Many often have dryness in the nasopharynx, but not everyone knows what to do and how to eliminate discomfort. Usually they do not give special attention to such symptoms, but this is wrong, since a similar problem can be a sign of many diseases. Be sure to be able to distinguish between the degree of danger of this symptom.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of the problem in a timely manner and conduct comprehensive treatment to prevent the development of dangerous complications.
Possible reasons
Often, dryness in the nasopharynx occurs during prolonged conversation or when breathing through the mouth. However, far from always this problem worries a person for physiological reasons. This symptomatology can also be a sign of a dangerous disease.
Tissues of the nasopharynx are moistened all the time, which helps to prevent drying out, the occurrence of damage, as well as provide the required level of protection against pathogens.
The irritating effect of environmental factors leads to disruption of the functioning of the glands, deterioration of vascular tone and the accumulation of dust, as well as pathogens on the nasal mucosa. With dryness in the nasopharynx, the risk of infection of the mucosa increases several times.
To determine the main causes of the problem, you need to contact the otolaryngologist. After a full examination, the doctor will be able to correctly diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment.
Physiological factors
There are many causes of dryness in the nasopharynx, which depend on the influence of external factors, the presence of bad habits, and environmental indicators. These include:
- air quality, temperature;
- irritating substances;
- certain foods;
- mouth breathing;
- taking certain medications.
The cause of dryness in the nasopharynx can be frost or dry weather. In addition, a similar problem can arise with the onset of the heating period, when it is very difficult to maintain an optimal level of humidity in the apartment.
The consumption of coffee can dry the throat, since this drink is characterized by a diuretic effect. This also applies to tea, because it also contains a lot of caffeine. It is worth avoiding the consumption of pickles.
If a person treats rhinitis with various drugs, including vasoconstrictive nasal drops, then the body gradually gets used to such treatment, as a result of which the self-cleaning function stops working normally. This leads to frequent drying of the nasopharynx.
Discomfort at night can be triggered by snoring. Often a similar problem is observed in people suffering from nasal congestion. The nasopharynx can dry out due to the individual anatomical features of the human body, for example, curvature of the nasal septum.
Possible diseases
If dryness occurs in the nasopharynx, what is the cause of this disease? This must be known to prevent the development of dangerous complications. Among the provoking factors, the following should be highlighted:
- thinning of the mucosa;
- goiter formation;
- allergies
- tumors;
- throat or larynx cancer.
When the mucous membrane is thinning, the patient, as a rule, feels not only severe dryness in the throat, but also in the mouth and nose. This feature is typical mainly for older people and children. Dryness can occur due to excessive production of thyroid hormones. This leads to a deterioration in the digestive process and a decrease in salivation.
If a feeling of perspiration is attached to dryness in the nasopharynx, a cough is observed, this can indicate an allergy to a certain irritant, in particular, such as plant pollen, animal hair, dust.
Swelling of the mucous membrane and dryness can provoke purulent inflammation, tumors and infectious processes in the pharynx. This is due to the fact that saliva cannot normally irrigate the throat.
Dries heavily in the throat with pharyngitis, the cause of which is inflammation, thinning of the mucosa under the influence of viruses and bacteria. With the occurrence of acute pharyngitis, a cough may be completely absent. The chronic form of the disease is often accompanied by severe attacks.
Dry throat can occur due to pharyngomycosis. This is a fungal lesion that spreads to the larynx, vocal cords and provokes candidal laryngitis.
A feeling of dryness in the nasopharynx occurs with rhinopharyngitis. This is a disease caused by inflammation of the nose and throat. In this case, there is a sensation of a coma in the throat, drying out in the throat, dry nose, degenerative atrophic changes.
Discomfort can cause xerostomia. This is a disease characterized by inadequate salivation and excessive function of the salivary glands. Basically, it precedes diabetes and Parkinson's disease. In addition, it is noted with anemia, hypertension, diarrhea, dehydration.
Symptoms similar to tonsillitis and pharyngitis are noted with acute infections, in particular with measles. This disease occurs in children and adults and develops mainly if the person is not vaccinated against measles. Usually it proceeds very brightly, with severe symptoms and a strong rash. However, the disease can be completely asymptomatic.
The cause of dry nasopharyngeal mucosa can be diseases of the teeth and gums. In addition, a similar problem is observed in people with prostheses. All this is accompanied by the presence of a metallic taste in the mouth, a burning tongue, a change in taste.
Main symptoms
Dry throat and nasopharynx cause significant discomfort. In addition, this can cause many complications. It all starts with difficulty breathing, then a person feels a stuffy nose on one side. If the disease proceeds in an advanced stage, then the sense of smell may disappear. In addition to the above, such signs are observed:
- cracks in the mucosa;
- headache;
- snore;
- cough (especially in children);
- colds
- dry crust formation in the nasal passages.
Symptoms may increase significantly when talking, constantly inhaling cold or dusty air. If the main provoking factor is not eliminated in time, then the mucous membrane undergoes atrophy over time, becomes much thinner and loses its basic physiological functions.
Sneezing, dry nose, nasal congestion with swelling of the tissues can be a sign of rhinitis. Subsequently, rhinorrhea begins to develop and nose breathing is difficult.
As a result of the drying of the mucosa, a fairly frequent infection and a gradual change in the normal microflora of the nasopharynx are observed. During the examination, the doctor can detect dried mucosa, swelling, thinning of tissues, irritation. Minor hemorrhages are sometimes observed. There are no obvious signs of inflammation.
Based on each case, the symptoms may be somewhat different, which is why it is only necessary to consult a doctor about the causes and treatment of dryness in the nasopharynx.
When to see a doctor
To eliminate the causes of dryness in the nasopharynx, treatment must necessarily be comprehensive. The doctor selects it separately for each patient, depending on the provoking factor. Basically, many do not take the discomfort seriously. Despite this, after a while the unpleasant symptoms begin to intensify more and more, which makes you turn to the doctor. Be sure to visit a doctor if there are such signs:
- burning and sore throat;
- temperature rise;
- cough;
- weakness;
- labored breathing.
The doctor will prescribe a diagnosis that will help determine the cause of the discomfort and prescribe the required treatment.
Diagnostics
What to do with dryness in the nasopharynx? This can only be determined by a qualified specialist after a comprehensive diagnosis. Initially, the doctor conducts a survey of the patient and his examination, which allows you to somewhat systematize existing complaints.
You should also check for bacteria, fungi, or viruses. That is why, for the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes:
- laryngeal smear intake;
- pharyngoscopy;
- ultrasound diagnostics of the thyroid gland;
- comprehensive examination of the oral and nasal cavity.
Then, on the basis of the data obtained, consultation of specialists such as:
- otolaryngologist;
- endocrinologist;
- otolaryngologist;
- gastroenterologist.
In some cases, if there is dryness and pain in the nasopharynx, additional research methods may be required to make the correct diagnosis and find the appropriate treatment.
Treatment features
Often, dryness in the nasopharynx and nose provokes an acute rhinitis. Already the initial stage of this disease provokes discomfort and itching. After a lump begins to be felt in the throat, after a while, mucus begins to stand out from the nose . As a result of this, breathing is significantly difficult.
The main fight against the existing disease should be aimed at eliminating the root cause of the violation. For treatment, it is recommended to use vasoconstrictive nasal drops, however, it is important to carefully follow the instructions so as not to provoke a deterioration in well-being.
No less unpleasant disease is chronic rhinitis. This stage of the disease occurs due to not fully cured rhinitis. Symptoms are no different from the course of an acute stage.
A whole range of measures is required to eliminate the existing problem. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of an otolaryngologist. It is also necessary to keep the living and working premises clean and regularly air them. It is also advisable to periodically flush the nasal passages with saline 3 times daily.
Dryness is sometimes observed in the nasopharynx during pregnancy. As a rule, no special medical treatment is required, but it is still recommended that you see a doctor.
If dry throat occurs when pathogenic viruses and bacteria enter the body, then doctors most often prescribe antibiotics or antiviral agents. To choose the right drug, a diagnosis is initially performed to determine the type of infection.
Among other popular methods of therapy, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- laser therapy;
- mineral therapy;
- organotherapy;
- ozone therapy.
If a person has a weakened immune system, then the doctor can prescribe herbal medicine, which implies treatment with herbal components. These techniques help to eliminate discharge from the nasopharynx and restore the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
The treatment process includes the saturation of the body with useful vitamins and minerals. In addition, traditional medicine is widely used.
If dryness and burning in the nasopharynx were provoked by external exposure to dust or other substances, then it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning in the house as often as possible, to consume more liquid.
Drug therapy
The treatment of dryness in the nasopharynx is selected depending on the provoking factor. The discomfort itself is eliminated quite simply. To do this, use the following tools:
- nasal drops;
- pills and lozenges for the throat;
- ointments.
As a drop in the nose, absolutely any remedy based on sea salts or saline solution ("Sinomarin", "Aquamaris") is suitable. The named drugs should be dripped every time before bedtime and 1-2 times during the day. The dosage is no more than 1-2 drops in each nostril.
Lollipops and pills for the throat (Tonsilgon, Natursept, Bobs, Strepsils) are selected taking into account the characteristics of each particular case. It is worth noting that only a doctor must select them, who also selects the dosage of the drug.
To eliminate dryness in the nasopharynx, sprays ("Rint", "Olifrin") are used, which include vegetable oils or honey. They have good antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, eliminate inflammation.
Ointments ("Vibrocil", "Evamenol", "Aquamaris") moisturize the mucous membrane and make it much softer, and also contribute to its complete healing.
Folk techniques
Traditional medicine involves the use of many different recipes to help get rid of this problem. One of the most effective ways to moisten a dried nasopharynx is called by doctors the consumption of warm drinks. Especially useful in complex therapy are teas made from oregano, thyme, lemon balm. To sweeten the drink and diversify the taste, it is recommended to add honey to it.
For diseases of the throat, natural apple cider vinegar is also widely used. For this, 1 tbsp. l This product must be diluted in 1 tbsp. water and apply to rinse. The solution not only helps moisturize the throat, but also adversely affects bacteria, and also eliminates mucosal irritation. To eliminate dryness in the nasopharynx, treatment with folk remedies is recommended to be used in combination with drug therapy.
Maintaining a microclimate in the house
If dryness and burning in the nasopharynx are often observed, it is very important to maintain an optimal microclimate in the house. Airing the apartment must be daily, at least 10-15 minutes. It all depends on the weather. It is important to humidify the air in the apartment, as this will prevent drying out of the nasopharyngeal mucosa.
To maintain an optimal level of humidity in the house, it is recommended to use a special humidifier or use much simpler, folk methods. To do this, place water containers around the room, hang wet clothes, and spray petals of home flowers as often as possible.
It is especially important to maintain an optimal level of humidity during the heating season, to conduct regular wet cleaning. This will facilitate breathing by cleansing the room of dust. It is not recommended to use heaters, as they very much dry the air.
Complications and consequences
If the first signs of severe dryness of the nasopharynx occur, you should immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment. It is worth remembering that such a condition can provoke various kinds of complications.
Violation of the protective properties of the mucosa makes the nasopharynx more susceptible to the penetration of various infections. In addition, nosebleeds may occur in some cases.
Prophylaxis
To prevent the frequent occurrence of dryness in the nasopharynx, doctors recommend that certain preventive measures be followed:
- drink as much clean water as possible;
- get rid of bad habits;
- do not abuse strong tea and coffee;
- promptly contact a doctor in the presence of respiratory diseases.
By following these fairly simple preventative measures, you can protect yourself from the occurrence of the described problem. Among other things, it is recommended to consume on an empty stomach and instill olive oil, as it promotes hydration. You need to consume as much hot liquid as possible, for example, herbal teas with lemon and honey. It is important to maintain an optimal water balance of the body all the time.