Waking up with a sore throat is a frustrating experience. When it happens, you might wonder if you overused your voice the day before or if you’re getting a cold. While these are both possibilities, there are a few other causes you may not have considered. Let’s take a look at some common causes of a sore throat in the morning.
1. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux causes stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus. If the acid reaches your throat, it can inflame the tissue and cause soreness. Acid may rise into your throat late at night, especially after a big meal at The Regional or too much coffee during the day.
If your acid reflux is mild, you may be able to manage it through lifestyle changes, including:
- Eating smaller meals
- Eating an early dinner
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes to bed
- Sleeping on your side
- Take antacids after acidic meals
- Quit smoking and minimize drinking
For chronic acid reflux (GERD) that you can’t control through lifestyle modifications, your ENT specialist may recommend prescription medication or surgery.
2. Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can dry out your saliva, often resulting in a sore throat and bad breath in the morning. While it may be just a habit for some, mouth breathing is usually triggered by nasal congestion. If your nighttime mouth breathing is due to chronic congestion, an ENT specialist will likely focus on treating the root cause, whether a deviated septum, allergies or another common issue.
If your mouth breathing is a habit, you’re likely doing it during the day without realizing it. Focus on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth during the day to break the habit.
3. Snoring
Snoring can quickly dry out and irritate your throat, often leading to soreness in the morning. It occurs when something partially blocks your airway during sleep. This could be the soft tissue at the back of your mouth, a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, adenoids or your tongue. These blockages can narrow the airway, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe, producing snoring.
One example is sleep apnea, wherein the throat muscles relax too much during sleep, blocking airflow to the lungs and increasing both snoring and the risk of waking up with a dry, sore throat.
Other Common Causes of Dry Mouth
Dehydration, sleeping position, smoking, air pollution, dry air and allergies are all common causes of dry mouth.
The best way to determine the cause of your morning sore throat is to make an appointment with Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC. Our specialists can identify the underlying cause and find the right treatment path.