Have a sore throat this fall? You’re not alone and a common culprit could be to blame

In: Health

If you have a sore throat right now, it might not be a cold or the onset of the flu. Experts say what you’re likely feeling is due to dry fall air.

Regions as far-flung in the United States as the Northeast and Pacific Northwest were seeing low dew points — percentages of moisture in the air — in the 30s and 40 on Friday. Those dry conditions can strip away moisture from the lining of the throat, causing irritation and pain.

The trend is expected to continue through the weekend, according to NBC 4 New York meteorologist Matt Brickman.

“And if your heat is on, you’re making it worse,” he said in a social media video posted Thursday.

Cranking up the heat warms the air temperature in your home, but the moisture stays the same.

With the fall season, comes sore throats. But experts say a virus is not always the cause
With the fall season, comes sore throats. But experts say a virus is not always the cause (Getty/iStock)

Continuous heating sends levels of moisture inside falling, creating potentially desert-like conditions.

This can also affect the nose, drying up mucus, which plays a vital role in protecting the body against germs and moisturizes organs and structures in the body, the Cleveland Clinic explains.

“The mucus that’s normally gooey and thick gets too dry. That makes it a less effective trap for germs,” Cleveland Clinic family medicine specialist Dr. Josue Limage said.

“You’re more likely to get a cold when the air’s dry because your mucus doesn’t catch things that you breathe in as often as usual,” he added.

Drier indoor air may make the eyes feel itchy or crusty in the mornings, too.

Gargling salt water can help soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus
Gargling salt water can help soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus (Getty/iStock)

But if you need to keep the heat on in chillier weather, the best way to protect the nose and throat is to get a humidifier and stay hydrated – especially around bedtime, when our production of throat-moisturizing saliva drops.

A humidifier releases water vapor in the air to boost moisture levels. Ideal levels of humidity in the home are around 30-50 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Although, humidifiers can come with a risk of mold or bacterial growth if they’re not cleaned well.

Drinking enough water – something three-quarters of Americans aren’t doing – helps to protect our joints and organs, and can soothe a sore throat.

Gargling warm salt water also works to reduce irritation by loosening mucus and pulling excess fluid from inflamed tissue, according to scientist Dr. William Li.

The right way is a gargle the salt water a few times a day, the Mayo Clinic says.

“In general, mix a quarter teaspoon of salt with a half cup of water. Spit it out when you’re done gargling,” the clinic instructs.