A girl drinking water from a glass with the sunlight falling on her head. A girl drinking water from a glass with the sunlight falling on her head.

Can Dehydration Cause Sore Throat? 11 Helpful Things to Know

Table of Contents Show
  1. 1. Can Dehydration Cause Sore Throat?
  2. 2. Causes of Dehydration:
    1. 2.1 Lack of  Fluids-
    2. 2.2. Reduced Saliva-
    3. 2.3. Stuffy Nose-
    4. 2.4. Climate-
    5. 2.5. Certain Medical Conditions-
    6. 2.6. Talking for a Long Time-
    7. 2.7. Allergies and Infections-
    8. 2.8. Cold Drinks-
    9. 2.9. Physical Activities-
  3. 3. What Does It Feel Like to Have a Dehydrated Throat?
  4. 4. When to See a Doctor or Seek Medical Treatment?
  5. 5. Prevention Is Better than Cure
    1. 5.1. Drink Water Daily
    2. 5.2 Look at the Climatic Conditions
    3. 5.3. Wash your Hands
    4. 5.4. Avoid Intake of some Beverages
    5. 5.5 Increase the Water Content in Your Diet
    6. 5.6 Avoid Dehydrating Foods
    7. 5.7. Increase Environmental Humidity
  6. 6. Treatment Options for a Sore Throat
    1. 6.1. Antibiotics
    2. 6.2. Oral Rinses
    3. 6.3. Honey and Lemon
    4. 6.4. Cough Syrups
    5. 6.5. Water or Fluid
    6. 6.6. Steam Inhalation
    7. 6.7. Fruits
  7. 7. Certain Voluntary/Involuntary Choices Can Cause Sore Throat
    1. 7.1. Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, Smoking, and Passive Exposure to Smoking
    2. 7.2. Going to a Concert and Having No Water Breaks
    3. 7.3. Exposure to Fear
    4. 7.4. Constant Straining of the Voice
    5. 7.5. Breathing with Your Mouth Open
  8. 8. Certain Lifestyles That Can Cause a Sore Throat
    1. 8.1. Firefighters
    2. 8.2. Chimney Sweepers 
    3. 8.3. People Who Live Near Active Volcanoes
    4. 8.4. Chefs
    5. 8.5. Performers
  9. 9. Who Needs Special Care?
  10. 10. Jelly Drops to Increase Your Water Intake
  11. 11. Things to Keep in Mind
    1. 11.1. Set Alarms
    2. 11.2. Organize Your Water Bottles
    3. 11.3. Refill Your Bottle
    4. 11.4. Switch to Fruit Juices
    5. 11.5 Carry a Water Bottle
  12. 12. FAQs
    1. 12.1. How long does a dehydrated sore throat last?
    2. 12.2. How can I rehydrate my throat?
    3. 12.3. Can ice cream relieve sore throat?
  13. Author

Remember that feeling of a dry mouth and sore throat when you suddenly wake up in the middle of the night? Usually common in winter, this parched feeling can be quenched by a sip of water. So, can dehydration cause a sore throat? Yes, it can. Read further to know.

During winter, the air lacks moisture and thus, while sleeping, some people tend to keep their mouth open, leading to the drying up of the palette and throat, which feels like a bacterial infection or viral infection. However, throat pain accompanied by a dry mouth can be cured by drinking fluids.

pexels kristina paukshtite 10520442 scaled
By Kristina Paukshtite / Pexels Copyrights 2021

1. Can Dehydration Cause Sore Throat?

Now, the most reasonable question is how to tell the difference between a sore throat caused by severe dehydration and a strep throat caused by acid reflux swollen lymph nodes, or other reasons.

You will know you are dehydrated 1when your urine is a pale yellow. Also, if you notice tiredness or stiff joints or if you have trouble breathing, you can increase your fluid intake.

Another noticeable symptom of dehydration is the drying up of the nasal passages, a result of dry air. Especially common in young children and older adults who tend to forget to drink water. Consistent drinking of warm drinks, hot tea, or any other warm liquids helps to avoid dehydration.

Can dehydration cause a sore throat?
By PNW Production / Pexels  copyrights 2021

On the other hand, common colds, viral infections, Medina2, or bacterial infections can cause sore throats as well. Most probably, they will be accompanied by a muffled voice, a stuffy nose, fever chills, and other symptoms along with a persistent sore throat.

However, in these cases, drinking warm water, gargling with warm salt water, taking throat lozenges3 or any type of home treatment would not be enough to cure the symptoms. See a doctor and use certain medications prescribed by him or her to get rid of the symptoms.

2. Causes of Dehydration:

Dehydration Signs and Symptoms / Dehydration treatment / Dehydration features / Medinaz

Listed below are a few of the reasons that can cause moderate dehydration to severe dehydration:

2.1 Lack of  Fluids-

Sometimes, your body may lack enough fluids. For instance, if you’re sick, don’t drink enough water, sweat a lot, or simply neglect your self-care routine, it can cause dehydration.

2.2. Reduced Saliva-

When you are dehydrated, your body does not have enough water to produce saliva that keeps your mouth, throat, and thoracic cavity4 lubricated and healthy. This leads to a dry mouth and a sore throat.

2.3. Stuffy Nose-

You may breathe through your mouth at night, especially if you have a stuffy nose, perhaps due to blockage in your nasal passages. This can cause quick evaporation of your body fluids and result in dehydration.

2.4. Climate-

The climate of your area greatly affects your fluid intake and thus, influences the hydration level of your body. A warm and humid climate allows for more moist air due to rapid evaporation. This leads to more sweating or perspiration and thus, there is more intake of fluids.

Whereas, in cold and dry climatic conditions, there is hardly any kind of perspiration as the air is devoid of moisture. This creates a diminished urge to drink water. Thus, dry mouths and sore throats are common in winter.

2.5. Certain Medical Conditions-

Certain medical conditions can cause dehydration. A dry mouth can be a result of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, and stroke. Sjogren’s syndrome5 (SHOW-grins) is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack the glands that produce moisture, especially common in women who have gone through their menopause.

2.6. Talking for a Long Time-

Talking for a long period without any fluid intake can cause dehydration, leading to a dry throat, hoarseness, and trouble swallowing. This is common for public speakers and singers. Thus, they take breaks to drink warm liquids or sip on water, once they are backstage.

2.7. Allergies and Infections-

Allergies and mild respiratory infections can lead to dehydration and sore throats like upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), usually accompanied by common cold symptoms. The immune system is weakened and it is advisable to call your doctor.

2.8. Cold Drinks-

Consumption of cold drinks, ice cream, or anything too cold can cause sore throat. It is suggested to avoid them in cold winters.

2.9. Physical Activities-

Last but not least, strenuous physical activities like rock climbing, weight lifting, hiking, or any form of physical exercise can cause dehydration.

3. What Does It Feel Like to Have a Dehydrated Throat?

A woman lying on a couch with pain
By Sora Shimazaki / Pexels copyrights 2020

A sore throat is characterized by a rough, scratchy, or itchy feeling in the throat or simply throat pain. Drying up the mucous membranes can cause discomfort in the nasal passages while breathing. The urge to drink water becomes unusually strong. Usually, plain water instead of flavored or sweetened drinks can quench this unbearable thirst.

Cough, hoarseness, or soreness in the roof of the mouth and difficulty with speech are signs of a dehydrated throat.

Also, dry or chapped lips should not only make you reach out for your favorite lip balm but also your bottle of water.

4. When to See a Doctor or Seek Medical Treatment?

national cancer institute tl447mekwuQ unsplash scaled
By National Cancer Institute/ Unsplash copyrights 2021

There are many treatment options for a sore throat. Most people with sore throats get better without seeking professional help. Home treatment might be inexpensive and easier but it is important to know when your symptoms are beyond self-care and self-diagnosis.

It is time to call your doctor and seek medical treatment when you see the following symptoms such as:

  1. Severe trouble breathing

  2. Flu symptoms and allergy symptoms

  3. Fever chills

  4. Skin rash

  5. Severe headaches
  6. Enlarged glands in your neck or swelling of the tongue

  7. Severe symptoms like unbearable throat pain, acid reflux, or pain due to stomach acid

  8. Blood in the saliva

  9. Excessive drooling, especially in children and older people.

5. Prevention Is Better than Cure

A drop falls in the water in the background.
By Erda Estremera / Unsplash copyrights 2018

Before going into the ways to prevent dehydration and thus a sore throat caused due to it, it is important to know the ways you can take precautions.

Take note of the following to prevent a dehydrated sore throat:

5.1. Drink Water Daily

Drinking water daily in a systematic way complements the needs of your body.

5.1.1 Mistakes while Drinking Water

Drink plenty of water a few minutes after physical activity. Drinking water immediately can cause more loss of water as the body needs time to adjust after the adrenaline boost6 of physical activity.

5.2 Look at the Climatic Conditions

Adhering to the climatic conditions of your area, take note of your intake of fluids.

5.3. Wash your Hands

Wash your hands efficiently by rubbing and lathering soap for at least a minute between the palms of your hands. This will prevent infections and other diseases that can cause sore throats.

5.4. Avoid Intake of some Beverages

Avoid the intake of coffee, tea, carbonates, or flavored drinks. They act as natural diuretics, causing increased urine production, and might quench your thirst by replacing your water intake. This will lead to dehydration and thus, cause sore throats.

5.5 Increase the Water Content in Your Diet

Increase the water content in your diet by consuming low-sugar juices, broths, soups, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only does your body get replenished with water but also with vitamins and important nutrients that strengthen your immune system.

5.6 Avoid Dehydrating Foods

Salty and spicy street foods contain a high concentration of sodium. That is why you feel thirsty after a wedding feast or a night out with friends. So, avoiding them will be useful.

5.7. Increase Environmental Humidity

Moist air aids in a sore throat. Dry air dehydrates your body. Slightly increasing the environmental humidity of your surroundings by steaming your room or getting a humidifier can help you t combat dry air.

6. Treatment Options for a Sore Throat

6.1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics, though help with throat pain are not recommended for a sore throat caused by a virus. However, no medication should be taken without the prescription of a medical professional.

6.2. Oral Rinses

Oral rinses like salt-water gargles have long been used as a remedy for throat pain. The salt in the water helps to kill bacteria through osmosis. A tablespoon of common salt in a cup of warm water twice a day can relieve symptoms like sore throat caused by mild dehydration.

6.3. Honey and Lemon

Honey and lemon in warm water have been an effective remedy for home treatment for a long time. A squeeze of lemon and a tablespoon of raw honey in a glass of water soothe a sore throat.

6.4. Cough Syrups

A variety of throat lozenges (cough drops) or cough syrups containing topical anesthetics are available to treat throat pain or relieve dryness in the mouth cavity. A throat lozenge may persist longer in the throat than sprays or gargles and, thus, may be more effective in relieving the symptoms.

6.5. Water or Fluid

Simply drinking water prevents dehydration helps to maintain the hydration level in the body and regulates body temperature. Take a break by sipping on some water or any other fluids during long speeches or debates.

6.6. Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation for 15 minutes can soothe a sore throat.

6.7. Fruits

Consuming fruits with high concentrations of water like watermelons, oranges, and coconuts helps to keep the body hydrated.

7. Certain Voluntary/Involuntary Choices Can Cause Sore Throat

7.1. Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, Smoking, and Passive Exposure to Smoking

These factors dry up the throat and lung cavities and result in the gradual accumulation of carbon and other harmful substances in the body. These practices cause coughing, vomiting, and cancer.

7.2. Going to a Concert and Having No Water Breaks

Enhanced by the heat from the lights, the body heat of the crowd can cause breathing problems and dry mouths. Thus, individuals often come out of crowded areas with flushed and sweaty faces and they are usually thirsty.

7.3. Exposure to Fear

Individuals who are exposed to face their fears through activities like scuba diving, watching a horror film, or bungee jumping can show signs of a sore throat. Those who have stage fear and are made to speak in public or participate in a group presentation also show signs of dehydration.

They seem to be taking huge gulps of air and have difficulty speaking. Usually, the intake of fluids seems to calm them down or replenish their body after such experiences.

7.4. Constant Straining of the Voice

Constant straining of the voice can be dehydrating. This can be a result of confrontation, conflict, or verbal aggression. This can cause a sore throat and hoarseness of the voice.

7.5. Breathing with Your Mouth Open

The habit of breathing through your mouth or snoring loudly can also cause sore throats.

8. Certain Lifestyles That Can Cause a Sore Throat

A firefighter standing with his hands on the waist and fire is the background.
By Tobias Rehbein / Unsplash copyrights 2021

Certain groups of people are exposed to conditions due to their career or lifestyle that lead to dehydration. These people are:

8.1. Firefighters

Firefighters need to jump into burning buildings and inhale smoke despite their training and protection. They can be more prone to dehydration and thus, frequently need to take sips of water or any other fluid to prevent the drying up of their mouths, throats, and lungs.

8.2. Chimney Sweepers 

Chimney sweepers inhale smoke, fumes, and cinder or ash as a part of their job requirements. They clean the soot from chimneys and most probably, inhale some of that. This can cause coughing and a sore throat.

8.3. People Who Live Near Active Volcanoes

People who live near active volcanoes are at risk of being victims of potential volcanic eruptions. Cinder, gases, sulfur, and other particles and elements are released into the air during a volcanic eruption.

If this air is inhaled, not only will it harm the lungs but also cause severe dehydration and therefore, a sore throat and coughing.

8.4. Chefs

Chefs spend most of their time in a kitchen preparing food near a stove or oven. The heat and gas from the flames and the smoke from the cooking can cause mild dehydration if occasional hydration is not done. Drinking water or sucking on an ice cube or fruit while cooking can hydrate the body and prevent sore throats or dry mouths.

8.5. Performers

Singers, pop stars, and rappers hold their breath for certain vocal notes and rap verses. The constant strain on their vocal cords and prolonged use of their voice can cause dehydration and the friction caused by their vocal cords can cause heat. this will lead to sore throat and dry mouth.

Thus, a throat lozenge or drinking fluids in between their shows can prevent a sore and dry throat.

Thus, your lifestyle impacts your present conditions and your choices influence your health.

9. Who Needs Special Care?

A young girl drinking water from a plastic water bottle.
By Chinh Le Duc / Unsplash copyrights 2017

Children and older adults often tend to neglect their physical health. Children forget about their surroundings and are yet to develop complete self-awareness. Whereas, Elderly people become feeble-minded and lack physical coordination due to old age.

Therefore, it is completely understandable that these two categories of people need extra attention and care to ensure that they are drinking extra fluids and remaining hydrated.

It is important as responsible members of society that we protect and nurture those in need because one day, we all will face similar circumstances.

10. Jelly Drops to Increase Your Water Intake

Jelly Drops: Supporting water intake with an irresistible sweet

Jelly Drops are bright, bite-sized, sugar-free sweets containing 95 percent water and added electrolytes, that were invented by Lewis Hornby, who was inspired by his late grandmother and her love for sweets. Invented in 2020, it is an easy way to increase the daily water intake for people with dementia, who forget to dehydrate themselves. It is a fun and delicious reminder to drink water.

Supported by Alzheimer’s Society, the Jelly Drops are a fantastic product to prevent dehydration and its consequences such as dry mouths, sore throats, and dizziness. Jelly Drops have been made affordable, eco-friendly, and accessible for patients and doctors. Also, the vivid color of this product makes it more attractive and delicious. After all, aesthetics add to the taste of the food.

11. Things to Keep in Mind

We have all been there where we have forgotten to drink water for a long period due to various reasons ranging from work to sickness to simple forgetfulness. So what to do in that case?

Listed below are various ways you can remind yourself to hydrate yourself and prevent a sore throat or chapped lips:

11.1. Set Alarms

Set alarms at the beginning of your day to ensure that you are reminded to drink water. Over time, your body will be trained to reach for your bottle. without the alarms.

11.2. Organize Your Water Bottles

Keep separate bottles for your home and your work school or university. This will ensure that you are taking your hydration seriously both at home and while you are at work.

Can Dehydration Cause Sore Throat?

11.3. Refill Your Bottle

Refill your bottle immediately after you notice that the water level has gone down. Waiting for an empty bottle will only make you procrastinate from filling up your bottle again.

11.4. Switch to Fruit Juices

Switch from carbonated or flavored drinks to fruit juice when you are outside and thirsty. Fruit juice will not only quench your thirst but also enrich your body with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Also, fruit juice is easily affordable.

11.5 Carry a Water Bottle

Carry a water bottle when you go out in the summer. You can hydrate your body every time you sweat. This habit will help you save money as you do not need to keep buying cold drinks that momentarily might quench your thirst.

12. FAQs

12.1. How long does a dehydrated sore throat last?

Most sore throats get resolved on their own within 5 to 10 days. However, it can take longer if the person has serious throat issues, like a bacterial or viral infection.

12.2. How can I rehydrate my throat?

Drinking water is the basic way to hydrate the throat. However, there are many remedies to follow, for example, gargling with warm salt water, using a warm compress to the throat, and more.

12.3. Can ice cream relieve sore throat?

Yes! Ice cream can help in relieving the inflammation and pain in the sore throat.

Read more from here.

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  3. Steyer, Andrej, et al. “A throat lozenge with fixed combination of cetylpyridinium chloride and benzydamine hydrochloride has direct virucidal effect on SARS-CoV-2.” COVID 1.2 (2021): 435-446. ↩︎
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Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology

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