Having bad breath from time to time is common, especially in the morning. Bad breath may also result from certain types of food like onions or garlic, dieting, poor oral hygiene or hunger. In certain cases, bad breath can come from your throat. Most common causes of bad breath from the throat include throat infections, pharyngitis, tonsil stones and post nasal drip. Read on to learn what you can do with the situation.
Bad Breath from Throat: Causes and Treatment
1. Throat Infection
Infections of the sinuses or the tonsils may cause excess bacteria, making your breath stink. Allergy can also lead to throat and sinus problems.
If bacterial infections are the cause, antibiotics are necessary. Antibiotics will reduce the levels of bacteria in the throat, relieving the bad breath. If viral infections are the causes, bed rest and plenty of fluids are necessary because antibiotics do not work in this case. If you require a temporary treatment for your bad breath, chewing parsley leaves or mints can help you get rid of the bad breath quickly.
2. Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx. The pharynx is a fibromuscular tube located on the neck, which forms the upper part of the digestive system and the respiratory tract. In cases when the pharynx gets inflamed by bacteria or viruses, bad breath, cough, and a throat irritation will occur. In cases when an abscess is formed, pus can be even discharged into the throat, leading to bad breath from throat.
Pharyngitis, commonly known as a sore throat, is mostly caused by viral infections. Antiviral medicines can be applied when the sore throat is caused by flu. Tips to make your sore throat feel better:
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking warm liquids like a lemon tea or even cold liquids like ice water will help you relive the irritation of your throat.
- Gargle with warm salt water. It is recommended to gargle a couple of times a day in order to relieve the symptoms of your sore throat.
- Use throat lozenges. Remember that throat lozenges are not recommended for children under the age of 4, as there is a risk of chocking.
- Use humidifiers to moisten the air. Dry air can make your sore throat more irritated.
- Take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen.
3. Tonsil Stones
Tonsils are globs of lymph tissue normally located on the back of the throat. But they are not exactly round or smooth. If bacteria and debris accumulate on the tonsils, tonsil stones are formed. Tonsils present a good environment for microorganisms to grow, eventually leading to bad breath. According to the studies, tonsil stones are composed of many layers of living bacteria.
Wonder what to do with bad breath from throat caused by tonsil stones? Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly will do little help. One of the best treatment options, in this case, is to attack the bacteria with oxygen by using tonsil stone products. The most effective measure, however, will be a combination of the two.
4. Postnasal Drip
Another cause of bad breath from the throat could be postnasal drip. If you have postnasal drip, the glands in your throat and nose tend to produce a thick mucus that leads to bad breath. But there are some specific ways to cure it.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to get rid of the excessive mucus from your throat and mouth. When the mucus is expelled, bad breath may disappear.
- Use decongestants and antihistamines to reduce the production of the mucus, which will relieve the bad breath.
- Humidify the air you breathe. Moist air prevents you from having postnasal drip and the bad breath resulting from it.
- When having problems with bad breath from throat, you need to avoid spicy foods as they can just make it get worse.
- If necessary, irrigate your nose a couple of times a day with an irrigation kit. Regular irrigation can help you break up the thick mucus.
- Use saline nasal sprays from time to time. By moisturizing your nose, you will get rid of the nasal secretions and mucus.