Dry throat is a symptom of many pathological conditions. This symptom can be caused both by a lesion of the pharynx and larynx, and be a consequence of diseases of other organs and systems.
A feeling of dryness in the throat can characterize a physiological process caused by inaccuracies in the diet.
A feeling of dryness in the throat can characterize a physiological process caused by inaccuracies in the diet.Constant dry throat most often characterizes chronic diseases of the ENT organs, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine pathology. The feeling that it is impossible to swallow saliva is also present in stressful situations, and can be caused by fear or other strong emotions.
ARVI
The most common disease among the population is ARVI. Dryness and sore throat are persistent symptoms of this infection. In addition to general malaise, weakness, patients complain that the throat is very sore and dry. These phenomena are caused by the direct impact of pathogens and viruses. The throat is the entrance gate of infection, which determines the development of a pathological process in it.
ARVI is also characterized by an increase in temperature up to 39 degrees. In this case, the development of hyperthermia is accompanied by increased evaporation of fluid from the skin surface. This process aggravates the dryness of the mucous membranes. Thus, a dry throat with ARVI is explained by an increase in body temperature and the direct action of pathogenic microorganisms.
In this case, the obligatory symptoms are a runny nose, nasal congestion, dry cough, aching muscles and joints. Depending on the type of virus, intestinal disorders, skin manifestations, conjunctivitis may occur. The duration of the disease is usually about a week. After this period, all symptoms, including discomfort in the throat, regress.
Inflammatory diseases
The development of hyperthermia is characteristic of many infectious and inflammatory diseases. In all cases, when there is an increase in temperature, similar complaints may be present. Children's infections, otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammatory processes in the kidneys and gallbladder are characterized by the development of hyperthermia. Therefore, accompanied by the fact that the throat dries.
Among throat diseases, this symptom is most often characterized by an inflammatory process of the pharynx and larynx. For acute pharyngitis, a sore throat, dry barking paroxysmal cough is typical, and the temperature may rise to subfebrile numbers. The chronic course of the disease is characterized by coughing, periodic discomfort in the throat.
Acute laryngitis also has a dry sensation. The entire larynx or parts of it can be affected. Depending on the localization of the process, the leading symptoms may be sore throat, dryness, cough, or hoarseness of the voice, pain when trying to pronounce sounds.
Exogenous factors
The chronic course of inflammatory processes in the throat can be caused not only by the influence of pathogens, but also by various exogenous factors. Often it is the unsatisfactory parameters of the inhaled air that lead to the appearance of something that is dry in the throat.
The main factors contributing to the development of this symptom are
- dry air;
- the presence of hazardous chemical compounds in the inhaled mixture;
- dustiness;
- exposure to nicotine.
The presence of hazardous components leads to irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat, which is manifested by the development of these symptoms and serves as a provoking factor for the exacerbation of chronic diseases.
In addition, some substances, such as nicotine, are carcinogenic. Constant inhalation of them is dangerous for the development of cancer of the larynx and lungs.
Insufficient air humidity is also a factor contributing to the drying out of the mucous membrane of the throat. Dry air is a prerequisite for the spread of pathogens, viruses and bacteria in it. In this regard, for the normal functioning of the body in rooms with central heating switched on, it is recommended to install air humidifiers.
Postnasal syndrome
Dryness may worsen if nasal congestion is present.
In this case, signs of throat damage are a manifestation of postnasal syndrome caused by difficulty breathing through the nose. The patient has to breathe through the mouth, which dries out the mucous membrane even more.
This symptom is accompanied by chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, curvature of the nasal septum, and allergic conditions. In this case, in addition to the signs characteristic of each specific disease, there is perspiration, dry throat, dry cough. Treating the underlying condition will help reduce the symptoms of throat damage.
Diabetes
Severe dry throat is often the first sign of diabetes.
The disease is based on a violation of carbohydrate metabolism, as a result of which blood sugar does not participate in metabolic processes, but accumulates in the blood and is excreted from the body. Mandatory symptoms in this case are
- pronounced thirst;
- increased urine output;
- itchy skin;
- the presence of pustular skin lesions;
- long healing of the wound surface.
With the progression of the disease, the pathological process affects all organs and tissues. Large vessels of the lower extremities and capillaries of the retina, heart, brain, internal organs are affected.
Timely clarification of the diagnosis will help to avoid serious complications that are life-threatening. A fasting blood sugar test can help clarify the diagnosis. Hyperglycemia can be observed in other pathological conditions:
- adrenal tumors;
- hyperthyroidism;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- Itsenko-Cushing's disease.
With all these diseases, there is a dry throat due to a violation of carbohydrate metabolism.
Constantly dry mucous membranes are observed in elderly patients. Due to the extinction of metabolic processes in the body, the secretion of the glands producing mucus is not carried out in full. Thus, age-related features are also one of the factors contributing to the development of this symptomatology. However, with age, the number of people suffering from diabetes increases. In this regard, to clarify the condition, one should not neglect the study of blood sugar levels.
Hypothyroidism
Another endocrine pathology can be characterized by dry mouth. Diseases of the thyroid gland, accompanied by a decrease in the level of its hormones, are also manifested by dry skin and mucous membranes. In such patients, there are complaints of a lump in the throat, perspiration. At the same time, a slowdown in speech is noted, the patient has difficulty choosing words.
An objective examination allows you to detect inflammatory processes in the larynx, and therefore, the voice becomes hoarse. There is some swelling and dryness of the tongue, teeth imprints are visible on it. Symptoms for hypothyroidism can be varied, there is a predominant lesion of certain organs.
The most common additional symptoms are
puffiness of the face and lack of facial expressions;- fragility and thinning of hair;
- a tendency to constipation;
- decreased memory and intelligence;
- chilliness;
- tendency to bradycardia;
- increase in body weight.
puffiness of the face and lack of facial expressions;There are no specific signs that characterize this particular pathology. Due to the fact that the disease is characterized by polysymptomaticity, clarification of the diagnosis in this case may take some time.
You can also dry out your throat as a result of dehydration. Diseases accompanied by repeated vomiting, diarrhea, lead to the fact that the body loses large quantities of fluid. A similar situation develops with heatstroke. The consequence of this is dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system. In severe cases, shock caused by inadequate body fluids can develop.
If dry throat appears, you need to see an otolaryngologist to clarify the diagnosis. A specialist, having studied the patient's complaints, anamnesis of the disease, after conducting an objective examination, will be able to clarify the ENT pathology, if necessary, send for consultation to related specialists.
