Winter is an enjoyable season because many occasions are lined up for celebration. However, getting sick is a significant risk during the winter months. As many different health conditions pose a risk for us during this time of year, it can be difficult to self-diagnose your symptoms. In this blog, we’ll explain the connection between cold weather and sore throats and outline when to seek medical care. Get same-day sore/strep throat treatment at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield today.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Your Throat?
While sore throats are associated with cold weather, a viral or bacterial infection is not always the cause. Your throat (pharynx) is a tube that carries food to your esophagus before reaching your final destination, your stomach. The throat also delivers air to your larynx (windpipe) before reaching your lungs. Pharyngitis, another name for sore throat, happens when there’s swelling in the back of the throat.
In the winter months, the atmosphere is dry and less humid, which tends to cause sore throat. How? Dry and cold weather can dry out the tissues of our throat, resulting in irritation. A dry atmosphere and low indoor humidity are some non-infectious factors contributing to a sore throat in such weather.
What Other Factors Cause a Sore Throat?
Winters are not the only common cause of sore throats. Here are some other culprits:
Spending Time Indoors
When people spend more time indoors and in closed spaces, they are more likely to have a sore throat. For example, indoor air is polluted with dust or dander, which can cause an itchy sore throat. Also, crowded buses or airports with people who have sore throats can cause a sore throat, which is contagious.
Exposed to Outdoor Pollution
When traveling outdoors, sometimes you encounter a polluted area. You allow your nose and mouth to breathe the polluted air from that area. This air is full of toxic elements, making you cough and causing soreness in your throat.
Seasonal Allergies
People have allergies to many things, and if they come in contact with them, their bodies react. This reaction can be in the form of coughing, leading to soreness in the throat.
Smoking
Smoking is a very common cause of coughing. While the habit relaxes the mind, it damages the lungs. Sitting in a room filled with smoke irritates the throat and causes coughing.
What Are The Symptoms of Sore Throat In Cold Weather?
Experiencing a sore throat is common in winter, and people keep facing it often. The cold air makes your throat feel painful, dry, and itchy. It affects your speaking ability, and the pressure forces you to cough more. Sore throats usually last about a week, but chronic sore throats take longer to heal. If yours does not improve, try some effective home remedies. If your cough becomes uncontrollable, see a doctor for medication for urgent care right now.
- Hoarse voice
- Earache
- Cough
- Runny nose
Get Same-Day Sore Throat Relief at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield
While sore throats can sometimes be managed at home, there are instances where professional medical intervention is necessary. If over-the-counter medications and symptom relieving techniques do not provide relief, you may have strep throat. AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield is well-equipped to evaluate and treat strep throat symptoms, offering efficient relief to promote a quick recovery. We’re open seven days a week, just walk-in at your convenience!
