask their doctor about the risks and benefits of each medication to find one that fits their needs.

Get Lots Of Rest

Sleep enhances the function of the body's immune system and allows it to combat the infections that cause a sore throat more effectively. Getting sufficient sleep helps the body maximize the production of infection-fighting antibodies, and this could enable patients to recover more quickly if an infection or illness takes hold. Experts suggest most healthy adults aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and individuals who are sick may want to sleep longer than this. Keeping the bedroom dark and cool and following a relaxing pre-bedtime routine can make it easier to fall asleep. Since it is sometimes difficult to stay asleep with a sore throat, sleep specialists advise patients to place a humidifier in their bedroom at night. This will increase the moisture in the air and soothe the throat, nose, and sinuses. The water in a humidifier should be changed daily, and the tank must be cleaned at least once every three or four days. Some patients find their sore throat symptoms worsen when they lie down in bed, and this occurs due to mucus collection at the back of the throat while lying down. To reduce the amount of mucus that accumulates, it helps to sleep with the head propped up on extra pillows.