It's only natural to panic about being sick when you wake up with a sore throat. However, sore throats can be caused by many different things, and are not always a sure indication of an illness. Sore throats can be caused by a variety of factors including environmental factors, irritants such as allergens, as well as a variety of illnesses ranging from mild to severe. If you wake up with a sore throat, it is important to seek medical care to get your symptoms diagnosed. This will ensure that you treat them effectively. At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, our walk-in clinic offers rapid illness care for patients in Bound Brook, NJ and the surrounding areas. Simply walk into the clinic, we’re open 7 days a week including weekends!
Common Causes of a Sore Throat in the Morning
Having a sore throat can be irritating. Depending on the severity, sore throats can affect your ability to comfortably swallow and eat. There are a multitude of reasons why you may have a sore throat first thing in the morning. Diagnosing the underlying cause of your sore throat will allow you to treat it effectively. It will also help you determine whether you should seek medical care for your symptoms.
Dry Air
If you’re consistently waking up in the morning with an irritated or sore throat that goes away as the day goes on, it could be due to your sleeping conditions. Our airways need to be kept moist, and sometimes air conditioning or heating can dry out the air in your home. Try sleeping with a humidifier in your room to increase the humidity in your room.
Allergies
If your sore throat flares up once you leave your house, or when you leave the windows open, it could be caused by seasonal allergies. Although most people associate the spring season with seasonal allergies, allergies can last through the spring, summer, and fall - and sometimes even the winter depending on where you live and what you’re allergic to. Consider sleeping with your windows closed, or talking to your medical provider about your eligibility to take over-the-counter medications like antihistamines.
Overuse
If you wake up after spending the night at a concert or at a loud party, don’t be surprised if you wake up with a sore or scratchy throat. Overuse can leave your throat raw and irritated from yelling! Monitor your sore throat to ensure that it does not continue to worsen over time and drink warm liquids to soothe your throat.
Illness
If your sore throat pops up in the morning and continues to get worse throughout the day, you may be sick. Sore throats are a common symptom of many different illnesses including common colds, the flu, and even bacterial infections like strep throat and mono. Having a sore throat that worsens over time or is accompanied by other illness symptoms is a telltale sign that you could be sick.
Sore Throat Diagnosis & Treatment near Bridgewater, NJ
It can be difficult to diagnose the underlying cause of a sore throat on your own. If your sore throat is mild, it may just go away on its own over time. However, if it is persistent or worsening over time, you should seek medical care. A severe sore throat can cause discomfort and even pain in some cases. Your medical provider will be able to evaluate your symptoms and determine what is causing your sore throat, allowing you to treat it effectively.
Walk Into AFC Bound Brook for Sore Throat Treatment in Bound Brook, NJ
If you’re experiencing a sore throat that won’t go away or is painful, AFC Bound Brook is here to help. Our clinic is available daily to provide rapid illness care for patients in Bound Brook, and Bridgewater, NJ. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We’re open 7 days a week, including weekends! Our medical providers are board-certified and able to provide same-day care for sore throats. Simply walk into the clinic! We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for our care.
