Causes of a Sore Throat at Night The viruses that infect your throat are also responsible for other respiratory conditions, such as the common cold and the flu. A sore throat at night could also be caused by allergies, dry air in the bedroom, indoor air pollution or smoking.
A sore throat at night can be caused by a variety of factors, including dry air, postnasal drip, allergies, muscle strain, and acid reflux. Several at-home remedies, such as gargles, lozenges, and soothing liquids, can relieve a sore throat at night.
Viruses, like those that cause colds or flu, are the most common cause of sore throat. These viruses are not strep throat. Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies or other upper respiratory tract illness. Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week.
Likewise, snoring may be the cause of your sore throat. But snoring is often a symptom of other conditions such as obesity or having a narrow airway. Dr. Stewart listed snoring, allergies and GERD as the most common causes of a sore throat in the morning.
Usually, a sore throat isn't a serious medical issue. Instead, it's typically an unpleasant sign that you're sick with a cold or the flu.
Sleep Position
Certain sleep positions may exacerbate throat discomfort by putting pressure on sensitive areas or hindering proper drainage of mucus. Sleeping flat on your back can lead to increased snoring and postnasal drop, both of which can contribute to nighttime throat pain.
How to treat a sore throat yourself
A sore throat without other symptoms often comes from irritation, not infection. Common triggers include dry air, allergies, mouth breathing, or acid reflux. These usually cause mild discomfort that settles within a few days.
“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.”
Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling warm salt water (about half a teaspoon in a cup of warm water) several times a day can reduce swelling, kill bacteria, and provide quick comfort.
A sore throat without a fever can be caused by a number of things, from allergies and dry air to acid reflux and vocal strain. While it's often nothing serious, some cases can linger longer than expected and may need medical attention.
A viral sore throat often comes with cold symptoms like a cough, runny nose, and hoarseness, while a bacterial one (strep throat) usually hits suddenly with severe pain, high fever, no cough, and white spots/pus on tonsils, but only a doctor's test (strep test) can confirm, as symptoms overlap and look similar.
Many different viral illnesses can cause sore throat. Some common ones are rhinovirus (common cold), flu, adenovirus, and coronaviruses, like COVID-19. These typically lead to redness and rawness in the back of the throat. One virus that really mimics strep throat is the Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that causes mono.
Yes, sore throat and COVID are still closely associated, and a painful throat is often one of the first symptoms. However, COVID-19 is certainly not the only cause of sore throat, and it's not typically the primary complaint of people with COVID.
Viral illnesses that can cause sore throat that may be mistaken for strep throat include:
Stage 1 of a sore throat, often the start of a cold or flu, involves early symptoms like a tickle, scratchiness, or mild pain in the throat, possibly with sneezing, usually appearing 1-3 days after infection, and can be managed with rest, fluids, saltwater gargles, and OTC pain relievers, but see a doctor if it's severe, lasts over a week, or comes with a high fever or trouble breathing.
Red flags for a sore throat that need urgent care include difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe pain (especially on one side), drooling, inability to open your mouth fully, stiff neck, confusion, high fever with shivering, dehydration signs, or blood in saliva, as these can signal serious issues like airway obstruction, severe infection, or rare conditions needing immediate attention. See a doctor if it lasts over a week, recurs often, or if you have night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or a weakened immune system.
The most common cause of a sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat from a virus goes away on its own. Strep throat, also called a streptococcal infection, is a less common type of sore throat. Bacteria causes it.
8 Foods and Drinks to Soothe Your Sore Throat
Go to urgent care if your sore throat is severe, lasts more than five days or comes with other symptoms like a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, or you have difficulty swallowing. Urgent care clinics provide quick diagnoses and treatments, including antibiotics if needed.
Common symptoms of tonsillitis include:
Drink warm liquids that soothe the throat such as broth, tea without caffeine or warm water with honey. Cold treats such as ice pops also can soothe a sore throat. Don't give honey to children younger than age 1. Gargle with saltwater.
Sore Throat Relief
Cold liquids or popsicles can numb the pain. Throat sprays and over-the-counter pain relievers can help, too. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, especially when sleeping, to keep air from getting too dry. If the sore throat persists for several days, contact a health care professional.
Depending on your body's response to an illness, a sore throat may be your only symptom. Sometimes, though, throat pain is just the first symptom of an illness. Other signs such as fever, body aches, or sneezing may follow.