Many of us have had the experience of waking up with a dry, scratchy or sore throat. It can be especially annoying and uncomfortable if you’re experiencing this problem on a regular basis.
Let’s explore several common reasons you might be waking up with a sore throat, as well as what you can do to start feeling better.
You Have Regular Acid Reflux
If you experience frequent acid reflux, you have what is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This happens when stomach acid regularly flows up into the esophagus. GERD is an extremely common gastrointestinal disorder. Research estimates GERD has a prevalence of roughly 20% of adults in Western culture.
While heartburn is the symptom most commonly associated with GERD, other symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Chronic cough
- A sour taste in your mouth
- Hoarseness
- Nausea
Acid reflux can often be triggered by the foods we eat. Eliminating foods that are fatty, spicy or fried can be helpful, as well as focusing on foods like leafy greens and whole grains when you’re shopping at 3 Rivers Food Co-op Natural Grocery & Deli.
Other lifestyle remedies include:
- Sleeping with the head of your bed raised 6-8 inches.
- Eating smaller meals
- Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime.
If lifestyle remedies aren’t enough to alleviate your symptoms, your doctor may recommend medication to reduce stomach acid.
You Are Congested
Many things, such as allergies, colds and other infections, can cause nasal congestion. This congestion can lead to postnasal drip, which is when mucus drains down the back of your throat. If it happens at night, it can cause your throat to feel scratchy and sore when you wake up.
While nasal congestion caused by a cold or other minor virus should clear up on its own, a medical provider should evaluate any long-term nasal congestion to see what’s causing the issue. Depending on the cause, you may need to start taking allergy medication or treatments for a chronic sinus infection.
You Have Sleep Apnea
While not always present with sleep apnea, snoring is one of the more common symptoms. When you snore, you breathe through your mouth. This can cause dryness and lead to discomfort and soreness in your mouth and throat.
If you snore every now and then, it’s nothing to worry about. However, if you snore regularly or heavily and if you have additional symptoms such as gasping for air during sleep or waking up with a headache, these are signs you may have sleep apnea.
Without the proper treatment, sleep apnea prevents you from getting quality rest and can increase your risk of serious health complications such as coronary artery disease and stroke.
Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common sleep apnea treatment.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment for an evaluation with one of our experts, call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today.