Latest news with #dehydration
Health Line
20 hours ago
- General
- Health Line
What Causes a Dry Throat, and How Is It Treated?
A dry throat is often caused by a head cold, dehydration, or sleeping with one's mouth open. Effective home treatments are available, but consider seeing a doctor if symptoms last longer than one week. A dry, scratchy throat is a common occurrence, especially during the cold winter months when the air is dry and upper respiratory infections are spreading. Usually, a dry throat is a sign of something minor, like dryness in the air or a head cold. Looking at your other symptoms can help you determine the cause of your dry throat and whether to call a doctor. This article reviews ten common causes and treatment options for a dry throat. 1. Dehydration The dryness in your throat may simply be a sign that you haven't had enough to drink. Dehydration can also be caused by loss of body fluids, such as vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or increased urination. When you're dehydrated, your body doesn't produce as much of the saliva that normally moistens your mouth and throat. Dehydration can also cause: dry mouth increased thirst darker urine, and less urine than usual fatigue dizziness Treatment options Drink extra fluids during the day. Recommendations on how much to drink vary, but a good average is 15.5 cups of fluid for men and 11.5 cups for women. One study found that adults get between 27 % and 36% of their fluid from fruits, vegetables, and other foods. Foods' water content is highly variable, and many factors influence daily food selection. Make sure you're drinking fluids that hydrate, such as water or sports drinks. Avoid caffeinated sodas and coffee, which can cause your body to lose more water. 2. Sleeping with your mouth open If you wake up every morning with a dry mouth, the problem might be that you sleep with your mouth open. The air dries up the saliva that normally keeps your mouth and throat moist. Mouth breathing can also cause: bad breath snoring daytime fatigue Snoring could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which your breathing repeatedly pauses throughout the night. Congestion from a cold or chronic allergies, or a problem with your nasal passages, like a deviated septum, can also lead to mouth breathing. Treatment options If you have a sinus or congestion problem, applying an adhesive strip to the bridge of your nose can keep your nose open while you sleep. Adhesive strips for noses can be purchased online or at your local pharmacy. For obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor can prescribe an oral appliance that repositions your jaw or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to keep air flowing into your airways during the night. It's worth noting that not everyone with sleep apnea needs an oral appliance or CPAP. Treatment options depend on the severity of your symptoms. Mild cases may be managed with behavioral changes. Also, the FDA recently approved tirzepatide for obstructive sleep apnea. 3. Hay fever or allergies Hay fever, also called seasonal allergies, is caused by an immune system overreaction to normally harmless substances in your environment. Common allergy triggers include: grass pollen pet dander mold dust mites When your immune system senses one of your triggers, it releases chemicals called histamines. This can lead to symptoms like: stuffed, runny nose sneezing itchy eyes, mouth, or skin cough Congestion in your nose may make you breathe through your mouth, which can dry out your throat. The extra mucus can also drip down the back of your throat. This is also known as postnasal drip, and it can make your throat feel sore. Treatment options To prevent allergy symptoms, avoid your triggers as much as possible. It may be helpful to: Stay indoors with the windows closed and the air conditioning on during the peak of allergy season. Put dust mite-proof covers on your bed. Wash your sheets and other bedding weekly in hot water. Vacuum your carpets and dust your floors to pick up dust mites. Use an air cleaner/air purifier. Be sure to change your air filters regularly and keep the humidity setting below 50%. Clean up any mold in your house. Keep pets out of your bedroom. You can also control allergy symptoms with these treatments: antihistamines decongestants allergy shots eye allergy drops 4. Cold A cold is a common infection that's caused by many different viruses. The infection can make your throat feel dry and scratchy. You'll also have symptoms like these: stuffed, runny nose sneezing cough body aches mild fever Treatment options Most colds last a few days. Antibiotics don't treat colds because they only kill bacteria, not viruses. To help you feel better while your body gets over the cold, try these remedies: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve a sore throat and body aches. Suck on a throat lozenge. Drink warm liquids, such as broth and hot tea. Gargle with a mixture of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use a decongestant nasal spray to relieve a stuffy nose. Drink extra fluids to keep your mouth and throat moist and prevent dehydration. Get plenty of rest. Turn on a humidifier to moisten the air in your room. 5. Flu The flu is a respiratory illness. Like a cold, a virus causes the flu. But flu symptoms tend to be more severe than those of a cold. Along with a sore, scratchy throat, you may have: fever chills cough stuffy, runny nose muscle aches headache fatigue vomiting and diarrhea The flu can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system. Complications of the flu include: pneumonia bronchitis sinus infections ear infections asthma attacks in people who already have asthma Treatment options Antiviral drugs can reduce flu symptoms and shorten the amount of time you're sick. But you have to start taking these medications within 48 hours of when your symptoms start for them to work. While you're sick, try these methods to relieve your sore throat and other symptoms: Rest until your symptoms improve. Suck on a throat lozenge. Gargle with a mixture of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your fever and ease body aches. Drink warm fluids, such as tea and broth. 6. Acid reflux or GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes acid to back up from your stomach into your esophagus. The esophagus is the pipe that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Acid burns the lining of your esophagus, causing symptoms like: a burning feeling in your chest, called heartburn trouble swallowing dry cough burping up sour liquid hoarse voice If the acid reaches your throat, it can cause pain or burning. Treatment options GERD is treated with: antacids, such as Maalox, Mylanta, and Rolaids, to neutralize stomach acids H2 inhibitors, such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and famotidine (Pepcid AC), to reduce stomach acid production proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as lansoprazole (Prevacid 24) and omeprazole (Prilosec), to block acid production Try these lifestyle changes to help relieve symptoms of acid reflux: Maintain a moderate weight. Extra weight puts pressure on your stomach, forcing more acid up into your esophagus. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothes — especially tight pants — press on your stomach. Eat several small meals a day instead of three big meals. Raise the head of your bed while you sleep. This will prevent acid from flowing upward into your esophagus and throat. If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking weakens the valve that keeps acid in your stomach. Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger heartburn, such as spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, mint, and garlic. 7. Strep throat Strep throat is a throat infection caused by bacteria. Usually, your throat will be very sore, but it can feel dry, too. Other symptoms of strep throat include: red and swollen tonsils white patches on your tonsils swollen lymph nodes in the neck fever rash body aches nausea and vomiting Treatment options Doctors treat strep throat with antibiotics — drugs that kill bacteria. Your sore throat and other symptoms should improve within two days after you start taking these medications. Make sure you take the full dose of antibiotics your doctor prescribed. Stopping too early can leave some bacteria alive in your body, which could make you sick again. To relieve your symptoms, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). You can also gargle with warm water and salt rinse and suck on throat lozenges. 8. Tonsillitis Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils — the two soft growths in the back of your throat that help your body fight infections. Both viruses and bacteria can cause tonsillitis. Along with a sore throat, symptoms of tonsillitis can also include: red, swollen tonsils white patches on the tonsils fever swollen lymph nodes in the neck hoarse voice bad breath headache Treatment options If bacteria caused tonsillitis, your doctor could prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Viral tonsillitis will improve on its own within a week to 10 days. Here are some things you can do to feel better while you recover: Drink a lot of fluids. Warm drinks like tea and broth are soothing to the throat. Gargle with a mixture of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt a few times a day. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Put on a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air. Dry air can make a sore throat worse. Suck on throat lozenges. Rest until you feel better. 9. Mononucleosis Mononucleosis, or mono, is a disease caused by a virus. It passes from person to person through saliva. One of the hallmark symptoms of mono is a scratchy throat. Other symptoms include: tiredness fever swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits headache swollen tonsils Treatment options Because a virus causes mono, antibiotics won't treat it. Here are some tips to help you feel better until your body gets over the infection: Get plenty of rest to give your immune system a chance to fight off the virus. Drink extra fluids to avoid dehydration. Take over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to bring down a fever and relieve your sore throat. Suck on a lozenge and gargle with warm salt water to help with throat pain. 10. Overuse of voice Overusing your voice, like yelling during a music concert, can cause your vocal cords to become irritated or inflamed. It can also lead to laryngitis. Other symptoms include: hoarseness weak or lost voice raw or sore throat Treatment options Viral laryngitis will improve on its own, usually within two weeks. Here are a few tips to help you feel better: Rest your voice. Drink extra fluids, especially warm tea or broth. Suck on a lozenge and gargle with warm salt water to help with throat pain. Take over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve your sore throat. When to see your doctor In some cases, you may be able to relieve your symptoms with home treatment. But if your symptoms last longer than a week or worsen, see a doctor. They can make a diagnosis and work with you on a care plan. You should also see a doctor if you experience more severe symptoms. Severe symptoms include: a severe sore throat that makes it painful to swallow shortness of breath, wheezing rash chest pain excessive tiredness during the day loud snoring at night fever higher than 101°F (38°C)
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Lost and dehydrated hikers rescued from Teluk Bahang Forest Park after emergency call
BALIK PULAU, June 2 — Two hikers suffering from dehydration and fatigue while climbing a hill at Teluk Bahang Forest Park, here, were rescued by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) personnel last night. Penang JBPM Fire and Rescue Operations assistant director John Sagun Francis said the man and woman, aged 40 and 34 respectively, contacted the department at 6.40 pm, informing them they were feeling weak. "Firefighters from the Teluk Bahang Fire and Rescue Station were immediately sent to the scene after the victims shared their location via WhatsApp, indicating they were at Station 10 of the Teluk Bahang Forest Park. "The firefighters hiked to the location and successfully found both individuals in an exhausted state. They were safely brought down to the foot of the hill at 10.51 pm,' he said in a statement. Both victims were later handed over to the medical team for further treatment. — Bernama
Al Arabiya
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Arabiya
Death of Hajj-bound pilgrims raises questions about compliance in home countries
The death of a number of pilgrims on flights heading to Saudi Arabia where they were set to perform Hajj has raised questions about measures taken at their home countries to ensure that pilgrims are physically capable of performing the ritual. According to Indonesian media outlets, an Indonesian pilgrim died during flights to Medina. The woman in her sixties who suddenly collapsed on board. A video showed her body lying and covered aboard as passengers were trying to comfort a man, who appeared to be a relative of the woman who died on the flight. وفاة حاجة إندونيسية على متن طائرة متجهة إلى المدينة المنورة لأداء #الحج — فيديوهات ترند (@Trend_vide0s) May 10, 2025 Indonesian media reports said that the woman was later buried in Medina, home to Islam's second holiest mosque. While the initial medical report stated that the cause of death was dehydration, the mission suggested that a heart attack was the primary cause. In Malaysia, authorities confirmed the deaths of five pilgrims due to heart attacks. In Pakistan, five deaths have been recorded since the start of the Hajj pilgrimage, most of whom died from health complications just after their arrival to Saudi Arabia. While Indonesia and Malaysia previously accounted for the majority of early Hajj deaths, the list has recently expanded to include other countries such as Libya and Bangladesh. Most of these deaths are elderly people suffering from chronic illnesses. While all deaths reported up to the end of May were not linked to mass accidents or epidemics, some occurred before, during or just after their flights. The Saudi Ministry of Health had emphasized in its guidelines to foreign missions the need to ensure pilgrims' physical fitness and undergo medical examinations to prove their ability to endure the rigors of Hajj. Indonesian pilgrims benefit from a Saudi scheme offering Hajj-linked facilities, within an initiative known as the 'Mecca Route.' In addition to Indonesia, pilgrims from Malaysia, Pakistan, Morocco, Bangladesh, Turkey and Cote d'Ivoire benefit from the 'Mecca Route' initiative. The initiative aims at providing fast-track services to pilgrims from these countries by smoothly finalizing their procedures in the homeland, tagging and sorting out luggage at the departure airports and eventually delivering their luggage right to their residences inside Saudi Arabia. They head directly to their residences in Mecca and Medina on designated smooth routes. These steps are implemented after verifying all health requirements are met. However, these recent deaths, which have affected various nationalities through different travel methods, have raised questions about the fitness of some pilgrims to perform the physically demanding Hajj under harsh climatic conditions. It also raised concerns about the extent to which some countries adhere to the health requirements set by Saudi Arabia and that aim at ensuring the safety of pilgrims, according to observers who spoke to Saudi media outlets. Saudi physician Ahmed Al-Omari addressed the issue in an interview with Asharq al-Awsat saying that 'if some pilgrims collapse during the flight or upon arrival, how will they fare in the extreme crowding and temperatures that can reach 45 degrees Celsius in Arafat and Mina?' Last year, hundreds of people died while performing Hajj amid soaring temperatures. The total death toll during last year's pilgrimage reached 1,301, according to Saudi health ministry. 83 percent of the deceased were pilgrims who had undertaken the journey without the necessary permits, according to the ministry. It said that the Kingdom provided approximately 1.3 million preventive services to pilgrims, adding that authorities also delivered over 465,000 treatment services, including 141,000 for those without Hajj authorization. The Kingdom has been keen on ensuring that the pilgrims' needs are met, however, pilgrims without Hajj authorization from the authorities organizing the process often find themselves either without guidance or far from several places offering assistance. Facilities, including buses, are pre-arranged and conveniently accommodate regular pilgrims who have registered in advance. Some governments have acknowledged the existence of fraud by some travel companies to transport pilgrims illegally due to the great pressure on visas and costs. To tackle this, the Kingdom has issued an extensive awareness campaign ahead of this year's Hajj season, warning against fraud Hajj announcements and warning pilgrims from embarking on the journey without authorization. The Kingdom has also warned facilitators of violators from breaking the law under the threat of being held accountable legally. Climate change an important factor Climate studies have raised the alarm about further increases in temperatures in the coming years. The scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters previously noted this in a 2019 study, stating that climate change will raise heat stress for pilgrims to levels exceeding the threshold for severe danger in the coming years. A study from King Faisal Specialist Hospital found that temperatures in Mecca are rising at a rate of 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade, but heatstroke cases have dropped by 74.6 percent, resulting in a nearly halved mortality rate. To tackle the rising temperatures, the Saudi government has implemented many measures. These include spray fans and water mist columns to cool open spaces, the distribution of water and umbrellas, the provision of air-conditioned transportation, free medical services during the Hajj, in addition to painting the asphalt surfaces of the Namirah Mosque, near Mount Arafat, to lower temperatures.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
UAE summer: Prioritise hydration, wear light, breathable clothing, warn doctors
As temperatures currently hover above 45°C, doctors in the UAE are witnessing a significant increase in patients presenting with health issues, particularly among those with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and migraines. They advise residents to prioritise hydration, wear light and breathable clothing, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Dr Abner Rivas Abejo, specialist internal medicine at International Modern Hospital (IMH)-Dubai, told Khaleej Time s: 'We're seeing more patients with signs of dehydration, including fatigue, dry mouth, light-headedness, and in more serious cases, electrolyte imbalances. 'Diabetic patients are particularly at risk, as dehydration can impact blood glucose control and kidney function,' the Filipino doctor noted, warning: 'For hypertensive patients, extreme heat can cause the blood vessels to expand, leading to fluctuations in blood pressure. This can result in dizziness, fatigue, and even an increased risk of cardiovascular events if not properly managed.' Migraine, sunburn and heat rash Those who suffer from migraines are also especially vulnerable during hot summer weather. The combination of intense sunlight, dehydration, and heat stress can easily trigger severe migraine attacks. Dr Renuka Ramasamy, a specialist in family medicine at IMH-Dubai, explained extreme heat can lead to vasodilation, which causes fluctuations in blood pressure and increases the risk of dizziness or fainting. In some cases, this can worsen migraine episodes. 'We've also seen an uptick in cases of sunburn and heat rash, particularly among individuals who spend prolonged periods outdoors without adequate protection or hydration. Dehydration is a major concern — it not only impacts physical wellbeing but can also impair concentration and exacerbate existing medical conditions,' she added. Eye irritation and blurred vision Specialist ophthalmologist Dr Afraa Salman, meanwhile, advised residents to take care of their eyes. He said: 'We're seeing more cases related to eye discomfort due to high UV exposure, dryness, and increased risk of conjunctivitis. 'The intense sunlight, combined with dust and dehydration, leads to eye irritation, redness, and in some cases, blurred vision. People who wear contact lenses may feel more discomfort as well. For those with existing eye conditions — such as dry eye syndrome, allergies, or post-surgery healing — extreme heat can aggravate symptoms,' noted Dr Salman 'There is also a drawback to prolonged exposure to air conditioning as lack of hydration can further disrupt the tear film that protects the eyes,' he added. 'We recommend using high-quality UV-protective sunglasses, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours. If you experience eye pain, sensitivity to light, or persistent redness, it's important to consult an eye specialist promptly,' Dr Salman underlined. Cool tips to beat summer heat Prioritise hydration, wear light and breathable clothing, avoid strenuous activity outdoors. Listen to your body and seek medical attention early if symptoms of heat exhaustion — like nausea, weakness, or confusion — begin to appear. Those who suffer from migraines are advised to remain in shaded or air-conditioned environments. They must stay hydrated, and avoid peak heat hours. Those with underlying health issues must stay indoors during peak heat hours, hydrate regularly, wear loose, breathable clothing, and avoid strenuous activity under the sun.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Two states face deadly threat and tell millions of residents to stay indoors and NOT drink coffee
California and Nevada residents have been urged to avoid drinking coffee and stay indoors as temperatures sore into the triple digits this weekend. Those in the desert regions of Nevada and southeastern California are currently under an extreme heat warning until the end of Saturday night. The National Weather Service issued advice earlier this week cautioning those in the areas to avoid alcohol and caffeine as it will speed up dehydration. An extreme heat warning is currently in place across areas including Sacramento, Chico and Modesto. The notice added: 'Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. 'Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.' In central California, cities including Merced, Bakersfield, and Tulare are expected to see the mercury climb as high as 106F. While Trinity, Mendocino and Lake Counties could see temperatures sore as high as 105F. The National Weather Service issued advice earlier this week cautioning those in the areas to avoid alcohol and caffeine as it will speed up dehydration The Death Valley, known for its incredibly high temperatures, is expected to hit a scorching 115F. Dr. Gregory Hartt, ER medical director at Mercy Medical Center Redding, told Newsweek: 'As temperatures climb, we anticipate a corresponding increase in ER visits due to heat-related illnesses. 'A critical component of heat wave preparedness is proactively ensuring adequate staffing levels, supplies, and cooling measures are in place to effectively manage the influx of patients.' Bloomberg also reported that at least 26 daily records could be either broken or tied across the West over the weekend with the high temperatures. Bob Oravec, with the US Weather Prediction Center, told the outlet: 'It looks like it will be a pretty short heat wave.' Temperatures will start to fall slightly on Sunday as low pressure builds up across the West. Extreme heat is now one of the deadliest weather risks in the US, with an estimated 1,220 people dying each year from it, according to the CDC. The scorching temps comes after a series of devastating wildfires devastated Southern California earlier this year. Horrifying blazes killed 30 people across the state, wiping out nearly 17,000 structures including homes, schools, and businesses. The rebuild will take years.
