What can cause a sore throat at night? Some conditions can cause a sore throat to develop at night, while others may cause an existing sore throat to worsen. These include dehydration, sleep apnea, allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent sore throat that lingers for a few weeks or returns frequently. Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by infection, environmental pollutants, allergies or acid reflux. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause.
Can you have a sore throat without being sick? There are many causes of sore throat, and illness isn't always to blame. Allergies, heartburn, and even pollution can also cause sore throats without making you sick.
“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.”
Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus. Some of the more serious causes of sore throat include tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis (mono). Other causes include smoking, mouth breathing at night while you sleep, pollution, and allergies to pets, pollens and molds.
In most cases, your sore throat will improve with at-home treatment. However, it's time to see your doctor if a severe sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees lasts longer than one to two days; you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or a red rash appears.
Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red. Red and swollen tonsils. White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils. Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae.
Postnasal drip
Many common viral illnesses, such as a cold or flu, can cause a sore throat. In these cases, the throat may only be sore on one side. When the nose is congested, mucus and fluid drain down the back of the throat. This is known as postnasal drip.
Reasons your throat hurts when you wake up include: dehydration, dry air, breathing-related sleep issues, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergies, air pollution, bacterial infections, viral infections, and smoking.
Cold, Flu, or Sinus Infection
A sore throat that causes painful swallowing often signals that you're getting one of these common illnesses. It can start a day before other symptoms like a runny nose and cough. If it's a cold, you'll need to wait it out by sipping fluids and getting plenty of rest.
Any condition that irritates the esophagus will most likely cause painful swallowing. The esophagus carries food and liquid from your mouth to the stomach. Unfortunately, you can experience inflammation in the esophagus due to allergic reactions, acid reflux, infections, or medications.
A sore throat at night could also be caused by allergies, dry air in the bedroom, indoor air pollution or smoking. Another less common cause of this condition is a group A Streptococcus bacterial infection, otherwise known as strep throat.
Some people describe COVID sore throat as the most painful sore throat they've ever experienced. Others report a sore throat that isn't too different from one caused by a regular cold. Other COVID sore throat symptoms people notice include: Pain when swallowing or talking.
Generally speaking, avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods as they can all increase irritation. You should also avoid crunchy or hard textured foods like dry toast or cereals, as they can scratch your already delicate throat.
A pharmacist can help with sore throats
You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as: paracetamol or ibuprofen. medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine.
“A sore throat is usually caused by a virus and will typically go away on its own as cold symptoms lessen, while strep throat is a bacterial infection that must be treated by antibiotics.”
Individuals who perform oral sex on the penis of males are at a higher risk of developing sore throats after developing the sexually transmitted disease. On the other hand, individuals who perform oral sex on the vagina, vulva, or clitoris are at a lower risk of acquiring the infection.
Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.