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Common Questions About Sore Throats
To alleviate a sore throat quickly, there are several things you can do. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water, using a humidifier, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and sucking on throat lozenges or hard candies can all help provide relief.
However, if your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection like strep throat, you’ll need a prescription antibiotic to treat it.
While a sore throat isn’t always present in someone with Covid, it’s one of the common symptoms that can accompany the virus. Other symptoms may include fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may vary depending on your age, Covid vaccination status, and any underlying conditions you have.
A sore throat is one of the common symptoms associated with COVID-19. It may feel similar to a regular sore throat, with pain, irritation, or scratchiness in the throat. However, some people with COVID-19 have reported a more severe sore throat, with intense pain and difficulty swallowing.
Yes, allergies can cause a sore throat. When someone is exposed to an allergen — such as pollen or pet dander — their body releases histamine, which can cause inflammation and irritation in the throat. This can lead to symptoms such as a sore or scratchy throat, and painful swallowing. In some cases, allergies can also lead to the development of postnasal drip, where mucus from the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat, further irritating it and causing soreness.
A sore throat can happen at night for several reasons. One of the most common causes is sleeping with your mouth open, which can cause dryness and irritation in the throat. This can happen if you have nasal congestion or allergies that prevent you from breathing through your nose while you sleep.
Another common cause of a sore throat at night is acid reflux, which can worsen when lying down and cause irritation in the throat. Postnasal drip, where mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat during the night, can also cause irritation and a sore throat.
In addition, certain environmental factors such as low humidity levels in the air or exposure to smoke or other irritants can contribute to a sore throat at night.
When you have a sore throat, it's best to avoid foods and beverages that can irritate your throat and worsen your symptoms. This includes spicy and acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, as well as hot and spicy condiments such as hot sauce. In addition, try to steer clear of hard and crunchy foods that can scratch your throat, such as chips and crackers. Be sure to stay hydrated and focus on eating easy-to-swallow foods like broths and soups as well as soft fruits like bananas and melons.