Dry throat: why it appears, connection with diseases, how to treat

Dryness in the throat occurs as a result of the fact that the mucous membrane of the pharynx does not cope with its functions in full. There can be many reasons for this, ranging from banal thirst to serious organic lesions.

Sometimes the throat can dry up as a result of excitement or stress. When a symptom is episodic, it is not cause for concern.

A constant feeling of dryness requires a doctor's consultation and a detailed examination.

Physiological mechanisms: how does the mucosa work?

The human pharynx is lined with special epithelial cells. Among them are small goblet glands that constantly produce mucus. The cells themselves are equipped with special hairs or cilia. They provide movement and uninterrupted renewal of mucus.

The secret produced by cells contains antibacterial substances. They protect the body from infection. In addition, small dust particles, some harmful substances contained in the air, literally get stuck in the mucus. Surfactant (liquid secret) is considered by modern physiologists primarily as a filter. It protects the mucous membrane from drying out and determines its normal functioning.

With an insufficient amount of secretion produced, the mucous membrane becomes irritated. It turns out to be weakly protected against alien agents. This may be due to atrophy or destruction of the mucosa, functional disorders, as well as insufficient intake of certain substances that make up the secretion secreted. The epithelium lining the cavity becomes very sensitive. The patient feels that his throat is tearing, he constantly wants to moisten it with liquid. This is due to the fact that as a result of inflammation or some external agents, the nerve endings of the mucosa are constantly irritated.

The main causes of dry throat

Temporary dryness of the throat is not terrible and can occur during certain psychological and physiological conditions. Usually a sip of water, a calm mood helps to relieve this symptom. A persistently dry throat is a reason to take more drastic measures. The most common triggers for symptoms include:

• Abuse of narcotic antitussive drugs of central action. They directly affect the cough center in the brain, reducing its sensitivity. As a result, addiction develops and less and less sputum is produced over time. These drugs include drugs of the codeine group - Codelac, Terpinkod and others.
• . If a person is not able for some reason to inhale air through the nostrils, he has to breathe through his mouth. As a result, water from the surfactant of the respiratory tract evaporates very quickly, the mucous membrane begins to dry out. This is especially pronounced during sleep, when a person is in a supine position and the outflow of fluid from the paranasal sinuses is difficult. In the morning, a person notes that his throat is dry, his head is buzzing, there is a feeling of fatigue and weakness.
• The presence of toxic substances in the air. These can be heavy metals, resins, cigarette smoke components. Important! Long-term smoking can lead to dysfunction of the mucous membrane of the larynx, pharynx or bronchi, and over time - to the development of an oncological process. Dry throat in this case will be the first symptom of the onset of tissue destruction.

Dry throat treatment

Since such a sensation is just a symptom, only a doctor can prescribe an unambiguous therapy after determining the underlying disease. Identification of the cause of dryness in the throat is a mandatory stage of treatment, But on their own, patients can bring recovery closer:

It is possible to treat dry throat without the help of a doctor only when the causes of the symptom are obvious. If home remedies are ineffective, consult a specialist. Severe dryness and burning sensations cause great discomfort to the patient, reducing his quality of life. In addition, they can be the first signs of dangerous diseases.