Throat

Is your throat hurting? Or is your throat painful when swallowing? This article provides a detailed, insightful view on causes of a hurting throat, care instructions, home remedies and when to see a doctor.

My Throat Hurts when I Swallow

Swallowing involves many nerves and muscles in the mouth, throat area and the esophagus (tube that moves food to the stomach). Part of swallowing is voluntary but much of it involuntary. Problem at any point of swallowing (moving food to the back of the mouth) can result in painful swallowing.

A sore throat is normally a symptom of a viral or occasionally bacterial infection .it can be caused by the viruses responsible for colds and flu-like illness. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat a virus.

Sometimes a sore throat is caused by the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes. If the bacteria are the cause, you tend to become very unwell and your infection seems to get much worse. Your body will normally fight off the infection within a week without the need for medical treatment. But if the sore throat is caused by bacteria, you need treatment with antibiotics.

A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold and is often accompanied by other cold symptoms that may include sneezing, coughing, and running nose.

What does it mean if it hurts to swallow

When it comes to illness, one of the common symptoms we experience is sore throat. We know the feeling of that oncoming cold with the throat, irritation and the swollen glands that serve to make swallowing painful. A cold is by no means the only reason for a sore throat. In many situations we feel the pain of swallowing without ever developing a cold. This is because there are so many causes that can lead to pain when we swallow.

There are  two explanations, that have been advanced to be the reasons behind what it means, if you find yourself with the  symptoms of bacterial infection, such as your sore hurting when swallowing  food or taking  a drink. They include: Gastroesophagael reflux disease (GERD)   and exposure to bacterial or virus risk factors.

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

It is a digestive system disorder in which stomach acids or other contents of the stomach back up in food pipe (esophagus). Other symptoms may include heartburn, regurgitation of stomach contents and the sensation of a lump in your throat.

2. Exposure to risk factors.

Although anyone can get a sore throat, some factors can make you susceptible, these are:

• Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throat. Children are also more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection associated with a sore throat.
• Exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking and second hand smoke can irritate the throat.
• Exposure to chemical irritants. Particles in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can cause throat irritation.
• Weakened immunity. You are more susceptible to infections in general if your resistance is low.
• Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds or pet dander, make developing a sore throat more likely.

What to do when you’re Throat Hurts really bad

There are several things one can do when your throat hurts, in most cases your doctor will prescribe antibiotics that will manage your pain in your throat. The following can be done:

• Get plenty of rest to give your body a chance to fight the infection.
• Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier to keep your throat moist is also essential.
• Gargle with warm salt water several times each day to reduce the pain.
• Avoid irritants like cleaning product or paints fumes that can make your throat uncomfortable.
• Avoid acidic or spicy foods that can aggravate the situation.
• Eat soothing foods like soft fruits, cooked cereal, applesauce or soft cooked eggs.
• Take over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen to reduce the throat pain.
• Use short term pain reliever such as sucking on some hard candy or throat lozenge. Although this is not recommended for children, because lozenge are a choking risk.
• Eat lots of fruits rich in vitamin C and vegetables. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, helping you fight bacterial and viral infections.
• Avoid smoking and smoky places.

If your throat hurts badly in addition to following symptoms, it is advisable to see  a professional doctor for  further consultation.

• Chill
• Abdominal pain
• Wheezing
• Nausea
• Sour taste in your mouth
• Breathing difficulties
• Coughing
• Black colored stool

What causes your Throat to hurt when you Swallow

The most common reason that it can hurt to swallow is because of an infection. Whether a virus, fungus, or bacteria causes it, the inflammation that results from an infection will frequently make swallowing painful. There are several causes why the throat can hurt when we swallow. Some of the causes can be as enumerated below:

1. Viral infections of the saliva glands. Viruses are the most likely causes of throat infection. A viral infection can develop in the can develop in the saliva glands making them swollen and tender. The most common type of virus that affect the saliva glands is cold virus though it does not cause throat pain like other types of viruses.
2. Allergies from dust, pollen or dander can result to throat pain along with watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. The symptoms are generally likely to be worse during winter season; however you are likely to have an itchy than a painful throat.
3. Stomach Acid in the Throat. People with heartburn or acid reflex may find swallowing difficult, particularly if they are not controlling condition. The acid passing through the mouth irritates and damages the throat and vocal chords even if you don’t feel heartburn. This will lead to inflammation that can make swallowing both difficult and painful. If the acid reflux remains untreated, the acid can also burn the lining of the throat leading to pain. When this happen, it can take quite a while for the throat to heal meaning that pain will persist.
4. Medications and cancer Therapy. A sore throat is a common side-effect due to decrease in saliva production. This is especially severe at nighttime, when the mouth and throat lining become dry and irritated. Drugs used for depression and allergies often have these effects. Cancer treatment can also lead to throat pain. Both radiation and chemotherapy may cause mucositis, where the soft tissues throughout the digestive tract, including in the mouth and throat, develop sores and become inflamed.

5. Canker sores. Aside from the many forms of infection that can lead to throat pain when swallowing another reason for the pain is as a result of canker sores and ulcers in the throat. Though canker sores are mostly experienced around the teeth and gums, they can also occur in the back and top areas of the throat where it can be difficult to see them.
6. Bacterial infection. Although less common than viral infections, bacterial infections can also happen.  In many cases, these types of infection are more severe and some may require antibiotics to speed recovery. However, antibiotics are not always required as many people who are generally healthy can overcome such infections on their own. The following species of bacteria can cause throat pain:

• Streptococcus bacteria. This is the most common bacterial infection causing throat pain. This bacterial infection cause the patients throat and tonsils to appear red and swollen, so swallowing becomes difficult.
• This can also cause pain when you swallow for example Chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are contracted during oral sex.

7. Fungal infection. Fungal infections of the mouth are most common when a person has a weakened immune system. For some people change in moisture or environment in the mouth can lead to excess growth of fungus that will live in the mouth. For example thrust is one such a condition where fungal Candida grows out of control this then result in many small, painful sores in the mouth and throat.
8. Cold and flu. The cold virus can directly affect the throat the throat, creating a persistent burning feeling, plus coughing and constant throat clearing can be irritating, making swallowing painful.
9. Dry air. Throat is easily damaged with dry air, for example from forced air heating or air conditioning. These processes remove much of the moisture in air and hence it becomes irritating when you inhale.

People who breathe through the mouth  perhaps due to stuffy nose, or if the mouth is open while sleeping are likely to suffer throat pain. When breathing through the mouth, the dry air comes in contact with the throat, hence irritating it.

How do you stop Your Throat from Hurting when you swallow

There are several medications that can provide relief from a sore throat. Most of them are over the counter and can provide relief from a sore throat. Some of the medication include: NSAIDs, Sprays, Lozenges and many more.
NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) help to relieve inflammation  and sore throat pain without causing stomach discomfort. Two types of such medication are ibuprofen and aspirin.
Sprays: Lidocaine sprays and other numbing medications sprayed into the throat have been found to effectively reduce throat pain.
Lozenges: throat lozenges containing Lidocaine or other types of numbing medicines may help soothe a sore throat.

Sharp Pain in Throat when swallowing on one side

Pain that appears on one side is typically caused by inflamed tonsils, lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue. This can be caused by particles becoming caught and inflamed in this tissue or a bacterial or viral infection. A sore throat can be caused by a localized infection that may cause only one side of the throat to become inflamed. A variety of conditions can cause this type of infection, each with a slightly varied set of symptoms. These conditions include:

1. Tonsillitis

This occurs when your tonsils become inflamed from an infection, whether it be from a virus or bacteria. A severe sore throat on the left side or right side or throughout the entire throat is experienced.
This condition can cause a throat to be very painful on one side. Peritonsillar is a complication of tonsillitis which develops a pus-filled sore near the tonsils.

3. Strep throat.

Is a bacterial infection that targets one side of the throat region and sometimes will begin on one side and spread over to the other side.

4. Vocal cord nodules

This is a condition where the calluses that appear on the vocal cord after a continuous use of the voice with little rest. They can make one side of the throat very sore.

5. Swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes from an illness such as a cold or ear infection can be felt on either side at times. When the neck lymph nodes become enlarged, they are usually felt more on one side.

6. Dental procedure

Dental procedure can result in a sore throat on only one side. An abscessed tooth or gum disease can cause your throat to ache, particularly if there is an infection that can spread into the throat region.

Throat Pain Home Remedies

1. Cinnamon almond milk

Cinnamon is a fragrant and delicious spice that’s high in antioxidants and provides antibacterial benefits.
It is a traditional remedy for colds and flu’s and is used in manufacture of medicine that eases sore throat pain.
Below is how to go about it,
Ingredients: one cup of almond milk, half tea-spoon grounded cinnamon, (0.6ml) of baking soda
Procedure:

• Place cinnamon and baking soda in a saucepan and mix together
• Add almond milk and stir the mixture well
• Heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer, and then remove from the heat.
• Sieve the mixture into a cup, wait it to cool then, drink.

2. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a natural food with many health benefits
Coconut oil is very soothing because it helps lubricate the mucous membranes in the throat.
It can be used as either by:

• Adding a spoonful to a hot tea or coffee
• Adding a spoonful to the soup or
• By simply putting a spoonful in your mouth and allow it to melt down your throat

3. Ginger root tea

Ingredients: fresh ginger root, half liter of water, a squeeze of lemon juice.
Procedure:

• Peel ginger root and grate into a small bowl
• Boil water on a saucepan then remove from heat
• Place one tablespoon of grated ginger into the saucepan and cover with lid
• Let it steep for ten minutes
• You can then add lemon juice as a sweetener and then stir.

4. Honey

Honey is a delicious sweetener that that is often used in combination with other natural ingredients to sooth a sore throat. In addition to helping fight infection and provide pain relief, honey can also make remedies taste better. Honey may be effective when combined with warm water or herbs.

5. Warm Salt water

Gargling with salt water is a well-known natural remedy to get rid of sore throat.
The salt helps to reduce swelling by pulling water out of your throat tissue. It also helps to kill unwanted microbes in your throat.
Combine one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve. Gargle the water in your mouth before spitting into the sink.
Gargling with salt water hourly will help reduce swelling and may ease throat discomfort.

6. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural health product that has been used for centuries; it contains acetic acid, that helps fight bacteria. It can help to relieve throat pain when consumed in small amounts with warm water.
To help relieve throat pain, drink one cup of warm water mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and an additional tablespoon of honey.

7. Lemon water

Lemon water is a refreshing beverage that may also reduce the throat that occurs due to cold or flu.
Lemon contains vitamin C and antioxidants. It also increases the amount of saliva you produce; this helps to keep your mucous membranes moist.
Combining warm water with a squeeze of lemon may relieve throat pains.

8. Licorice root

This is a plant that commonly found in Europe and South Asia.
Licorice has properties similar to aspirin that may help reduce sore throat pain.
Make a drink of licorice root by combining hot water and grounded licorice root, then let it steep for five minutes, then strain it prior to drinking.

9. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds and is extremely soothing to the throat. The mint may also slightly numb your throat, thereby relieving pain. Peppermint tea is caffeine-free and it is naturally sweet in taste and often requires no additional sweetener.

10. Sage and Echinacea

Sage is a herb that is normally used in cooking. It originated from Mediterranean and it is currently being grown across the world.
It has been used to treat many inflammatory conditions and controlled studies have indicated that it helps to relieve throat pain.
Echinacea is another herb that is widely used in traditional medicine and it is very strong in fighting bacterial infections.
The following is a recipe to make your own Sage-Echinacea throat spray:
Ingredients:  One grounded teaspoon sage, one teaspoon grounded Echinacea, one cup of water.
Procedure:

• Boil water
• Place sage and Echinacea in a small jar and then fill with boiling water.
• Let it steep for 30 minutes
• Pour mixture through strainer and then combine with 200ml of hard liquor.
• Place in a small spray bottle and spray after three hours or as you may need.

A sage-Echinacea spray has been shown to relieve sore throat discomfort as effectively as anti-septic medication spray.
Further references

1. Sore Throat causes and throat pain https://www.medlineplus.gov
2. Sore throat https://beta.nhs.uk
3. Difficulty swallowing mayoclinic.org
4. Prolonged Sore Throat by Everyday Health https://www.everydayhealth.com

An itchy throat is the main sign of allergies, allergic reaction, or early illness. Inhaled irritants can aggravate your throat, causing it to feel scratchy and uncomfortable. Allergies are one of the most common itchy throat causes. An allergic reaction occurs when a substance called an allergen triggers an immune system response in your body.
Allergies can range from mild to severe. An itchy throat can indicate a milder, yet uncomfortable, allergic reaction. Inhaling pollutants such as can also lead to an itchy throat. Infections, such as a common cold or strep throat, can start as an itchy throat before progressing to soreness and pain.

What are the symptoms of an itchy throat?

An itchy throat may feel:

• itchy
• swollen
• scratchy

An itchy throat feels uncomfortable, and it can feel as if you need to clear your throat frequently. It’s important to distinguish between the symptoms of an itchy throat and similar symptoms that may indicate other conditions. For example, an itchy throat does not feel rough or raw, or make you feel as if you can’t breathe.

Why do I have a Scratchy Throat?

A sore or itchy throat and cough are two of the most common symptoms that bring people to a doctor. These itchy throat causes occur together, as irritation that causes your throat to be sore can also trigger a cough.
A wide range of conditions can lead to cough and throat irritation, but the duration of these symptoms and the presence of other accompanying symptoms can help determine the underlying problem. A local infection is most common, but other possibilities include allergies, environmental irritants and certain long-term conditions.

Itchy Throat Causes

The inner walls of the throat are covered with mucosal membrane containing nerves, which may be easily irritated by polluted air, food, inflammatory or allergic reaction.
Mucosal glands secrete mucus, which covers the throat walls, thus protecting them and allowing smooth passage of the air and food. When these glands do not secrete enough mucus, for example, due to dehydration, medications or dry air, throat nerves become itchy.
Allergies
These are one of the most common itchy throat causes and causes of cough. Inhalation of allergy-provoking substances such as pollen, mold spores or pet dander can trigger an immune response and cause your throat to feel itchy. Allergies also commonly inflame the lining of the nose and sinuses. Symptoms of this inflammation include a runny nose, nasal congestion and postnasal drip, which can irritate the throat and cause coughing.
An itchy throat and cough caused by allergies are often accompanied by itchy, watery eyes and runny nose but not by fever. All of these allergy symptoms can often be relieved with over-the-counter antihistamine drugs. If your symptoms have lasted longer than 7 to 10 days, it is more likely to be allergies than a cold. Allergy symptoms typically come on suddenly and are often seasonal.
Infections
Infections of the upper respiratory system frequently also are itchy throat causes. The common cold is often the culprit, it causes a runny nose and postnasal drip that irritates the throat and triggers a hacking cough. The symptoms of a typical cold peak in around 3 days and then gradually disappear within a week or so. Bacterial sinus infections have same symptoms, but they last longer and may be accompanied by fever and facial pressure or headache.
Throat infection can directly cause itchy throat, leading to discomfort and a dry cough as well. Most throat infections are viral, but the bacterial infection called strep throat is also a culprit. Acute bronchitis, which is an infection of the lungs, causes a persistent, hacking cough that can make the throat feel scratchy.
Irritants
Exposures to inhaled irritants are itchy throat causes too. A big number of airborne particulates and fumes can irritate the throat. Tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, is a common example. Other irritants include factory emissions, traffic fumes, chlorine or other cleaning solutions. Inhaling these types of chemical irritants can inflame the lining of the throat and result in discomfort and itchiness.
Dry Throat
Dry throat often appears together with dry eyes, mouth and skin. Common causes are cold windy weather, sick building disease from excessive indoor heating or air condition, stuffed nose and breathing through mouth, acute or chronic throat inflammation, dehydration, Caffeine in coffee, sodas and energy drinks and alcohol. They are all itchy throat causes.
Loud speaking or Singing; Prolonged speaking, singing or yelling may leave you with sore itchy throat that may need few days to resolve. Abovementioned measures should be considered; pain killers are rarely needed.
Foreign Body
A piece of fish bone or a seed may stick in the pocket above the epiglottis, or a sharp piece of glass may be stabbed in the throat wall. Foreign body should be tried to cough out, or swallowed with the help of gargling water. Painkillers may be used to relieve pain from the itchy throat.
Psychological Causes
Repeating dry cough without apparent reason is an obvious sign of psychologically induced cough. The coughing person feels the need to attract attention. This act only is enough to cause itchy throat.
Itchy Throat due to Disorders of Near Organs
Sinusitis symptoms are blocked nose and pain in Para-nasal sinuses. Characteristic symptom in chest cold is pain under the breastbone during coughing.
Acute bronchitis may develop as a complication of a chest cold or flu and also is among itchy throat causes. Chronic bronchitis is common in smokers. In both cases, coughing results in dry itchy throat.
Bacterial pneumonia is severe infection of the lungs. Increased frequency of breathing and heartbeat, malaise, chest pain, productive cough and sweating are main symptoms. Treatment is with rest, antibiotics and fluid replacement. Treated pneumonia should resolve within a week.
Atypical pneumonia is caused by viruses or other microbes, such as Mycoplasma pneumonie or Chlamidia psittaci. Insidious onset, low grade fever, dry cough, vague chest pains, and prolonged course are main symptoms. Treatment is with avoiding hard work, and treating the cause.
Tuberculosis, lung parasites, like Echinococcus, or any other lung disease with cough may cause itchy throat.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease, marked by excessive secretion of saliva, sweat and dense bronchial and gastrointestinal secretions. Repeating lung infections and constant productive cough are characteristic. Many children die before adulthood. Treatment includes clearing of airways and fighting with infections.
In pericarditis, inflammation of the heart sac, this may press upon the nerves that innervate the throat and thus irritate it. The same may happen in aneurysm or dissection of the thoracic aorta.
Throat Itch in Systemic Diseases; Throat may be affected in systemic connective tissue diseases, like Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE or vacuities which all are itchy throat causes.
Tumors – Tumors in the pharynx or larynx may cause itchy throat. Small benign tumors are common in singers or other people who speak loudly a lot. Malign tumors are common in adult smokers after 50 years of age. Treatment is by surgical removal of a tumor.
Lymphomas, metastases in neck lymph nodes, or cancers in the neck and chest may also trigger cough.
Disorders in the Neck
Enlarged thyroid or lymph nodes, abscess, tumor, dislodged tissues after an injury, or fibrous tissue after a surgery may press upon the throat from outside and are itchy throat causes as well.
GERD
In gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid from the stomach comes up into the throat and irritates it, causing itching and burning feeling known as heartburn.
Treating of hyper-acidity with anti-acid drugs, or proton pump inhibitors is essential. Eventual underlying infection of the stomach with bacterium has to be considered.
Vomiting
After vomiting, the throat may itch due to irritation by gastric acid. If vomited content is inhaled, it may cause inflammation of the larynx and lungs.

Itchy Throat and Ears at Night

Itchy throat, ears or eyes are quite common symptoms that most people would experience some time in their life. In most cases, these might indicate allergies of some sort. Usually similar symptoms will strike the nose also because the respiratory system is the front line of defense for the body and, when it gets exposed to potential invaders, it will react with defenses of inflammation more often at night.
There can be other causes for these symptoms, however. Inflammation and itching can accompany exposure to seriously harmful chemicals. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses may cause symptoms too. People with allergies are more sensitive to all reactive chemicals and pathogens.
How to Deal with Itchy Throat and Ears
The treatments for itchiness of throat, ears and noses depend on the underlying causes. If your symptoms are due to common cold, it may go away several days without any treatments. However, if allergy is the case, then measures should be taken to help the condition.

• Allergy medications: Your physician may advise the use of medications for treating allergies of the respiratory system. Typical prescriptions include antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, and medications which inhibit leukotrienes.
• Treating underlying causes: Other inflammatory issues can contribute to symptoms of rhinitis. Eczema and asthma will worsen nasal allergies. Inflammation tends to be generalized in the body, so other diseases could be making your symptoms worse.
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots): Your physician will, by injection, expose you to small amounts of the substance to which you are allergic to and gradually desensitize you to the allergen. This therapy is highly effective and practical, especially for allergies to dander from cats, dogs or other pets and pollen allergies.
• Sinus rinsing: Rinsing out the sinuses with a distilled, sterile solution can be an effective home treatment. You can get a Neti pot, which is widely available in health food stores and pharmacies, or use a squeeze bottle. But either way, make sure to use distilled or thoroughly filtered water and clean any nasal irrigation device you choose to use.
• Stay away from allergens: It might be impossible to avoid allergens completely, but the symptoms of itchy throat and ears can be greatly reduced if you stay away from the allergens in the table below.

Why is my Throat Itchy and Making me cough?

An itch in the throat may seem to be a small problem, but it can be extremely irritating when it becomes very frequent. You may feel like scratching your throat because it tickles and itches from inside but no matter how many times you swallow or how much you scratch from the outside, the itch and the discomfort do not seem to pass.
An itchy throat causes become worse even with cough. No matter what you do, getting rid of such an itch can be very difficult as also very frustrating. If the tickling in the throat becomes prickly, it is most usually because of dryness in the throat. Although it is a little annoying, it can be got rid of by keeping the throat moist.
An itchy throat and cough can both be addressed by using the same remedies. Since itchy throat with cough are caused by dryness in the throat, keeping the throat moist can work well for both of them. For a tickle in the throat along with coughing at night, drink a cup of warm ginger tea slowly before you go to bed. Ginger can soothe the throat and can also help with the tickling in the throat and the cough. When you drink this tea, you can be sure of a good night’s sleep.
Lastly, as mentioned earlier, a tickle in throat with cough and allergies warrant a visit to the doctor. In such a case, do not try to self-treat. Instead, go to a doctor to get a full check-up done.

How do you get rid of Scratchy Throat?

A scratchy throat can be a royal pain in the throat. Like blinking, we never notice how much we swallow until we start paying attention to it, and when it hurts. It is kind of difficult not to pay attention. But before you go getting down about how long you’re going to have to suffer with it, consider taking some action-relief may be close than you think.
Throat Lozenge
Most throat lozenges have methanol, an element that’s able to quietly numb your burning throat. Throat lozenges can offer short-term relief from the itchiness and scratchiness. If you’re experiencing a scratchy throat and cough, consider using cough drops and candies. They keep the throat lubricated by raising your saliva production. However, cough drops and candies do not offer a long lasting relief and you may require relief again soon after using them.
OTC Pain Killer
The Center for Disease Control points reveals that, viruses are to blame for the majority of sore throat cases. Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections, rather, the virus runs its full course in you and that’s why over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are important. OTCs like Aleve and Advil can help minimize the soreness and irritation in your esophagus.
Keep Your Body Hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated is crucial when you want to get rid of itchy throat causes. In fact, keeping your throat hydrated is the main goal of most scratchy throat remedies. Dehydration makes your body produce less mucous and saliva than is sufficient to sustain ample natural lubrication to your throat. This worsens the swelling and irritation.
Having a sore throat should prompt you to taking more fluids in order to relieve the prickle. Dehydration causes an already painful situation to be more problematic. Water is great, and so is a warm soup and warm tea.
Switch on the Humidifier
Staying in a dry environment is one of the most common itchy throat causes, particularly when it’s stinging. Turning on the humidifier will add moisture to your room, making the air bearable to the soft throat membranes that need the moistness to remain healthy and make you feel better.

Dry Cough Itchy Throat Home Remedies

You’ve probably had to deal with a dry itchy throat causes at one point in your life. Itchy throats aren’t normally a telltale symptom of a severe condition, more so when it is a combination of scratchy throat and cough. Having a scratching and burning throat can be utterly depressing. Here are ten effective ways to get rid of a scratch throat without immediately rushing to your physician
Gargle Warm Salt Water
When our throats hurt, regardless of what causes it, it’s because the cells in the mucous membranes have become swollen and inflamed. By gargling with salt water you decrease the swelling, as salts primary function is to draw out water, which in turn shrinks the swollen cell and eases the pain. It also helps wash away the excess mucous and allows your stuffy nose to drain properly.
Honey and lemon
Typically a Hot Toddy helps a sore throat -particularly one accompanied by a cold- for 2 reasons. The honey and lemon soothes your throat, while the alcohol helps you sleep. I personally leave the alcohol out of mine as my mother did when she made her version for me growing up. Whether or not you use it is up to you, but keep in mind that steering clear of alcohol when you’re under the weather is usually best.
Mix up an ACV drink
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is probably right up there with garlic but some people swear by it. Its high levels of acidity can kill bacteria quite efficiently, and when mixed with honey it can soothe the soreness in your throat as well.
If you don’t want to swallow it (and it does have a strong taste) try 2 tablespoons of ACV and mix with ½ cup warm water. Gargle once a day.
Suck on Garlic
Garlic is a natural remedy that can kick a sore throat right in its painfully swollen. The reason lies in the garlic’s allicin, a compound that can kill the bacterium that causes strep and fight the germs causing pain and irritation.
Place 1 piece of garlic in your cheek and suck it like a cough drop. Occasionally crush your teeth against it to release the allicin- there’s no need to actually bite it. Try this once daily.
Honey

Enjoying a drop of honey is another remedy for a dry scratchy throat. Taking warm tea that’s honeyed is another way of soothing itchy throat causes. Additionally tea offers another benefit of hydrating your body, which goes a long way to treating an itchy throat. Brew up some tea, your throat needs it.
You can never go wrong with honey when you’re suffering from scratchy throat and cough or other sickness. Research has it that honey is a highly effective cough suppressant and it’s comparable to prescription cough medications.
Steam Shower
A humidifier is not the only thing that can give you moistened air. Giving yourself a steam shower and taking deep breaths of the steam can cool off the swelling membranes, and lessen the scratchiness of your sore throat.
Get Enough Rest
Getting up early and staying up late into the night in order to fulfill the day’s obligations can deny your body precious time to recover. You certainly don’t want that itchy throat to develop into a full-blown flu, right? Then give your body ample time to rest. Apart from taking plenty fluids and eating healthy, also consider staying indoors in the night rather than going out.
Know When to See Your Physician
When you experience serious pain as you swallow, or you start nauseating, or you start to vomit, or if the sore throat progresses into a high fever, then it would be prudent that you pay a visit to your doctor. The dry scratchy throat could be a symptom of a serious condition.
More references

1. Causes of an itchy throat: http://www.healthline.com/symptom/throat-irritation
2. Causes of itching throat and cough: http://www.livestrong.com/article/131278-causes-itching-throat-cough/
3. Itchy throat and ears causes: http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/itchy-throat-and-ears.html

Dry throat is described as a rough, scratchy, sometimes itchy feeling in the throat. The most common cause of dry throat at night is drying out of the mucus membranes, often as a result of exercise, sleeping with your mouth open, breathing through your mouth, living in a dry environment, or simply not drinking enough fluids.

Dry Throat at Night Causes

Dry throat can as well be caused by tobacco or marijuana use, voice strain, vomiting, excessive coughing, throat inflammation, allergies, and, in rare cases, cancers of the throat and esophagus.
You have to look for prompt medical care if you have white patches on your tonsils, a persistent or mucus-producing cough, white patches and redness on your tongue or in your mouth that will not go away, fever, or if you have a feeling of something stuck in the throat that will not go away.
Dry throat at night may accompany other symptoms affecting the respiratory system including:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarse voice
• Pus or white patches covering the tonsils or throat
• Sore throat

Digestive system symptoms that occur along with dry throat

Dry throat may accompany symptoms related to the digestive system including:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Heartburn
• Vomiting

Other symptoms that may occur along with dry throat
Dry throat may accompany symptoms related to other body systems such as the immune system or circulatory system including: Body aches, Blurred or double vision, Difficulty swallowing, Enlarged lymph nodes or structures in the throat, Fatigue, Fever and chills, Low blood pressure or hypotension, and Muscle weakness
In some cases, dry throat at night may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated by a healthcare provider. Have a cause for alarm if you, or someone you are with, have dry throat along with other serious symptoms including:

• Fever
• Pus or white patches covering the tonsils or throat

Dry Throat at Night Causes

Anyone can suffer from the complaint of dry throat that can be induced by weather changes or wind, but chronic dry throat is usually as a result of presence of a disease. Other symptoms that may accompany dry throat include cough, pain in the whole body, nasal drainage, loose stools, nausea, and vomiting and fever. Many home remedies are proved effective to treat dry throat or even over the counter treatments.
A temporary condition such as breathing dry air, dehydration or mouth breathing due to a stuffy nose is often to blame for occasional throat dryness. A persistently dry throat, however, may indicate a case that is more serious. A variety of conditions and situations can cause a dry throat, some more serious than others. Although it may seem like a relatively minor problem, it’s important to see your doctor if you experience a dry throat frequently or persistently.
The causes for dry throat are as follows:
Air Quality
The lining of the nose and throat contain mucus-secreting cells that keep the tissue moist. If you’re breathing unusually dry air, however, lack of moisture could lead to a dry, irritated throat. This situation is common in arid areas. Heated indoor air in the wintertime can cause a similar effect. Exercising in dry air is particularly likely to cause throat dryness as you’re breathing rapidly, often through your mouth.
Smoking and vaping
the two as well can also dry the throat. Breathing hot smoke from a cigarette, cigar, pipe or another smoking device has a drying effect on the throat. Vaping does not involve heated smoke, but the chemicals in the vapor can also be drying to the throat. Other chemical fumes and pollutants might also leave you with a dry, irritated throat.
Mouth Breathing
Air is normally inhaled through the nose and passes through the throat before entering the lungs. This pathway enables warming, sifting and humidification of the air. Mouth breathing bypasses the nose, which can lead to cooler, drier air reaching the throat and lungs, potentially causing a dry throat at night, along with other unpleasant problems such as bad breath and tooth decay.
Mouth breathing is most often due to stuffy nose. Common culprits include; head cold, sinusitis, nasal allergies, and growths in the nose, such as nasal polyps, deviated or thick nasal septum, and enlarged tonsils.
Dehydration
A dry mouth and throat are predictable symptoms of even mild dehydration, which is defined as a 1 to 5 percent deficit in body water. You might notice difficulty swallowing due to this dryness, along with throat irritation. A mild dehydration is very common especially among young children and seniors during the hot summer months. Drinking too much alcohol can also lead to next-day dehydration and throat dryness.
Medical Treatment Side Effects
Medication side effects represent another commonly overlooked cause of dry throat at night. Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer also frequently causes chronic dryness of the mouth or throat. More than 400 drugs are known to potentially cause a dry mouth and throat.
Food/ Drink Intake
Everything you ingest has to travel through the throat. Hence, while looking at the causes of dry throat, it is important to examine what a person is eating or drinking. Dry throat is often associated with the consumption of diuretic substances such as caffeine and alcohol. These substances cause the body to lose increased amounts of water by increasing urination hence dry throat.
Irritation
Irritation is also a very common cause of dry throat. Exposure to dry air can irritate the mucous membrane of the throat and causes loss of water. Irritation can also be caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, dust and other types of air pollutants. Those who develop dry throat due to irritation, the problem are worse in the morning.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Dry throat may also indicate the presence of an underlying illness such as obstructive sleep apnea, which is a type of sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing due to physical obstruction in the airways and also symptoms of snoring and fatigue.
Tonsils Problems
Problems in tonsils such as infections, tumors, abscesses or cancer may create swelling of the tonsils preventing the passage of saliva to the throat, hence leading to dryness in throat.
More Serious Medical Conditions
Dry throat may also occur due to various other illnesses such as allergies, hay fever, and laryngitis. A person suffering from hay fever or allergies also notices other symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and post nasal drip. Similarly, a person suffering from laryngitis has presence of dry cough, hoarseness and pain in throat apart from dry throat at night. Dry throat may also occur as a result of cancer of the salivary glands.
Caution
Some extra water or a humidifier is sometimes all you need to relieve a dry throat. However, there are potentially serious causes and consequences of persistent or frequent throat dryness. The best course of action is a visit to your doctor to get an accurate examination and appropriate treatment.
Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one may be suffering from severe dehydration. Signs and symptoms include dizziness, fainting, lack of sweating, confusion and a rapid heart rate.

Dry Scratchy Throat

Did you know that simple ingredients from the kitchen can help get relief from dry scratchy throat? Here are helpful remedies to treat the throat and various causes behind this symptom. Dry-scratchy throat in itself is a symptom; however, a person might experience other symptoms as well, such as, cough, extreme itching in the throat, throat pain, swollen tonsils, difficulty in swallowing, and hoarse voice
Why dry scratchy voice?
Strain: One common reason for sore throat is straining of the voice box. Talking loudly in a noisy bar or cheering during a sporting event for long can strain your throat. This mostly tends to result in scratchy, dry throat at night along with a hoarse voice.
Cold and Flu Infections: One of the common symptoms of viral infection like cold and flu is sore throat. Apart from this symptom other common symptoms, include nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, etc.
Post-nasal Drip: PND occurs when there is excessive mucus production. This mucus builds up at the back of the throat and nose. This is not a medical condition but rather a symptom pointing towards other conditions like sinusitis, GERD, or other infections.
Unhealthy Habits: Smoking is another common cause that can lead to dry, itchy throat. Also, eating hot and spicy food and eating cold food can result in this condition. Hence, making lifestyle changes can help to get rid of this condition.
Strep Throat: This is a bacterial infection. Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria are responsible for this infection. Apart from a sore throat, other signs and symptoms of this condition include dry throat at night, throat ache, fever, headache, difficulty to swallow, fatigue, etc.
GERD: Gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD is a digestive system disorder. There is a backward flow of stomach acids and occasionally bile towards the food pipe. This causes irritation in the lining of the food pipe, which results in scratchy throat problem.
Habitual cough: mostly observed in children is dry cough that can irritate the throat. Also, dry air is a common culprit of dry-itchy throat.

Dry Throat at Night Difficult Swallowing

Throat dryness can be annoying, particularly if dryness makes swallowing uncomfortable. Identifying the cause of your dry throat will allow you to find an appropriate treatment to restore moisture and resolve underlying issues causing the problem.
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis, commonly called sore throat, occurs when a viral or bacterial infection affects the throat. If you have a sore throat, your throat may hurt and feel dry. Pain may increase when you swallow or talk and you may find that it is difficult. Glands in your neck and jaw may feel sore and painful if you have a sore throat. You may notice pus or white patches on your tonsils, which may appear red.
Sjogren’s syndrome
Throat dryness can be a sign of Sjogren’s syndrome, a chronic disorder that affects the glands. Sjogren’s syndrome normally affects the glands that produce saliva and tears, although the bowel, lung and other organs can be affected. In addition to dry throat, you may also notice that your eyes feel dry or are red. Dryness in the mouth and throat can cause make swallowing chewing and speaking more difficult.
Lack of Humidity
Low humidity, a common problem during the winter months in cold climates, can contribute to throat dryness. Humidity in your home should range between 30 to 50 percent as researchers reveal. When humidity is too low, your skin and moist membranes become dry and itchy. Using a humidifier can help reduce the problem by increasing the moisture level in your home.
Dry Throat Cure
There are many home remedies that people use to treat that tickling feeling in the throat, such as drinking more fluids, humidifying the air or simply resting their throat. But addressing the underlying cause of the irritation may be the best solution to this problem.
Preventive Strategies

Dry or smoky air or other common irritants in the home or work environment can cause your throat to feel itchy or parched, and addressing or removing those irritants is often effective for symptom relief.
Smoke is a very common irritant, so it’s wise to stay away from smoky environments and to avoid smoking. Some people are bothered by pet dander, mold, pollen and dust mites, so keeping your house clean may help.
Finally, if your throat is dry and itchy due to long periods of talking or perhaps cheering during a football game, simple rest may be all your throat needs.
Cough Syrup: Cough syrups provide good relief from cough. There are many types of cough syrups available over-the-counter, you can select cough syrups which are sedative or non-sedative. There are also specific cough syrups available for children and adults. So, read the label properly on the bottle before buying the cough syrup. You can take 1-2 tablespoons of cough syrup, twice a day.
Antihistamines and Painkillers: This remedy is suitable only for adults, and is to be taken if you are suffering from allergies. Buy antihistamines OTC, and take 1 tablet twice in a day. You can also consider taking an OTC pain pill if the throat pain is unbearable.
Lozenges: You can buy some throat lozenges and suck on it for instant relief. There are different flavors of lozenges available. These can easily be carried in your pocket or purse.
Myrrh Gargle: Myrrh is antimicrobial, and soothes the mucus membranes. This remedy also helps to get rid of dry cough. Add ½ teaspoon of Myrrh to 2 cups of lukewarm water, and then gargle with this water and swallow it. Repeat this remedy 3-4 times in a day, till you get better.

When to See a Doctor

If you have an itchy, dry throat at night, there are several ways you can provide soothing relief at home. There are many potential causes of a dry, itchy throat, with most being an annoyance rather than a serious medical condition.
However, if your symptoms are frequent or longstanding, or if accompanied by fever, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or headache, it is probably time to see your doctor and try to figure out the root cause of your discomfort.

Dry Scratchy Throat Home Remedies

Gargling: Salt-water gargling is one of the most effective remedies, and is often suggested by doctors to cure a sore throat. To try this remedy, boil 2 glasses of water with 2 tablespoons of common table salt. Wait till the solution gets lukewarm, and use it for gargling and then spit out the solution. This remedy kills the bacteria in the throat and soothes the throat. You can use this remedy as many times in a day as you feel the need to, but use it at least twice a day.
Lemon-Honey Tea: To make lemon tea, boil 1 cup water for a minute, add 1 teaspoon of green tea to it, and cover it with a lid for a minute. Strain the tea in a cup; add juice of 1 lemon and a spoon of honey to it. Repeat this remedy at least twice a day. Honey will coat the throat and soothe it and reduce the scratchy sensation, and antioxidants in lemon and tea will give a boost to your immune system.
Chicken Soup: You can have clear chicken soup or flavor it with garlic, turmeric, and parsley. The steam from the soup will help clear the congestion and breathe better. Also, chicken soup broth has anti-inflammatory property, which helps soothe the dry and itchy throat.
Licorice: You can buy licorice root from an herbal store. Wash and clean the root. Boil a cup of water and infuse few pieces of the root for a minute. Drain the tea and slowly sip it. It will help to soothe the irritated throat.
Garlic: This scratchy sore throat remedy is not suitable for people who can’t digest hot food. To try this remedy, chew and swallow 2 cloves of garlic. If you find the taste of garlic too hot, take it with a teaspoon of honey. Garlic is antibacterial and will help to cure the throat infection.
Humidifiers
The indoor humidity is often low during cool months due to use of heaters. This can lead to drying and irritation of the throat. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air may relieve a dry throat, especially during sleep. Both cool and warm mist vaporizers soothe and moisturize a dry throat.
Try Herbal Tea
You can also try herbal tea to soothe your dry, scratchy throat as the ingredients present in herbal tea such as chamomile, sage; licorice root and eucalyptus have throat-soothing properties. Another pungent but soothing tea is prepared by simmering scallions and chives in hot water.
Have Hot Drinks
You can relieve dry, scratchy throat by drinking hot liquids such as a cup of green tea or chamomile tea. Both of these teas are excellent to soothe the dryness and irritation in your throat. If your dry throat is also accompanied by cough, addition of a small amount of honey and lemon juice in your tea gives excellent results.
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Mixture
Gargling is the best way to soothe a dry, itchy throat. You can mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and gargle it in your throat. This solution will help kill the bacteria that cause dryness in throat. To further boost the dryness relieving power of this mixture, add honey and sage to it.
 Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is also a good approach to tackle the problem of a dry throat at night. Water acts as a lubricant and moisturizes the dry air passages. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. You can also suck hard candies and eat popsicles to soothe the irritation and moisten the throat.
Practice Breathing Techniques
Dry throat may frequently develop in persons who breathe through their mouth during sleep. Practicing proper breathing techniques after consulting a sleep expert is important in relieving the symptoms of dry throat in such individuals.
Avoid Caffeine and Irritation Source
To prevent dry throat at night you should avoid beverages that contain caffeine as it can cause dehydration and further aggravate the condition. Moreover, exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollutants and chemicals may be risky.
Warnings
See your doctor if you have a fever, cough up blood or if you notice any lumps in neck. Other symptoms that should prompt a trip to your doctor include difficulty swallowing or breathing, whistling or wheezing when you breathe, or hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks.
More references

1. Dry throat: http://www.newhealthguide.org/Dry-Throat.html
2. Causes of dry throat at night: http://www.livestrong.com/article/25383-causes-dry-throat/

Throat mucus, also known as phlegm, can be described as that uncomfortable feeling that you experience when mucus clogs up your throat or drips from the back of your nose. The glands of your throat and nose produce about 1 to 2 litres of mucus per day. This mucus consists of cells that line the sinus passages and has several important functions.
Mucus are very essential as it moistens and cleanses the nasal passages, traps foreign particles, stops them from filtering into the respiratory system, fights infection and humidifies the air. Most times we are not even aware that we swallow mucus.

Symptoms of Throat Mucus & Phlegm

The symptoms for this condition may range from:

• Coughing of Mucus & Phlegm
• Throat Congestion
• Shortness of Breath

Though not always, a little mucus in throat usually doesn’t ruin your day. If you have a chronic problem you may be wondering what the problem is. You may have been told everything from allergies to reflux. While many people suffer from mucus build-up in throat from allergies, sometimes not even antihistamines clear up the problem.
The upper respiratory system is very close to the opening to your digestive system. Excess mucus in throat can either come up from stomach, or nose and sinuses. Even your throat tissues secret mucus to keep it moist. But about persistently excessive mucus in throat, we are going to look on the causes and ways in which they can be controlled.

Excess Mucus in Throat Causes

Throat mucus, or phlegm, can be a result of allergies or a sore throat, but there are numerous reasons for throat mucus, revealing what is going on inside your body. Even when you are healthy, your body is constantly producing mucus. Most of the time, this mucus drips down the back of your throat without you noticing. But during times of illness, that mucus can clog your throat.
Your body doesn’t necessarily produce more mucus when you’re sick, but the consistency of the mucus changes so you begin to notice it. There are many factors that can change the consistency of mucus, like allergies or milk consumption for some people.

Causes of mucus in throat

A thick mucus that may form in your throat simplifies a condition in the digestive system or respiratory system. Here are some of the causes of excessive mucus in the throat:
Post-nasal drip
This is when mucus travels from the back of the nose down the throat. If post-nasal drip occurs after a meal, it could be a result of an allergy, sinusitis, or vasomotor rhinitis.
Cold or flu

Mucus thickens when an infection is in the body, like a cold or flu. Changes in mucus colour can signal a cold or flu as well.
Pregnancy
Congestion, coughing, and sneezing are common during pregnancy along with other morning sickness symptoms. Oestrogen is to blame for mucus in throat during pregnancy.
Seasonal allergies
Something you’re allergic to can change your mucus levels, but the use of antihistamines or the removal of the allergen will make it go away.
Acute bronchitis
This is type of bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is usually caused by a viral infection or sometimes a bacterial infection. Acute bronchitis can be somehow contagious.
Croup: This occurs when the voice box and windpipe widen as a result of a virus.
Epiglottitis: This is a rare, life-threatening condition caused by a viral infection.
Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx caused by a virus.
Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx caused by a bacterial infection.
Pneumonia: Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses due to either a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils caused by an infection.
Tuberculosis: Serious infection of the lungs and other organs.
Other causes: Strep throat, mononucleosis, smoking, air pollution, chemical inhalants, and anxiety.
Foods
Unfortunately, some foods can cause throat mucus, and if you are already dealing with throat mucus, the last thing you want to do is add to the problem. Milk and milk products like yogurt, cottage cheese and butter, cause excess mucus in the throat. These items carry protein molecules called casein that increases secretions of mucus and is difficult to digest.
Along with milk products, caffeine, sugar, salt, non- herbal teas, all create excess mucus. Soy is one of the most mucus making plant foods there is. Those who give up meats and dairy and switch to soy products, have a greater risk of creating an unhealthy mucus build up in the body.
Some of the throat disorders such as tonsillitis, strep throat, catarrh, laryngitis often have symptoms of mucus in the throat. Viral infections such as chicken pox, measles, mononucleosis, whooping cough or croup may also cause throat mucus.
If the throat is irritated by cigarette smoke, polluted air or chemical fumes, mucus can also settle on the lining of the throat and nasal lining. Throat mucus also causes bad breath because it contains high protein content and produces anaerobic bacteria.
Symptoms that can occur with throat mucus
You can experience other accompanying symptoms depending on the cause of the mucus in throat. Usually, mucus in throat is a result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The symptoms may include fever, chills, congestion, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, headache, and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of throat mucus alone are phlegm, throat congestion, shortness of breath, and coughing out mucus and phlegm.
Foods that relieve or cause excessive mucus in throat
Some foods can contribute to throat mucus and other foods can help relieve it. Although every person is different and may have their own unique triggers, here are some of the common foods to avoid with mucus in the throat, and foods to enjoy as they can help reduce mucus:

• Dairy products like milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese
• High-fat red meat and processed meat
• Gluten products – especially in people with a gluten allergy
• Alcohol
• Caffeine – particularly the variety found in soda
• Fruits and vegetables, like bananas, cabbage, and potatoes
• Foods that relieve mucus:
• Fruits and vegetables like garlic, celery, onions, parsley, winter squash, berries, oranges, greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and peppers
• Chicken soup
• Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, lake trout, and herring
• Olive oil

Excessive mucus in throat every morning

Waking up each day with mucus in throat may be due to a few different reasons. For starters, mucus in throat in the morning could be a result of an infection or allergy, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or it could be a sign of congestive heart failure.
Congestive heart failure, can cause daily mucus in throat each morning, because the heart has a difficult time moving high amounts of blood through the body, causing fluid build-up. This fluid accumulates in the lungs, especially when a person is lying flat throughout the night. The result is a wet cough in the morning or throughout the night.
Excessive mucus in throat after eating
There are numerous reasons for experiencing mucus in throat after eating, including food allergies, post-nasal drip, medication side effects, chronic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, being a heavy smoker, and viral or bacterial infections.
In order to reduce mucus in throat after a meal, increase your fluid intake to help loosen up mucus, inhale steam after your meal, avoid foods you’re allergic to, gargle lukewarm water with salt, drink herbal tea after the meal, and stop smoking or begin to cut back.

Severe excessive mucus in throat conditions

The colour of your mucus in throat is a strong indicator of how severe the health problem is. Generally, thin and clear is the safest, and other colours could indicate a particular infection. Here are some guidelines to know when mucus in throat is a serious issue.
Thin and clear: Sign of cold or allergies, it could also be a sign of medication side effect or a reaction to certain food.
Thick and coloured: If mucus is very thick, it could be a sign of dryness, which can be caused by heating systems. If mucus appears green, yellow, or brownish, it could indicate a bacterial infection.
Rattling sound in chest: If mucus is dripping down to your chest, it may be difficult to swallow and may cause a “rattling” sound, which may be pointing to pneumonia.
Burning sensation: If mucus is burning, it could be a result of a heartburn or GERD.
Paying attention to your mucus can help offer insights into your overall health and give you indications on how to treat the mucus.

How to get rid of Thick Mucus in Throat

As horrible as thick, sticky mucus is, it actually serves a vital function in the body. Mucus lines the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and gastrointestinal tract helping to lubricate these surfaces, while acting as a filter to remove unwanted substances before they enter the body. It also contains antibodies and enzymes that help the body recognize and kill invaders like bacteria and viruses.
However, nipping the underlying cause of excessive mucus in throat is vital to normalize production, these natural remedies will help you manage your streaming or stuffy nose and congested chest in the meantime.
Blow Your Nose Properly
Probably the most obvious way to clear mucus from the nasal passages is to blow your nose! You have to make sure you do it correctly or it may cause more problems, according to some experts. Clear only one nostril at a time, blowing gently. (Blowing too hard can cause small openings in the sinus areas and can force irritants and bacteria further back into the body.)
Drink Warm Liquids
Always make sure to stay hydrated with warm drinks while you’re under the weather. Not only will they provide you with some degree of comfort, but warm water, herbal teas and lemon water help to loosen the mucus in the chest and nasal passages.
When researchers tested the effects of hot and cold drinks on flu sufferers, they found that those who drank a hot beverage experienced ‘immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose’ as well as a reduction in coughing, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and tiredness.
Inhale Steam
Used to enhance health for thousands of years, steam therapy is both effective and completely safe. Breathing in steam serves to loosen up the mucus and phlegm so they can move out of your body more quickly. To make a steam bowl, boil water in a pot or kettle and transfer immediately to a large, heat proof bowl. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl, positioning the towel to keep in as much steam as possible. Breathe in the vapours for up to ten minutes.
If this seems like too much effort, a steamy shower twice a day will also provide some relief.
Raise the Humidity
Adding extra moisture to the air in your home will help to thin out mucus in the nose and phlegm in the chest. This can be achieved by using either a warm-mist or a cool-mist humidifier although the cool-mist is a better option. Firstly, it’s safer, particularly if you have children or pets; and is more cost-effective, using less energy than the warm-mist version.
Keeping the machine clean is of the utmost importance though, as the growth of bacteria and moulds will only serve to exacerbate your condition, and contribute to further mucus formation. Wipe it down every day with a solution of vinegar, water and tea tree oil.
Apply Warm Compresses
To help loosen mucus further, allowing it to drain out of the nose, place a warm compress on the affected areas. Simply wet a small towel with very warm water (or zap a damp washcloth in the microwave for 30 seconds). Lay this gently over the eyes, nose and cheeks and leave for three minutes.
Repeat this procedure two to six times a day until all the mucus has cleared.
Diffuse Essential Oils
With their strong aromas and antimicrobial properties, essential oils can be a powerful therapeutic tool when clearing away mucus and phlegm.
Some of the most potent mucus fighting oils include:

• Eucalyptus– antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant.
• Tea tree– an effective antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic.
• Peppermint– helps to open nasal passages.
• Thyme – powerful antiseptic and great for colds, flu and chills.
• Basil – an antiseptic that helps open nasal passages.
• Rosemary– an antiseptic that helps open nasal passages.
• Pine – decongestant and antimicrobial.
• Lavender– antihistamine, antiseptic and antimicrobial.
• Chamomile – relieves and soothes congestion.

Add a few drops of a single oil, or a blend of the above oils, to your diffuser or oil burner and allow them to waft through the room.
You could also take a steamy bath scented with the oils, or shake a few drops on a tissue and hold it in front of your nose, being careful to avoid contact with the skin. At night time, sprinkle some on your pillow to loosen mucus as you snooze – lavender is particularly effective as it also encourages a restful sleep.
Gargle
If the phlegm is especially concentrated in your throat, then gargling with salt and warm water can be helpful. This remedy creates a high-salt barrier which works to pull out fluids from the tissues in the throat area, helping to remove mucus, irritants and infections. You should also enjoy a noticeable reduction in inflammation, pain and mucus after gargling.
Dissolve a teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt (or sea salt) in a cup of hot water. Allow to cool slightly and then gargle with this solution. Repeat several times a day for continued relief.
Adjust Your Pillows
Sleeping with an elevated head is a great way to relieve congested nasal passages and enjoy a good night’s sleep – which is vital for helping your body deal with infection.
By sleeping this way, you’ll also be preventing the congestion from going to your lungs which can lead to an annoying and painful cough; and you should even experience relief from tinnitus – one of the side effects of a stuffy nose and head.
Some people may find sleeping with two pillows too uncomfortable. A good trick in this case is to place the additional pillow between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.
Limit Exposure to Irritants
A stuffy or runny nose can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues, which is why it’s important to become aware of your triggers and avoid them where possible.
For many people, that includes smoke – from cigarettes or open fires, strong chemical fumes, or sudden temperature changes. Other pollutants that contribute to mucus formation include exhaust fumes, smog, dust, pet dander and moulds.

Sticky Mucus in Throat won’t go away

Mucus in the throat that won’t go away or that you can’t get rid of as many people state is a common happening. Throat clearing and mucus in the throat that will not go away is associated with stomach acid coming up into the back of the throat, as many doctors may reveal.

Causes of mucus in throat that won’t go away

• People with this form of acid reflux do not typically experience the typical reflux symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. The body has one protective mechanism to acid in the back of the throat, which is mucus. Therefore, that thick mucus in the throat that you experience and cause you problems to clear throat almost constantly in some cases is the one we are talking of.
• Allergies such as sneezing, mucus running and dripping from nose and itching, can be automatically treated using allergy medication. By using these treatment you will not treat that thick protective mucus in the throat causing the need to clear the throat.

How to get rid of stubborn mucus in the back of the throat

Research shows that you can start by reducing having your meals three hours before bed and cutting down on highly acidic foods. If this fails adequately you can try an over the counter treatment until the symptoms resolve, and then continue to focus on dietary treatment measures to keep the reflux from happening.

What Clears up Sticky Mucus in Back of Throat

When a foreign body, say a virus or some allergen enters our nose, the body reacts back by producing antibodies. The mucoid secretion, which we see is a mixture of this allergen plus the antibody produced, contained in a thick sticky substance. As the allergic or infectious process gets alright, the mucoid snot also gradually go away. This is a normal process.
In some individual, excess of mucus is produced. Also, drainage may not be adequate. This leads to blocked sinuses and sticky throats.

Steps to clear away thick mucus

You need to clear this sticky phlegm. Following steps and a little change in diet may help you do so-

• Salt water gargling, at least thrice a day would help clearing the phlegm. You need to do them regularly for 15 days to get results.
• Drink a lot of water. A thick sticky mucous may imply that you are not sufficiently hydrated. Taking water would help in thinning of this Flem.
• To open up your nostrils and sinuses, take steam inhalation. You may use Vicks vapour rub along with it. Do this before bedtime and when you get up. If required, repeat it in the daytime too. Try to breathe through the nose, if possible.
• Make a habit of gently blowing off your nose in the morning.
• Some food stuff aid in mucous formation. You may avoid them for some time. They are- fried stuff, refined foods, dairy food and heavy meals.
• Fresh fruits would be beneficial for you. Add prune or apple juice.

More references

1. Mucus build up in throat: http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Mucus-Buildup-in-Throat.html
2. What is mucus: http://www.everydayhealth.com/mucus/guide/

What causes white spots in throat? Get insights on the reasons for white spots on back of throat, on tonsils, pictures, how to get rid of and treatment.

White Spots in Throat – Overview

Having white spots or patches in your throat can be disconcerting, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms. White areas located in a throat can indicate a number of medical conditions, ranging from the development of oral yeast to bacterial infections.
Conditions associated with white spots in the mouth or throat should not be ignored, as they can show a serious threat to your health. Always visit a doctor when you have these spots in your throat, particularly is there are many other symptoms associated to it.
There are several conditions that may result to white spots in your mouth or throat to be specific. Some of this conditions are harmful and may be severe if left untreated. In other cases the condition may soon disappear without you having to attend to it or visiting a doctor.
The white patches may be a sign of infections as well. The infections may range from bacterial, fungal or viral as the symptoms may reveal of after the doctor carrying out a test. Here we are going to look at some of the infections that may bring trouble to your throat and their underlying causes.

What Causes White Spots in Throat?

Tonsillitis
The tonsils are tissues located in the back of the throat. These structures are part of the lymphatic system, which helps to remove toxins from the body. When normal, tonsils have the same color as the one in the throat and can barely be seen if not infected since they are flat. If you have tonsillitis the tonsils will develop white patches.
Tonsillitis is a condition where tonsils are inflamed. They may be swollen and cause a number of other symptoms, including a sore throat, painful swallowing, a stiff neck, headache, and a scratchy voice. You may also develop a fever. This condition can be controlled by use of antibiotics if the underlying cause is bacterial infection. If you have recurring tonsillitis you may need a surgery.
Oral thrush
This is a yeast infection in the mouth caused by fungus. It commonly affects babies, people with poor immune function and those on certain medications. It causes white spots to form in the mouth, on the tongue and in the throat. Oral thrush can even spread into the esophagus in severe infections. Other signs of thrush are cracked mouth corners, bright red tongue, trouble swallowing, poor taste sensation and pain. Antifungal medications are used to treat this condition.
Strep throat
This is a contagious infection caused by bacteria and is can as well be noticed with white spots in throat. This painful condition causes swollen tonsils with white areas and pus. Red spots on the roof of the mouth and in the throat can also be seen. Strep throat usually causes considerable pain and makes swallowing difficult. Other symptoms associated with strep throat may include high fever and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw. Although strep throat can resolve on its own, antibiotics can speed up the healing process and reduce your risk of spreading the infection to other people.
Mononucleosis
It is a viral infection that commonly affects teens and children. This problem can cause sore throat fever, swollen glands under your jaw and swollen tonsils. You may notice white or yellowish spots form in the back of your throat or on your tonsils as well as fatigue, drowsiness, decreased appetite, rash and general aching pain throughout the body.
Treatment includes anti-inflammatory and relieving medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve body aches, fever and sore throat. Symptoms of this problem can last for several months.
Oral leukoplakia
This is a condition that occur with white spots in the mouth caused by chronic skin irritation. Also you may notice white spots in throat in severe cases. This conditions may result from frequent use of tobacco. In few cases, oral leukoplakia may become cancerous. White spots from this condition may resolve if the source of irritation is removed, although moderate serous conditions may require surgical operation.
Other causes of white spots
White spots in your throat are not always due to infection. They may develop from post- nasal drip, dry air or in response to allergies. Also food particles may also stick in the throat forming white patches as well.
See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment instructions if you have white spots in your throat.

White Spots in Back of Throat

White patches at the back of your throat or on your tonsils can be signs of a problem. Usually these patches are irritating or painful, and sometimes the pain is worse with swallowing or on coming into contact with acidic foods. In addition to infection. Sometimes these white spots in throat can be a result of an injury from chemical exposures.
Most commonly, throat white spots will be accompanied by a sore throat and other symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, fever, nasal congestion, sinus pain or pressure, body aches and pains, or problems with swallowing and eating.
A common bacterial infection that may result in white spots in the throat is strep throat, an infection caused by streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is a common and contagious illness that results in a tender and painful sore throat accompanied by fever and other symptoms. Also, infectious mononucleosis is a known viral infection that may result in white spots in throat.
You may also have a whitish spots throat due to leukoplakia which is a precancerous condition that most often occurs on the tongue or lining of the cheek. This condition also appears as white spots inside the mouth and throat, hence it is caused by chronic irritation rather than infection.
White patches caused by infectious disease will usually require the full course of medical treatment of the causative disorder before the patches themselves disappear. Seek immediate medication if you have white spots at the back of your throat or on your tonsils, so that you can begin treatment.
While these spots in themselves are not life threatening, complications of the related throat infection can be. Treatment is very important in these cases for serious symptoms, such as choking or severe difficulty breathing, which may be combined with pale or blue lips, rapid heart rate, and anxiety, high fever, sudden swelling of the tongue or throat structures such as tonsils and lymph nodes.
Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness, or a change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions.

White Spots Throat Infection

It is a common case that white spots in the throat especially if you haven’t dealt with them before. It you notice something like that, don’t panic and study available material on the topic. This article is for everyone, who wonders which medical condition white spots discovered in your throat may indicate.
The possible infections that may cause white patches in the throat may include sore throat, tonsillitis, leukoplakia, strep throat and many others.

White spots on Tonsils Causes

If you have white spots on tonsils, you are probably wondering why they are there and whether you should be concerned. For a person who has never seen such a problem present itself before, the appearance of these white spots can be quite alarming.
You really want to know whether there are any effective home remedies that can sometimes deal with the problem. If this is the case, you will be glad to find that here we discuss well known causes of these white spots in throat and hoe to treat them.
If the symptoms are very severe or persistent, you should see your doctor to be examined at the earliest time possible. This is because white spots on the tonsils can sometimes be a symptoms of a problem that only professional medical attention can resolve.
In other cases, home treatments can be helpful in soothing your symptoms until you can get to the doctor. If the white spots are caused by something less serious, then it is possible that the home remedies could even solve the problem.

What is meant by tonsils?

The tonsils are comprised of four parts; the adenoid tonsil, lingual tonsil, the two palatine tonsils, and two tubal tonsils. The two palatine tonsils are what you probably think of when hearing the word “tonsils”. The palatine tonsils are located at the both sides of the back of the throat. They are lymphatic materials.
White spots can appear on the tonsils for many different reasons. They can occur in the presence or in the absence of pus, breathing difficulty, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, pain and swelling.

What may result to white spots on tonsils?

• One possible cause of white spots on the tonsils is a condition called tonsillitis. This condition is caused by a virus infection, but occasionally has its root on bacterial infection. A sore throat is the most common symptom of tonsillitis. Other signs may include swelling, pain and redness of the tonsils. Also, the tonsils may be coated with white patches, or have spots full of pus on them. These are white spots in throat that you see, and also expect to have fever, ear pain, coughing, headache, nausea, and fatigue. The lymph nodes may swell and become painful.
• Another possible cause of white spots on the tonsils is strep throat. It is caused by bacteria called streptococcus and has symptoms such as inflammation and throat pain. Strep throat often includes symptoms such as loss of appetite, very sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, sudden onset of fever, child, and headache. Your throat might look red while you have pus streaks or stripes on your tonsils and throat.
• We all have candida in our bodies, but when it overgrows it causes white patches. Oral thrush is most likely to occur in people who have HIV, diabetes, and cancer, and in pregnant women and children. With oral thrush, the white patches may be on the tongue, tonsils, and other areas of the mouth. If the whiteness is scraped off, the area will probably be very red.
• Leukoplakia is another common cause of white spots in throat and tonsils to be exact. It involves having patches of thick white material on areas such as your tongue, bottom of your mouth, your gums, and the insides of the cheeks. This material can also form on the tonsils and in the throat. The white patches can be sort of grayish in color, and you will find them impossible to wipe away. Leukoplakia can be an early warning sign of cancer, but most cases are not cancer related. When leukoplakia is a warning sign of cancer, there are often red spots on the white patches.
• If you have white bumps on your tonsils, you might have tonsil stones. Tonsil stones are hard white spots on the tonsils. They might be easily visible on the tonsils, or they could be within the tonsil folds. Tonsil stones occur when dirt, mucous, dead cells, foods, or bacteria becomes trapped on the tonsil groves or pockets, and then calcifies. One symptom of tonsil stones is very bad breath. Others can include chronic tonsillitis, difficulties in swallowing, sore throat, swelling of the tonsils that results from inflammation caused by the debris and ear pain.
• Although it is rare, oral cancer can be a cause of white spots on the tonsils. Make sure to consult your doctor about the white spots that are worrying you. Some of the symptoms that often arise when oral cancer is present include: the presence of a lump within your mouth or neck, hoarseness of the voice that is long- lasting, swallowing, chewing, or speaking problems, bleeding and numbness of the mouth, loss of weight, swelling of the lymph nodes, ulcers difficulty in jaw movement, loose teeth, and white spots in throat.
• Mononucleosis is a viral infection. The virus which most often causes mono is the Epstein –Barr virus. Mono is especially common in young people. Mono can cause white patches and pus on the throat and tonsils. Mono’s most common symptoms include white patches in the throat and on the tonsils, muscle aches and weakness, loss of appetite, sore throat, swelling of the neck, the groin, and the lymph glands of the area, headache, skin rash and others.

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils
All these conditions are treatable if they are noticed or diagnosed early and treatment to follow immediately thereafter. Other conditions may go away on their own without treatment if not in severe cases. Home remedies can as well be used to alleviate the symptoms while waiting to see your doctor, but you really need to see a medical professional as soon as you can.

White Spots in Throat not Strep

You may have numerous symptoms that suggest you have a strep throat, but when you go for a test it comes negative. There are numerous throat problems that may occur with presence of white spots in the throat and not be due to a sore throat.
Some of other conditions that may cause this condition may include; tonsillitis, oral thrush, tonsil stones, mononucleosis, diphtheria, vicent’s angina, viral pharyngitis and pus cells on tonsils, white patches on tonsils cancer, white patches on tonsils STD, herpes, HIV, gonorrhea, or white patch tonsil after tonsillectomy.

White spots in Throat STD

This real and true, that those white patches in your throat could be caused or as a result of STDs. The cases of white spots due to sexually transmitted diseases is a rare case though. White specks are caused by or bacterial infection such as strep or cold flu. Oral sex or kissing doesn’t cause white dots on tonsils either.
Although, symptoms of gonorrhea infections include redness and swelling and in some cases accompanied by ooze of white spots on tonsils or throat. Since gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, the bacteria might as well grow in the mouth and spreads on the tonsils.
If you are infected with syphilis, you are likely to get sore throat. The sores appear with white spots in throat or sometime with yellow patches that appear like patches.
People with HIV can get thrush or candidiasis: common opportunistic infection that affects the patient due to weakened immune system. When it infects the mouth, it spreads deeper into the throat. White spots can be seen on the tonsil which causes pain when swallowing of food and even saliva.

How to Get Rid of White Spots in Throat

The home remedies described below will help you to alleviate the symptoms connected to your white spots in throat. This can be useful in helping you get through until you can see the doctor. They might even resolve the problem by themselves depending on the cause of your white spots.

Home Remedies

1. Honey and lemon juice

Mix a bit of honey into some lemon juice and water, and sip the solution slowly. This will help to soothe the throat. Honey and lemon also have antibacterial properties. You should do this a few times a day.
Cut down on your sugar intake: reduce your intake of sugary foods. This is especially helpful when the cause of white spots is thrush [candidiasis].

2. Gargle with warm salty water

Gargling with a warm saline solution will help to soothe your throat, and to fight bacteria. Make sure to gargle with this solution several times per day [in the morning, after you eat each meal, and before you go to sleep]

3. Stop use of tobacco and alcohol

Staying away from alcohol and cigarettes will help your body resolve the problem.

4. Warm chicken broth

Chicken broth will help to soothe the tonsils and throat. Chicken broth is also thought to boost the immune system.

5. Warm water

Sip warm water to help soothe the area. You should do this throughout the day.

6. Chamomile tea with honey

Chamomile tea and honey will soothe the area, and honey has anti- bacterial properties.

7. Ice pops

If you are experiencing swelling, eating ice pops will help. Do not eat ice cream, as the dairy in it will increase your production of mucus.

8. Cold compress

Holding a cold compress on your neck can help to bring down swelling. If the white spots in throat are associated with swelling of the tonsils, this will help bring down the swelling of the tonsils.

9. Avoid contact with potential irritants

Some throat infections are caused by pollution of the environment. It is good to avoid having to breathe strong perfumes or cigarette smoke. They will cause you to develop problems with your throat.

10. Use a humidifier

Using humidifier will keep a strong level of moisture in the air, and this will help to soothe the affected area.

11. Rest

Getting enough rest will help make your body and immune system better able to handle the problem.

12. Drink lots of water

Make sure to drink plenty of water, especially after you have eaten. This will help to prevent debris becoming caught in the throat.

13. Follow doctor’s prescription

It is important to take medication as prescribed by the doctor. Anti- inflammatory such as ibuprofen will help to reduce pain and swelling.

14. Throat lozenges

Can help eliminate white spots in throat. Suck on the throat lozenges you can find at any drugstore or grocery store.

15. Oregano oil

Swallow a very small dose of oregano oil every day, with plenty of water. It has anti-fungal properties and candida is a fungus that it handles. It can also be helpful for bacterial and viral infections, as it also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

16. Garlic

Garlic is one of nature’s most potent anti-bacterial substances. Cook and mash up some garlic and eat as much as you can every day, mixing it with other foods if you like. If you are worried about bad breath, then take garlic capsules.

17. Baking soda

Mix a little bit of baking soda into warm water, and gargle with the solution. You should do several times a day, preferably in the morning after each time you eat, and at night before you go to bed.