The desert is a tough climate. Its dry, dusty, hot air will do a number on your throat, sinuses and eyes. During a trip to Las Vegas, you will inevitably experience what is known as “Vegas throat”. It can ruin an exciting vacation and make you feel lousy. There are a few simple remedies and cures for Vegas throat, however, that can alleviate the symptoms and save your vacation.
What is “Vegas Throat”?
Vegas throat – or sometimes called Vegas cough – is the irritation caused by the desert climate of Las Vegas; it could come in the form of a sore, dry throat; itchy, stinging eyes or maybe a bloody nose. The arid atmosphere can cause problems for the respiratory system as well as the eyes.
Causes
This article cites the main cause of Vegas throat as the lack of humidity in the air. Other contributing factors are the high levels of dust, pollution and pollen. Be careful in casinos as well, smoking, being exposed to smoke and consuming alcohol can worsen the symptoms by drying out the mucus membranes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Vegas throat are similar to having a cold or allergies. Post nasal drip, scratchy throat, loss of voice, coughing, having to clear your throat often, bloody nose, stinging eyes, itchy nasal passages and a feeling of being “hungover” are all symptoms of this condition.
Simple Cures for Vegas Throat
I’ve read other articles on Vegas throat remedies and many suggest to do what you’d do for a cold: drink lots of water, use saline nasal spray, use a humidifier and suck on throat lozenges.
During my very first trip to Vegas, I got a terrible case of Vegas throat. I felt run down, I constantly had a tickle in my nose, my throat was dry and scratchy, I was having trouble breathing and I was getting bad nose bleeds. It really was not fun.
Using a humidifier wasn’t a viable option since I was staying in a hotel. I tried the other suggestions and they helped a little. I knew the major issue was the lack of humidity in the air, so I got to thinking of some creative ways to fix it.
Leave a thin layer of water in the tub with the door open. Usually when I’d come back after the maid cleaned, I’d close the drain on the tub, fill the bottom with about an inch or so of water and leave the shower curtain and bathroom door open. This helped create a bit more moisture in the air.
Leave wet towels and clothes out. After taking a shower or coming back from the pool, I’d lay the wet towel or bathing suit on the back of a chair. Much like the tub solution, this would help create a little more humidity.
Place a wet towel over your face while you sleep. I found this to be extremely helpful, just make sure you don’t suffocate yourself.
Avoid dairy! Dairy causes all sorts of problems with the mucus in the nose and mouth, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Drink hot tea with honey. Honey is said to soothe an itchy throat and hot tea is a great way to get some temporary relief from nasal and throat issues – use them together and you’ll feel great.
Take a steam shower. This always offered me instant relief. A nice, hot shower will open up the nasal passages and the steam will soothe the dry, irritated lining of the nose and throat.
If all else fails, try a travel humidifier. These are some quick, easy cures for Vegas throat that have helped me during my time in Las Vegas. Feel free to share your home remedies below.
Photo courtesy of user demibrooke on Flickr
Pat says
Visiting family in Las Vegas, I noticed that I can get dried out and it effects my breathing. I take a mug of water and put it in the microwave until it boils ( 1 minute or so) then just place it in front of me and let the air get some moisture. don’t breathe in too close or you could burn your sinusis and cause more problems. This method seemed to relief the dryness. I have to say, When I get back to NY, I appreciate our moist air which seems to be like cream to breathe.
Craig says
Awesome tip! Thanks for sharing
carly says
Thanks! This will help on my next trip! Past three visits have been horrible as far as vegas air goes!
Christiane says
Awesome things here. Iam very glad to see your article.
Thank you soo much and I’m loooking ahead to contact you.
Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Lauren says
I’m so glad I found this article. I am not visiting Vegas, but instead traveling on a road trip through the desert climates of Arizona and southern California. I noticed that I have had a sore throat on and off during my trip, as well as postnasal drip and difficulty breathing at times. I know I’m not “sick” since I feel fine otherwise. I woke up last night with a raw, burning throat and started researching remedies when I came across your article. I tried sleeping with a wet towel over my face and it worked wonders! Thanks for the ideas!
Marsha says
Craig, thank you for the information. My hubby and I live in Vegas part time. The other 7 months we are in South FL. You can only imagine the Vegas Throat issues we’ve experienced. Your crime/safety information is much appreciated, as we plan on moving full time to Vegas in a couple of years. We are in our late 50s and will both be retired at the end of this year. Everyone assumes that people wanting to live in Vegas are totally into gambling. Although we love the alive vibe on the strip, we spend most of our free time riding our Harley, hiking in Red Rock Canyon and walking the trails in Wetlands Park and on Mt. Charleston. And, though we are “seniors”, we want to live among neighbors with a mix of ages. Bravo to you and your “love of your life”‘s sense of adventure! There is a quote that I love. Not sure who said or wrote it. “Life takes you to unexpected places. Love brings you home.” Wishing you all the best as you search for and find HOME.
Craig says
Thank you so much for your kind words! Good luck with your move to Vegas. I agree, there is so much more to Las Vegas than gambling and I encourage everyone I meet to explore and get out there and see all the fun stuff you can do outside of the Strip.
viloriagirl says
Hi, Marsha! I stumbled across this post which you wrote almost 8 years ago. I like your attitude & love your vibe. 🙂 Your quote, “Life takes you to unexpected places. Love brings you home.” is so poignant to me that I’ve decided to put it on a cross-stitch and hang it by my front door. I have one question for you: did you ever make the move to Vegas?
Mike M. says
Vegas native here. You can make a poor man’s humidifier with a fan and a wet towel. Get the towel wet, turn the fan on high and partially cover the vents. You can achieve a similar effect with your hotel room air conditioner. Also, A/C units remove humidity from the air, so don’t run it too much while you’re not in the room. Drape your wet towel over the vent, crank the fan up and come back later to a more humid room. Then turn the A/C on when you’re in the room but keep your towel on it.
Craig says
This is a great idea! Thank you
Monique says
Wow. I just couldnt understqnd. Last year i lived in Vegas and the whole time here my throat was ruined. Soon as I moved back to LA i got my voice back and l could sing like I love to so. Now I’m back since Feb. And my throat is gone again. So the Culprit is Vegas Throat??