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Do you ever wake up in the morning and have a sore throat, but are unsure why? This is a common occurrence for people everywhere. There are numerous reasons why your throat might start hurting during the night, and you'll find several of them in this gallery alongside possible solutions. Learning more about your morning sore throat can help you prevent it, or manage it better if it does occur.
So, curious as to why you wake up with a sore throat? Click through now.
If you live somewhere with lots of allergens or bad air pollution, the dry air might cause your early morning sore throat.
Your window being open while you sleep might help some people breathe better, but for others, not so much. It ultimately depends on how dry the air is.
The soothing sound of a fan might lead to a more restful night's sleep, however, in some circumstances it can also dry out the air.
Set the fan up so it faces away from you. Then you can hear it and have it circulate the air while not blowing right into your face and causing dry air and a possible sore throat.
Breathing out of your nose means that your mouth and throat stay moist. If your nasal passages aren't clear, however, then you'll end up breathing out of your mouth.
Mouth breathing can lead to a sore throat. This is because when you sleep with your mouth open, your saliva either dries out or leaves your mouth in the form of drooling. No matter which way, it's not keeping your throat lubricated.
Acid reflux is more likely to occur when you're lying down. If its a severe case, then you may even become nauseated or struggle to swallow.
Other symptoms of acid reflux include feeling like there's a lump in your throat and you may vomit. Both of these can leave your throat and vocal cords irritated.
Allergies can be a major cause of sore throats. If you have allergies, then you should be aware and take preventative measures.
In short, allergies are an overreaction by your immune system. When something is ingested that is read by your body as a threat, then a lot of mucus is produced, amongst other reactions.
Mucus protects you by filtering out allergens from your body, while some of the extra runs down your throat and is known as postnasal drip. This is a common reason people wake up with sore and scratchy throats.
Snoring often happens because the tissues in your throat are vibrating and can be rubbing on one another. This, plus some mouth breathing and nasal congestion, can cause sore morning throats.
Smoking and vaping add chemical irritants to the throat lining, and can take moisture that the throat needs to function comfortably.
Sometimes, inhaling substances can cause mucus to overproduce and adds a sore, postnasal drip to the equation.
If you are shouting or even just talking for a long time with a colleague, friend, or otherwise, then you might inflame your vocal cords, which can leave them feeling sore.
When your body is dehydrated, it produces less saliva, which means your mucus membranes don't work as well and exacerbate the problem.
You should aim to sleep eight to 10 hours each night. Now, imagine doing that without having any water and not having had some right before you sleep.
Adjusting the way you sleep can make a big difference in how well you sleep. When you lay flat, mucus has nowhere to go, so be sure to elevate your head a little with a pillow so the postnasal drip can drain and minimize the throat irritation.
Air pollution like traffic fumes, smog, and even your fireplace can contribute to the irritation in your throat.
If you have lung conditions like asthma, bad allergies, or live somewhere with poor air quality, it's recommended you have an air filter.
If the air is dry, especially in winter, then use a humidifier.
It shouldn't be a lot, but drink a few sips of water before bed to keep your body hydrated.
If you catch yourself breathing through your mouth, your airways are likely congested.
In the short term, try a nasal decongestant or spray before bedtime for a few days. You can also try nasal strips for longer-term relief.
By elevating your bed and taking over-the-counter medications, you can reduce acid reflux. If the reflux persists, consider talking to a medical professional.
In addition to over-the-counter or even prescription medicine, there are modifications you can make. For example, change your air filters more often, buy an air purifier, and consider using a hypoallergenic mattress and covers.
Especially if you have seasonal allergies, be sure to keep your windows closed to keep from ending up with a sore throat.
If your sore throat lasts all day and isn't associated with a virus or if after a few weeks your throat isn't improving, you should consult a doctor.
It's extremely important to have a throat examination if you experience the aforementioned symptoms alongside smoking, having acid reflux, or drinking a lot of alcohol.
While primary care doctors can help, it might be worthwhile to see an otolaryngologist (ENT) if the pain or symptoms persist, as they may be indicative of a more serious issue.
Sources: (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: Everything you need to know about norovirus, the 'winter vomiting bug'
Why is your throat sore in the morning?
The causes and remedies you need to know
HEALTH Sickness
Do you ever wake up in the morning and have a sore throat, but are unsure why? This is a common occurrence for people everywhere. There are numerous reasons why your throat might start hurting during the night, and you'll find several of them in this gallery alongside possible solutions. Learning more about your morning sore throat can help you prevent it, or manage it better if it does occur.
So, curious as to why you wake up with a sore throat? Click through now.