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Possible causes include:
Dehydration: Your body may suffer if it doesn't receive enough hydration or if you lose a lot of fluid in a short period, such as through excessive sweating. Dehydration can also occur as a result of taking medications that promote urine elimination or induce water loss from the body. At night, when you go without drinking water for a long time, you may wake up with a dry mouth and throat irritation, making swallowing difficult.
Other signs of dehydration may include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling of the legs
- Heat sensitivity
- Constipation
- Dark urine
The feeling of thirst is an indicator that your body is already dehydrated. The best way to treat dehydration and the feeling of dryness in the throat is to consume adequate amounts of water. You can also consider using rehydration mixes or powders to rebalance the electrolyte levels in the body.
The amount of water needed each day may vary depending on age, height, weight, and local climatic conditions. The general recommendation is to consume eight glasses of water a day, but it's advisable to discuss with your doctor to determine your specific needs.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
At some point in life, almost everyone snores. Loud and noisy snoring occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, and the airflow passing through the airways vibrates the tissues around them.
The constant vibration in the airways, caused by snoring, can lead to a sore throat. Additionally, snoring is closely related to mouth breathing, which can cause dry mouth and throat irritation upon waking up.
Although snoring is common, chronic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious disorder in which breathing can be interrupted and resumed several times during the night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which affects about 22 million Americans.
In the case of OSA, the muscles in the throat relax and block the airways during sleep, causing breathing difficulties. Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth is one of the obvious signs of this condition.
Other symptoms include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Abrupt awakening with a sensation of choking and coughing
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or nervousness
- High blood pressure
- Night sweats
- Decreased libido
If your snoring is severe or if you wake up with a sore throat and dry mouth, consult your doctor. He or she may recommend a sleep study to evaluate heart, lung, and brain activity and may perform tests to confirm the diagnosis. The study can be conducted either in a specialized laboratory or at home.
Treatment options may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise, or quitting smoking and alcohol. If you snore frequently, you can try sleeping on your side, as sleeping on your back can worsen the situation. Your doctor may also prescribe allergy medications or sleeping pills to improve sleep quality.
In the case of severe sleep apnea, you may need a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps maintain airway opening during sleep. In certain cases, surgery may be necessary.
Allergies
If you are allergic to environmental substances such as pollen, mold, animal dander, or dust mites, exposure to them can irritate your nose and airways, causing itching or irritation in the throat. Most allergy medications (antihistamines) are available over-the-counter and can alleviate associated discomfort. If you're unsure about what substances you're allergic to, it's recommended to consult a doctor.
Viral Infections
Viruses responsible for conditions like the common cold or flu are often the main cause of a sore throat.
Other symptoms of viral infection may include:
- Cough
- Stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Swollen glands in the throat or jaw area
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
Usually, viral infections resolve within 5-7 days without specific treatment. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. If you experience pain or high fever, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve symptoms. If the sore throat is severe and persists for more than a week, it's recommended to consult a doctor.
Strep Throat
A bacterial infection can quickly trigger a sore throat. The most common cause is a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, which is responsible for strep throat.
Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils, which may have white patches or pus streaks
- Small red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the throat
- If you have strep throat, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
Gastroesophageal Acid Reflux
This is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid returns to your esophagus and may reach your throat. The medical term for this condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other symptoms may include heartburn, hoarse voice, or a sensation of a lump in the throat upon waking in the morning.
If you have acid reflux, talk to your doctor. You can also take over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms associated with digestive issues.
Tumors
A sore throat can be caused by a cancerous growth or tumor near the throat, tongue, or larynx (voice box).
Other symptoms may include:
- Hoarseness in voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Noisy breathing
- Blood in saliva
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor immediately. Starting cancer treatments may be necessary.
HIV Infection
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that can cause a sore throat or flu-like symptoms in the early stages. If you are HIV-positive, you may frequently experience severe sore throat, which may be associated with a fungal infection called oral candidiasis, which occurs due to weak immunity.
If you suspect an HIV infection and experience sore throat, get tested as soon as possible. HIV infections can be managed with regular medication, and early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
When to See a Doctor
If you frequently wake up with sore throats or if they persist for more than a week or two, it's recommended to see a doctor. He or she can perform certain tests or a throat swab to identify the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will develop a treatment plan.
If a sore throat affects your breathing or swallowing or if you feel a lump in your throat, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. In the case of a viral or bacterial infection accompanied by high fever (over 38.3 degrees Celsius), it's recommended to see a doctor. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce fever and make yourself feel better.
If a sore throat is a symptom of sleep apnea, your doctor may refer you to an ENT specialist to rule out any structural blockages that may contribute to your sleep problems.
What You Can Do to Feel Better
Although severe sore throats may require medical attention, there are also measures you can take at home to alleviate symptoms:
Suck on ice cubes or ice cream to soothe the throat. You can also try hard candies or throat lozenges. Use a humidifier if the air in the room is dry. Gargle with salt water to soothe throat irritation. Drink warm beverages and plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. Use honey to soothe cough in adults; children over the age of one can be given honey."
Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on July 12, 2023 | Written by Shishira Sreenivas