DR Zoe Williams, our resident specialist and NHS GP, shares her expert advice with our readers.
Here she helps a reader who has been suffering with a dry throat for a year.
Q) I HAVE had a dry throat for over a year and a half and nothing will shake it off.
A) A dry throat lasting over a year can be caused by several factors.
Saliva, which lubricates the mouth and throat, is produced less when you haven’t sufficiently hydrated yourself by taking in enough fluids.
Dry air, especially when the central heating is on in winter, can contribute to throat dryness, as can allergies.
Have you tried using antihistamines or a steroid nasal spray?
If not, then a trial of these from the pharmacist may be worth a try.
A pharmacist may help with a congested nose, which could also be causing you to breathe through your mouth and make your throat dry.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is when acid reflux from the stomach can irritate the oesophageal, causing throat dryness.
Meanwhile, conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome or thyroid issues and medications, especially antihistamines or blood pressure drugs, can lead to persistent dryness.
So as you can see, it’s important to consult your GP for a thorough evaluation and review.
In the meantime, stay hydrated, try using a humidifier, and avoid irritants like smoke.
I understand readers’ frustrations trying to get GP appointments.
Please persist, as your problem is important.
If you are willing to give information to receptionists, they can triage you to the best member of the care team, which might not be a GP.
You can order repeat prescriptions via the NHS app or your GP surgery’s website.
