7 Reasons for a Dry Throat

Internal or external factors, like infections, smoking, dehydration, or dry weather, can reduce saliva in your mouth and throat, causing your throat to become dry.

When you have a dry throat, you might also feel thirsty or experience a sore throat, a hoarse voice, loss of taste, or difficulty chewing or swallowing food.

Viral infections like the common cold and influenza (the flu) can cause a dry throat. They affect the upper respiratory tract, which includes the throat, nose, sinuses, and voice box, causing coughing, congestion, and mouth breathing—all of which can cause a dry throat.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much fluid. Sweating too much, not drinking enough water, having a fever, peeing too much, or having diarrhea or vomiting can cause it.

Living in a dry climate can contribute to a dry throat.

To reduce the risk of throat dryness at home, try using a humidifier and avoid traveling to hot, dry climates.

A specific type of allergy known as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can cause a dry throat.

Several things can trigger allergic rhinitis, including pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.

Overusing your vocal cords can cause inflammation in the voice box, potentially leading to laryngitis. Laryngitis can dry out the throat, as well as cause a change in voice, loss of voice, throat pain, and a dry cough.

Tobacco from cigarettes, vapes, or hookah can irritate the upper respiratory tract. Smoking can affect the lining of your throat and lungs, leading to a dry throat.

Certain medications for depression and high blood pressure can cause the salivary (saliva) glands to produce less saliva, leading to a dry throat. But those are not the only ones—more than 400 medications can cause a dry throat as a side effect.

Dry throat is not usually hereditary; however, some hereditary conditions may cause a dry throat.

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune disorder that affects how much moisture your glands produce. These glands are located in the eyes, mouth, nose, and skin.

Just because you are genetically predisposed to this condition does not mean you will develop it.

Anyone can develop a dry throat. Some people may be more at risk of experiencing a dry throat than others.

You may be more prone to developing a dry throat if you:

• Experience frequent viral infections
• Have allergies
• Smoke tobacco often
• Breathe through your mouth
• Take certain medications that can cause a dry throat as a side effect
• Live with health conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Work or live in dry climates

Dry throat occurs when your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva to keep your mouth and throat moist. This can happen when you have a viral infection, experience allergies, smoke, take certain medications, or live in a dry area.

If your dry throat persists, talk to your healthcare provider.