[Khione]

Is this a thing? I wouldn't have thought I was, in my case anyway, since I've always drank tap water and I have always lived in the same house since I was born. The only two things I drink are water (tap water) and Coca Cola, and sometimes milk. So it's quite odd..

Anyway, recently (for the past 2 or 3 weeks) my throat has been getting very scratchy/sore and it's painful to swallow, my mouth is also very dry almost all the time.

Everything in my life and environment is a constant, not changed for a long while. The only thing that is different is sleep and stress levels, however, if it was stress, why does the sore throat stop when I don't drink water. I've tried only drinking coca cola for a few days and I had no pain, but then as soon as I took a sip of water, my throat felt sore again.

It's not a painful pain.. More of an irritating and uncomfortable pain. Any ideas?

[kim_johnson]

I suppose it is possible that you are getting something from the tap water. Have you tried chilling it in the fridge / letting it settle overnight? Maybe adding a drop or two of lemon juice. You could get a Brita water filter (I have one because I don't like / trust the water in my building).

Dry mouth can be because of a bunch of things... But drinking coke with the sugar and salt in it isn't so good for that (but the sugar is surely addictive)... Sounds to me like... YOu are starting to get addicted to coke ahah. Seriously... I used to live off coke without drinking any water at all... Water was actually repulsive to me... Until I moved to Australia and learned that I had to to be hydrated. Not drinking water... Will make your mouth drier. Dry mouth / throat will cause irritation...

A sugar free throat losenge may help stimulate the flow of saliva.

[ECHOES]

Coke might be coating your throat and so you don't feel the soreness. Water cleans without leaving any coating.

You might try gargling with salt water - 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of water - twice a day for a week or two. It can help with soreness and irritation.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I live in an area where allergies are really bad. Your symptoms sound like post nasal drip that we get. Could it be an allergy to say a pet, mold or something outside? Maybe try an OTC allergy med and see if it helps.

Just a thought.

[magical loser]

this happened to me when i was at work, i started bringing water from home and it went away, so it must have been something in the water there. maybe they have started putting something in the water. try using 1 of them water filters that might take it out...

[-jimi-]

I have no idea how much your tap water is chlorinated, but I'm quite sensitive to the stuff. If someone cleans with chlorine bleach, my airways start to close, even if I'm technically not allergic. IF the reaction is because of increase chlorination, you could try following. Pour a liter of so of the water in a more or less open jug. Let it sit on the counter or in the fridge. Don't drink from it before 24 hours. Chlorine evaporates naturally after leaving the pipe system. If that makes a difference or not could hint you towards further steps.

[sherbet]

Jimi has a point…and some areas will increase chlorination during a certain time of the year, every year. In the United States you can look up the contaminants in your tap water on a government website. I'm sure there is something similar in the UK.

Since this has been happening in the winter, it may be that increased heating is drying out your air. If the problem is particularly bad in the morning you could try a humidifier (many humidifiers will have a special cup for pouring in cough suppressant that could soothe your throat).

I assume you've ruled out bacterial infection (like strep throat)?