Sore throat can take many forms and can be caused by a variety of factors.
According to Fortune, various illnesses such as Covid-19, influenza, and RSV are on the rise. Therefore, if you wake up feeling a sore throat, it could be a concerning sign.
Dr. Barbara B. Bawer, a family medicine physician at the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University, states: “When you wake up with a sore throat, it’s hard to tell if you’re infected with bacteria or a virus without direct testing. Other potential causes of sore throat can include allergies, acid reflux, or dry air in the bedroom.”
Sore throat may not be due to Covid-19 or influenza. (Photo: Everlywell).
Causes of Waking Up with a Sore Throat
A sore throat can signal Covid-19 or strep throat, or it may indicate an impending cold. Dr. Mark Russo, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at MedStar Health in Washington, USA, notes that the flu and strep throat are less likely to be the root cause if the sore throat subsides after the morning.
A morning sore throat, especially if it happens frequently, may be due to irritation from dry air. In such cases, using a humidifier in the bedroom and taking a hot shower upon waking can be beneficial. Additionally, a warm cup of tea is a great idea to soothe the sore throat.
Dr. Mark Russo mentions: “Warmth helps soothe the throat by relaxing the muscles, promoting saliva production, and lubricating the throat.”
Drinking warm water upon waking helps soothe the throat by relaxing muscles and promoting saliva production. (Photo: Palermo Village Dental).
Allergies are another common “culprit.” They can cause nasal discharge, meaning more mucus flows down and irritates the throat while you sleep. Dr. Mark Russo recommends consulting an allergist or trying non-drowsy allergy medication to see if it makes a difference.
Dr. Mark Russo also indicates that obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where you stop breathing for a few seconds during the night, may occur. If your partner complains about your loud snoring or you often feel tired during the day despite getting a full 8 hours of sleep, consider discussing with a doctor or sleep specialist whether you should be tested for this condition.
Another cause could be acid reflux, especially when it occurs chronically, known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Waking up with a sore throat may be due to stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. You might also experience a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn) or a dry cough.
Research has shown that the transition from sleep to wakefulness is associated with an increase in GERD symptoms in some patients, and getting out of bed as soon as you wake up can be helpful. Additionally, try to eat lighter meals in the evening and elevate your head while sleeping. If these tips don’t work, you should discuss medication options with your doctor.
Dry air in the bedroom is also a cause of waking up with a sore throat. (Photo: Dental Implant and Specialist Centre).
What Does a Sore Throat Indicate?
If your sore throat is accompanied by fever, runny nose, or nasal congestion, you might be facing various infectious diseases. Influenza typically comes with body aches and overall fatigue, while Covid-19 may be accompanied by cough and fatigue, as well as loss of taste and smell.
Dr. Barbara B. Bawer explains that RSV primarily affects children, but if you contract it, you may experience sneezing (along with fever, sore throat, and runny nose).
If it’s strep throat (a bacterial infection rather than a virus like Covid-19, influenza, or RSV), you may not have nasal congestion or a cough. Instead, you might experience fever, red or white spots in the throat, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Strep throat is the only bacterial infection among those mentioned that requires antibiotics. If you test positive for Covid-19 or influenza, you need to take antiviral medication. Otherwise, rest, drink plenty of warm fluids, and take pain relievers/fever reducers if necessary.
Gargling with salt water, lozenges for sore throat relief, drinking tea with honey, and using numbing sprays can help alleviate sore throat pain. Additionally, Dr. Barbara B. Bawer advises avoiding foods and beverages that may irritate, such as dry toast, acidic foods like orange juice, coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods.
