The cold season is accompanied by widespread cases of sore throat. It is very common to wake up with a sore throat, and the most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as the common cold or the flu, according to Boldsky.
In general, sore throats occur in the morning after waking up due to the natural fluctuations in the circadian rhythm when salivation decreases during sleep. But it’s important to note that if a person has a dry throat more than usual along with other signs, such as pain, difficulty swallowing, or a hoarse voice, there may be other underlying causes, including:
1. Dehydration
A person’s body does not function well if they do not drink enough water or sweat excessively. Dehydration can also occur when taking medications that increase urination or lose water weight. If not enough water is drunk in the evening, the mouth becomes dry, making it difficult to swallow.
2. Snoring and sleep apnea
Loud, powerful snoring occurs when the throat muscles relax, and air flowing through the windpipe vibrates the tissues around it. Snoring can cause a sore throat due to the constant vibration of the airway.
(expressive)
3. Smoking
Smoking is a known cause of upper respiratory problems such as dry cough, bad breath, acid reflux, as well as a dry, irritated throat.
4. Viral infections
Sore throats are often caused by viruses that cause infection, such as the common cold or the flu.
5. Bacteria
Many types of bacteria can cause a sore throat very quickly. The most common of these is Streptococcus pyogenes.
6. Other reasons
Other causes of a sore throat include acid reflux or tumors.
Get rid of sore throat
See a doctor if a person wakes up frequently with a sore throat or if a sore throat lasts longer than a week, as this may indicate an underlying condition. Depending on the doctor’s diagnosis, after some tests or a swab from the throat, appropriate treatment can be applied.
(expressive)
Symptoms of severe sore throat require medical attention, but there are some measures that can be taken at home to relieve them, and they are:
• Chewing ice chips or ice cream.
• Take throat soothing and lozenges.
• Use a humidifier for dry rooms.
• Gargling with salt water.
• Drink warm drinks and plenty of fluids.
• Take honey to relieve a cough.