What Causes Dry Mouth And Throat?

Posted on Mon, 22 Sep 2014

Question: My mouth and throat feel dry when I take a deep breath, I feel week and lighted headed. At first it these symptoms were happening on occasion but for the past week it's been happening more often. The past 24hrs has been constant. I'm not sure what to do.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dry mouth is due to various reasons...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I will try my best to help you out with this problem.

Dry mouth and throat could be due to various reasons such as nasal block, sinusitis, acid reflux from the stomach into the throat, atrophied salivary glands, etc.

Nasal block leads to mouth breathing. Mouth breathing drains all the water from the throat making it dry and irritable. Similarly the reflux of the acid from the stomach can drain the moisture in the throat making it dry. Further, smoking/alcohol/coffee/chilled food can also cause dry mouth and throat.

If you are having any one of the above problems, then you are sure to get a dry mouth. Do not worry! It is one of the commonest problems in your age. Please follow the suggestions below, you will definitely feel better:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Avoid chilled food and beverages/coffee/smoking/alcohol (if any)
3. Use saline nasal spray, to relieve nasal block if any.

If the symptoms do not subside, consult your doctor for a complete evaluation and further management.

Hope I have answered your queries. I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj