There was a buzzing in the throat. When you read this sentence, you know what it feels like: panic. Because God knows moms can’t get sick during this time of year, but from September to December I find myself waking up with a sore throat every morning.
The trick is – I never seem to get really sick. Is it the weather? Is it the pressure of the season? Is it because I have three kids coughing in front of me every day and my immune system can only do so much?
What causes sore throat in the morning?
If your throat feels sore all day long, chances are you’re sick, baby. sorry. But Dr. Bernadette Anderson, a family medicine physician, tells Scary Mom that even if that tingling sensation in your throat comes and goes, you could be infected with the virus — even if you never feel too bad. “You know that annoying scratchy throat you get when you have a cold? It’s usually caused by a virus. Sometimes your throat feels fine in the morning, but by the afternoon, it’s scratchy again. That’s because your immune system The system is in a tug of war with the virus, causing your symptoms to come and go throughout the day,” she said.
While the weather itself won’t make you sick, it can make you Feel Sick. Not only can a significant drop in temperatures stress your immune system, but dry air, especially during the cold winter months, can dry out your throat and give you a scratchy feeling, Anderson said. Try using a humidifier and a glass of water to combat it.
Allergies, such as pollen, dust, or even your pets, can also be the cause of a sore throat, especially if you’re cleaning all the time. (Perhaps taking the Christmas decorations out of the dusty attic?) “It’s your body’s way of reacting to allergens in the environment. The good news? That ticklish feeling once you step out of the house or breathe in the fresh air will disappear.
Other sore throat culprits include irritants (like second-hand smoke or low-quality air), straining your voice (I understand, maybe from yelling at kids to pick up Legos) and breathing through your mouth . If you have gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), rising stomach acid while you sleep may make you feel painful and itchy, Anderson says. Postnasal drip or nasal congestion can definitely make your throat tingle.
Okay, so a sore throat isn’t going to make you feel bad. But what can you do?
The “energy” in the morning is like a shot, you want to get ahead of it. So, what do you do? Anderson says there are many simple remedies that can help relieve discomfort, including gargling with warm salt water. “This is one of the simplest yet most effective remedies. Mix a teaspoon of salt into warm water and gargle a few times to help reduce swelling and kill bacteria in your throat. This is an old-school trick for a reason.
She also recommends honey and lemon tea (the honey coats the throat and the lemon helps clear mucus) as a throat-soothing and immunity-boosting drink, as well as warm broths or soups, especially chicken. “Cysteine is an amino acid found in chicken that helps break down mucus secretions. Soups also help increase mucus flow, helping your body fight cold viruses,” she says. Be sure to stock up on peppermint lozenges to cool your throat.
But most importantly – you have to sleep and rest. When you sleep, try to use extra pillows and keep them at a higher height to prevent postnasal drip from leaving you feeling sluggish every morning.
What should I do if my sore throat is accompanied by other symptoms?
The ears, nose and throat are closely connected, so if you notice a tingling sensation in your throat and a little stuffiness in your ears in the morning, you definitely may have a viral infection (like a cold or flu) or maybe even an ear infection, Anderson says. “Earblockage usually occurs when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, becomes congested. When these tubes become clogged, it causes a feeling of fullness in the ear, along with throat discomfort.
You need to see your doctor if you develop fever, persistent symptoms (such as lasting more than a few days or worsening instead of improving), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. It’s not just that tingling sensation in your throat in the morning anymore.
How can you prevent a sore throat from becoming a serious illness?
Okay, your throat is numb, and You just got a call from the school that your child is complaining of a stuffy nose and fever. What’s your job? In addition to staying hydrated and getting enough rest (ha), some over-the-counter medications and therapies can help you manage your symptoms and possibly prevent them from getting worse, Anderson says.
If you think you’re suffering from a stuffy and stuffy nose, Anderson recommends using a decongestant like Sudafed or a saline nasal spray or rinse to clear your nose, and an expectorant like Mucinex to loosen mucus in your chest or sinuses (which can also help block generalized sinus infection). If your sore throat persists or causes discomfort, feel free to take some over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These can also help if a sore throat turns into a fever. If you suspect your sore throat is caused by allergies, be sure to use an antihistamine like Zyrtec or Claritin to dry out excess mucus.
But sometimes, the simplest remedies are the best. Anderson recommends drinking plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist and help loosen mucus, and she also recommends using CURE electrolytes (for her patients and herself) because plant-based electrolytes help replace lost fluids and support your immune system. “A humidifier in the room can also increase air humidity, helping to prevent further irritation and make breathing easier. Keeping your body and environment hydrated is an effective combination for alleviating these discomforts,” she says.
If your sore throat is causing you some pain, you can also stock up on lozenges or throat sprays, but Anderson warns these are only temporary solutions and will only relieve pain for a short period of time. Therefore, if your sore throat persists throughout the day, it’s time to take other medications. Taking zinc and vitamin C early can also shorten the duration of viral infections.
There are many reasons why you might have a scratchy throat every morning, but no matter what, taking care of yourself can save you from getting sick or feeling too sick. A lot of things happen during this season, but a sick parent isn’t one of them. Take a lozenge, take a nap, and then continue.
