Winter and sore throats are a lot like love and marriage, pancakes and syrup, and tea and honey. You can’t have one without the other. If it’s winter and cold outside, you probably have a sore throat along with your partner and everyone you know. Dry air and your sore throat: how to prevent winter sore throats.
Winter shouldn’t mean a scratchy throat. Trust Dr. M. Boyd Herndon for effective winter sore throat treatment in Port Neches, TX. Contact our ENT clinic today by calling (409) 729-6401.
Waking Up With a Sore Throat
Waking up with a sore throat is not a good way to begin your day.
- This is probably due to simple dry heat blowing in your home. Sore throats are very common and yes, could be the sign of a cold coming on or a virus. However, more than likely it is the dry heat in your home and your car. You can counteract this by adding a humidifier to your bedroom or other rooms in your home. It’s also possible to add a humidifying action to your heating system.
- The scratchy throat could also be from dehydration. We need to drink as much water in winter as we do during the summer months. When we are dehydrated, our mouth does not produce the normal amount of saliva to keep our esophagus and mouth moist enough. When this is the case, you’ll notice darker urine, feeling fatigued, and even having a dizzy spell.
- Starting your day with a dry mouth could also mean you are a “mouth breather.” Sleeping with your mouth open will dry your throat and mouth. This can cause bad breath, daytime fatigue, and snoring. Speak to Dr. Herndon about the possibility that you have obstructive sleep apnea where you stop breathing multiple times during sleep, and discuss treatment options.
Other Causes of Sore Throat in Winter
The common cold, flu, strep throat, and mono are prevalent in cold weather. A virus survives longer in cold dry air. You may have additional symptoms like a cough, runny nose, and a hoarse voice.
Winter allergies hit a lot of people. When you spend time indoors you become susceptible to pet dander, dust mites, and mold, which in turn lead to a sore throat, stuffy nose, watery itchy eyes, and post nasal drip.
Use premium filters for your HVAC unit, vacuum often, and watch out for leaks that can cause mold inside your home. Purchase over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants along with nasal sprays.
Best Ways to Prevent and Soothe Winter Sore Throats
- Besides drinking copious amounts of water, enjoy tea with honey and lemon to soothe that scratchy throat.
- Wash your hands often and then keep them away from your face.
- Stop smoking.
- Gargle with salt water.
- Make a pot of chicken soup, and then enjoy its warm and healthy properties.
- Add vitamin C to your supplement regimen.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Take over-the-counter meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
It’s hard to avoid a sore throat if you live in a cold climate, but you can take precautions and look for ways to soothe it.
Contact our ENT specialist, Dr. M. Boyd Herndon at (409) 729-6401 if your sore throat has lasted longer than a few days and you have a fever.