When a cold or flu hits, many people reach for cough drops to soothe a sore throat or calm a persistent cough. The sensation of dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a common and uncomfortable side effect of being sick, often due to mouth breathing or dehydration. Xerostomia describes the subjective feeling of oral dryness, which may or may not be linked to a measurable decrease in saliva production. This feeling can manifest as a sticky mouth, difficulty swallowing, or a burning sensation on the tongue. The contents of common lozenges often reveal a direct relationship between these remedies and the unpleasant experience of a dry mouth.
The Link Between Cough Drops and Dry Mouth
The act of sucking on a lozenge itself can provide temporary relief by stimulating saliva flow, but the active and inactive ingredients within the cough drop can counteract this effect. Cough drops can contribute to a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat. This effect is often localized, meaning the ingredients interact directly with the mucosal tissues rather than inhibiting the salivary glands throughout the body. Some cold and flu medications, including certain cough drops, contain ingredients that have a drying effect on the mucous membranes lining the throat and mouth. This localized drying leads to an uncomfortable feeling of parched tissues and a perceived lack of lubrication.
Specific Ingredients That Reduce Saliva Production
The primary active ingredients in many cough drops are responsible for the drying sensation you may feel. Menthol, a compound derived from mint oils, is frequently used for its cough-suppressing and topical anesthetic properties. It works by activating cold-sensitive receptors in the mouth and throat, which creates a cooling and numbing effect that masks pain. However, menthol is also known to have a mild irritant and drying effect on the mucosal lining of the throat.
Eucalyptus oil, another common component in these lozenges, can function similarly to menthol by providing a cooling sensation but also acting as a mild irritant. Beyond the active ingredients, the inactive components in some cough drops also pose a problem. Certain liquid-center drops or formulations contain small amounts of alcohol, which is a known drying agent. Alcohol reduces the natural rate of saliva production, which can lead to a significant feeling of dryness in the oral cavity.
Many cough drops also contain sugars, such as sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, or sometimes artificial sweeteners and flavorings. These ingredients can alter the delicate balance of the oral environment, leaving a sticky residue. This stickiness contributes to the subjective feeling of xerostomia, even if the actual saliva flow rate is not severely diminished. The presence of these sweeteners also encourages bacterial growth, which can lead to an acidic environment that further irritates and dries the already compromised tissues.
Strategies for Relieving Dry Mouth While Sick
Managing dry mouth while simultaneously treating cold symptoms is possible with a few simple adjustments. Staying consistently hydrated is important; frequently sipping water throughout the day can help lubricate the mouth and throat. This constant intake can compensate for any temporary drying effects caused by cough drops or other cold medications.
Sucking on sugar-free lozenges or chewing sugarless gum can be an effective alternative to cough drops for stimulating saliva production. The mechanical action and the flavor can naturally encourage the salivary glands to produce more moisture. Lozenges containing xylitol are particularly helpful as this ingredient actively encourages salivation without the negative effects of sugar.
Using a cool-mist humidifier, particularly at night, can also help by adding moisture to the air and preventing the evaporation of existing saliva. Over-the-counter oral moisturizing sprays or gels, sometimes referred to as artificial saliva, can coat the mouth tissues. These products provide a layer of lubrication that mimics natural saliva, offering symptomatic relief that can last for several hours.