Why Do I Have a Sore Throat When I Wake Up?

The most common cause of a sore throat in the morning is breathing through the nose or mouth throughout the night. The process of breathing can cause the membranes of the throat to become dry, which can lead to irritation and soreness. Snoring can also cause soreness, as well as microtrauma, which can lead to infections. 

Other reasons for morning sore throats include post-nasal dripping and acid reflux. These secretions can accumulate at the back of the throat, leading to irritation and soreness. Allergens can also cause throat irritation, particularly pollen, mold or animal dander. 

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Why do these irritants cause more soreness at night than during the day? At night we tend to swallow less frequently when compared to the day. The process of swallowing helps to moisten the throat, and washes away any allergens or irritants. At night, these irritants can build up, leading to more soreness and irritation.

Other reasons for a sore throat can include:

• – Muscle spasms, tightness
• – Mechanical injury, trauma

• – Viral infection
• – Bacterial infections
• – Dry air
• – Tumours

Some home remedies for a sore throat can include:

• – Begin to gargle. One of the best things to help reduce the pain of a sore throat is to do a warm salt water gargle followed by a warm baking soda water gargle. The salt makes it feel better, and the rotating between salt and baking soda shocks the viruses by taking them from a very acidic to a very basic solution.
• – Drink lots of water! Hydration can help rinse the throat, remove irritants and can help keep the membranes moisten throughout the night
• – Hot Shower: Take a hot shower before bed to help open the nasal passages before falling asleep.
• – Humidifier: Setting the air humidity to about 50% can help ease breathing and reduce dust and allergens in the air. Ensure proper maintenance of the humidifier, as a dirty humidifier can lead to lung infections or flu like symptoms. 

It is best to seek medical advice if you or someone you know is suffering from a throat infection. From a chiropractic perspective, loosening tight muscles around the throat may help lessen the chance of throat soreness. Our Naturopathic Doctors can help provide natural remedies to help heal the throat and promote natural wellness.

To learn more, call our clinic today for a free consultation! Ph: 905-593-1605, or click the link below to book online: 

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