Why are sore throats worse at night?

Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning. Exposure to certain allergens at night may also worsen postnasal drip and sore throat.

How do you stop a sore throat from hurting at night?

How to treat a sore throat at night
  1. gargle with salt water.
  2. sip a little grape juice mixed with a small amount of apple cider vinegar.
  3. suck on hard candies or lozenges.
  4. take over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
  5. sip warm tea or water with honey and lemon.
  6. eat chicken noodle soup.


How should I sleep with a sore throat?

Sleeping on an incline can help you breathe easier and help clear mucus, which drip down the back of your throat and cause irritation. Rather than propping yourself up by using pillows, raise the head of your bed.

How long do sore throats last?

Sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lingering on until their underlying cause is addressed. Most sore throats are the result of common viruses and resolve on their own within 3 to 10 days. Sore throats caused by a bacterial infection or allergies may last longer.

Why does it hurt to swallow?

The most common cause for painful swallowing is a virus like a cold, the flu, or mono. Sinus infections could also be the blame. The pain in your throat is likely caused by either inflamed tonsils, coughing, or irritation from sinus drip.

Why do cold and flu symptoms seem worse at night?



What kills a sore throat fast?

Things that kill a sore throat fast include saltwater gargles, herbal teas, honey and lemon, apple cider vinegar, and other remedies. Sore throat, or pharyngitis, refers to pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the throat.

What helps a sore throat ASAP?

Regardless of the cause of your sore throat, these at-home care strategies can help you ease your or your child's symptoms:
  1. Rest. ...
  2. Drink fluids. ...
  3. Try comforting foods and beverage. ...
  4. Gargle with saltwater. ...
  5. Humidify the air. ...
  6. Consider lozenges or hard candy. ...
  7. Avoid irritants. ...
  8. Stay at home until you're no longer sick.


What does Covid sore throat feel like?

A sore throat could range from feelings of scratchiness to severe pain. Some people say a COVID sore throat feels like allergies. Others say it is like having strep throat.

Should I get a Covid test if I have a sore throat?

If you do not feel well, you should be tested for COVID-19. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, feeling tired, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, throwing up or feeling like you need to, and diarrhea.

Does Omicron cause a sore throat?

The top symptoms of COVID-19 from the omicron variant, a sore throat and hoarse voice, differ from common symptoms from other variants, CBSNews reported July 19.

Why Your throat hurts when you swallow?

Overview. A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own.

What should you not drink with a sore throat?

Alcohol and caffeinated drinks like coffee are diuretics, meaning that they can potentially dehydrate you. As a result, your throat may become irritated and eventually sore. Consider abstaining from these drinks or opting for drinks with a lower alcohol or caffeine content.

Does ibuprofen help with sore throat?

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a common OTC pain reliever. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It soothes a sore throat by blocking substances in the body that help create pain and inflammation. It's often a go-to OTC medication to help relieve mild fevers, pain, and inflammation.

Is sore throats contagious?

Are Sore Throats Contagious and for How Long? If you or your child has a sore throat caused by a virus or bacteria, it's contagious. On the other hand, sore throats caused by allergies or other environmental factors aren't contagious. Viruses cause most sore throats, such as those that cause the common cold or flu.

Is orange juice good for sore throat?

Stay away from orange juice, lemonade, and other acidic drinks because they can sting your throat. Frozen foods such as ice cream or popsicles can help to numb throat soreness. Warm liquids like soups, tea with honey, or hot chocolate also can be soothing.

How can I numb my throat?

Suck on a lozenge

Some over-the-counter (OTC) throat lozenges contain menthol, an ingredient that can gently numb the tissue in your throat. This can provide you with temporary relief from burning and pain sensations. In a pinch, candies can have the same effect.

What kills throat infection?

Saltwater gargle

Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions. It's also known to help kill bacteria in the throat. Make a saltwater solution by adding a half-teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water. Gargle with it to help reduce swelling and keep the throat clear.

Is hot or cold better for sore throat?

Warm salt water and hot tea help your throat, but so do cold liquids, ice chips and popsicles. Popsicles are especially helpful for young children - the cold acts as a temporary numbing agent to ease the discomfort. Over-the-counter throat sprays and pain relievers can also help with pain control.

When should I be concerned about my sore throat?

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.

What should I eat with a sore throat?

The best foods to eat with a sore throat are usually soft, easy to chew, and warm enough to reduce your pain and discomfort.
  • Honey. Honey is a natural antibacterial agent that can reduce pain and inflammation in your throat. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Oatmeal. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Broth and Soups. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Pomegranate Juice.


Does ice cream make sore throat worse?

There's a widely believed myth that dairy products, like ice cream and milk, make cold symptoms worse by increasing phlegm. While milk may make your mucus thicker (sorry for the imagery), it definitely won't increase mucus production.

Is chocolate good for sore throat?

For sore throats and coughs, try taking a piece of chocolate and hold it in your mouth, so it slowly dissolves and coats the throat. The chocolate works similarly to honey in the way it desensitizes aggravated nerves in the throat. Hot chocolate made from dark cacao is also very effective.

Can I eat ice cream with a sore throat?

Avoid ice cream with rich, super-sweet sauces and additives, as they may irritate your already already-inflamed throat. Also, ice cream is obviously a bad idea if you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. Try a dairy-free sorbet or popsicle instead.

How long does a sore throat last without antibiotics?

If your sore throat is caused by a virus, it will likely go away on its own in 4 to 5 days. If you have strep throat, which is caused by bacteria, it will likely go away on its own in 3 to 7 days.

How long should a sore throat last before going to the doctor?

When to see a doctor. A sore throat can happen for many reasons, ranging from a common cold to mono, herpes, or HIV infections. Symptoms usually go away after a few days. People should see a doctor if a sore throat lasts 6 days or more, or they have a fever or other symptoms.