What should I do about a dry and sore throat caused by rhinitis?
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, the main treatments for sore throat and dryness caused by rhinitis include controlling the underlying cause, relieving local symptoms, medication, traditional Chinese medicine调理 (regulation), and daily self-care. Additionally, patients should follow medical advice strictly when taking medications and must not discontinue or adjust dosages on their own. If symptoms such as worsening throat pain, difficulty swallowing, or fever occur.
In general, the treatment methods for sore and dry throat caused by rhinitis mainly include controlling the underlying cause, local soothing, medication, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulation, and daily care. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Cause Control
Nasal secretions from patients with rhinitis may flow backward and irritate the throat, or nasal congestion may lead to mouth breathing, both of which can cause a dry and sore throat. It is important to identify the type of rhinitis, avoid allergens such as pollen and dust mites, regularly clean indoor environments, and reduce nasal irritation. When experiencing nasal congestion, prioritize using saline nasal irrigation to clear the nasal passages and prevent prolonged mouth breathing, which could worsen throat discomfort.
2. Local Soothing
Mild methods can be used to relieve dryness and inflammation of the throat mucosa. Common approaches include gargling with warm salt water and sucking on sugar-free lozenges. Warm salt water helps cleanse residual secretions in the throat and reduces mucosal irritation, while throat lozenges moisturize the throat and temporarily alleviate dryness and pain. Products containing menthol or honey tend to be more effective.
3. Medication
Treatment should address both rhinitis and throat symptoms. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as loratadine hydrochloride tablets, budesonide nasal spray, and Lanqin oral liquid. The first helps control allergic reactions associated with rhinitis, the second reduces nasal mucosal swelling, and the third alleviates throat inflammation. Using these three together provides more comprehensive relief.
4. TCM Regulation
According to traditional Chinese medicine, rhinitis accompanied by a dry and sore throat is often related to lung dryness, yin deficiency, or wind-heat invading the lungs. Treatment typically involves herbs that clear heat, moisten the lungs, and open nasal passages, such as Tongqiao Biyan tablets and Xuanmai Ganju granules. Acupuncture at points like Yingxiang, Hegu, and Feishu may also help regulate qi and blood flow in the meridians and improve symptoms in the nose and throat.
5. Daily Care
Daily care aims to minimize throat irritation and promote mucosal healing. Maintain indoor humidity between 50% and 60% to prevent dry air from worsening symptoms. Eat a light diet rich in lung-moistening foods such as pears and tremella mushrooms, and avoid spicy or excessively hot foods. Drink plenty of fluids—aim for at least 1,500 mL of water per day—to keep the throat moist.
In addition, patients should follow their doctor's instructions regarding medication and must not stop taking or adjust the dosage of medication on their own. If symptoms such as worsening throat pain, difficulty swallowing, or fever occur, seek medical attention promptly to adjust the treatment plan and prevent chronic pharyngitis due to prolonged illness.
