Sleep with open the window and put a fan in the bedroom are the most basic remedies against heat in summer. It is usual if we wake up later with a sore throat, we blame these solutions. However, they are not always the cause, but rather it depends more on the quality of the air in the room.
Dr. Michael Benninger, president of the Cleveland Clinic Head and Neck Institute in the United States, admits that “cool air from an open window can help people breathe better, unless it is very dry.”
Fans can also dry the air, but its relaxing sound can better induce sleep. “I recommend placing it at a distance, so that it circulates the air while it produces its monotonous background noise,” says the doctor.
Therefore, this expert points out that “the most common reasons for a sore throat in the morning are a dry environment, mouth breathing, and acid reflux.” Dehydration, pollen allergies or the beginning of a cold can also cause it.
Thus, it is important to take care of the sleep environment and the symptoms of possible pathologies to avoid that sensation of sandpaper in the throat when getting up. To achieve this, the Cleveland Clinic website recommends that we ask ourselves a series of questions that will help us:
Is the air dry?
If you suspect that the air in the room is dry, a more winter problem, use a humidifier. It is also convenient to drink more water during the day and especially before going to bed.
Could it be from breathing through the mouth?
Breathing through the nose helps keep the mouth and throat moist. Sometimes, if the nasal passages are not clear, we end up breathing through our mouths. For short-term relief (for a cold), you may treat yourself with a nasal spray before bed for a few days or use nasal strips.
Does acid reflux influence?
People reflux more when they are lying down, explains Dr. Benninger. “There are pillows that can help, but a healthy (low-acid) diet and weight control are the keys,” he says. If acid reflux is a problem you can take an H2 antihistamine before bed. Also, it is not appropriate to eat just before bedtime and alcohol should be avoided as it can cause increased snoring.
Is it allergy?
Depending on what allergy it is, your treatment may also help reduce a sore throat. But in these cases it is also advisable to change the air filters regularly, keep pets out of the room, remove carpets and curtains and use suitable mattresses and pillows if the allergy is to dust mites.
Besides, a shower in the morning can also soothe your throat thanks to the steam.
Another piece of advice that goes against everything our mothers have taught us is not to make the bed, strange as it may seem to us. “Dust mites like dark and warm environments, so to combat them it’s good to keep the sheets open until just before bed,” she explains.
Yeah sore throat it is maintained throughout the day it cannot be associated with a virus or it does not improve after a couple of weeks it is necessary to see a doctor, especially if there are other symptoms, if you smoke, have esophageal reflux or drink a lot of alcohol. “Any associated voice change or difficulty swallowing is more worrisome,” says Dr. Benninger.
The first option is the primary care physician but the doctor points out that if the pain persists it may be time to see a specialist, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition. “The human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming an epidemic of oral and pharyngeal cancers. A person with multiple partners or with papillomas in other areas should be especially careful,” warns Dr. Benninger.
Fortunately, a morning sore throat that goes away after a little food or drink is rarely a sign of something serious.