Why Does My Throat Hurt in the Morning?

Posted on by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

You probably expect to wake up with a sore throat if you spend your night belting it out at August Karaoke Box. You may even expect to lose your voice. A morning sore throat that comes out of seemingly nowhere is a different story.

Let’s take a look at a few common causes behind morning throat pain and what you can do to manage them.

Breathing Through Your Mouth

Woman holding her sore throat while sitting in bed.

If your nose is blocked, due to allergies, a deviated septum or chronic sinus congestion, you may breathe through your mouth while you sleep. Mouth breathing dries out the tissues in your throat, leaving you with discomfort, hoarseness or bad breath in the morning.

To break the cycle, it’s essential to treat the root cause. Common treatments include nasal sprays, allergy management or evaluation for a deviated septum.

If your mouth breathing is a learned habit, rather than a symptom of an underlying condition, practice nasal breathing during the day to help reinforce healthier habits overnight.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition wherein the sphincter muscle at the bottom end of the esophagus (the tube connecting the stomach to the throat) opens when it shouldn’t. When you lie down to go to bed, stomach acid may flow back up to the throat, leading to morning throat pain.

Try a few of these tips to minimize nighttime reflux:

  • Eat no later than 2–3 hours before bed
  • Limit acidic or spicy foods and caffeine during the day
  • Elevate the head of your bed slightly or sleep on multiple pillows
  • Consider antacids for mild symptoms

If symptoms persist, our ENT specialists can help identify the best treatment path forward, whether prescription antacids, surgery or lifestyle changes.

Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Snoring can dry out and irritate your throat. In some cases, snoring is just the result of congestion. In more serious cases, it may be a symptom of sleep apnea, a condition wherein breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. Sleep apnea often leads to a dry, sore throat, poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, mood changes and more if left untreated.

Because sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, consulting with one of our specialists is essential. We’ll work with you to determine the most effective treatment, either surgery, a CPAP machine or another tailored solution.

Schedule Your ENT Appointment

Waking up with throat discomfort can be frustrating and uncomfortable. If you’re experiencing this, it may be a sign of an underlying issue worth looking into. Contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.