Seltzer water is simply water infused with pressurized carbon dioxide gas, making it a popular beverage for hydration. For someone dealing with pharyngitis or general throat discomfort, the question of whether this fizzy drink will help or hurt is common. While plain seltzer provides necessary hydration, the carbonation itself can irritate already inflamed tissue. Therefore, seltzer is generally neutral for a sore throat, but it may cause discomfort for sensitive individuals.
How Carbonation Affects Irritated Tissue
Carbonation involves dissolving carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into water under high pressure, creating a small amount of carbonic acid (H2CO3), a weak acid. Plain seltzer water typically registers a slightly acidic pH between 5 and 6, which is lower than the neutral pH of still water.
This mild acidity, combined with the physical action of the bubbles, triggers a sensation of stinging or burning. Carbonic acid stimulates specific pain receptors (TRP A1 and TRP V1), the same receptors activated by irritants like mustard or chili peppers. When the throat lining is raw or inflamed, this dual chemical and physical stimulation can feel abrasive, transforming a mild tickle into sharp discomfort.
The physical effervescence provides a secondary source of irritation. As the dissolved carbon dioxide forms bubbles, they burst on the throat’s mucous membranes. While this is a pleasurable fizz on a healthy throat, on a compromised surface, the effect can be perceived as harsh or scratchy. This experience can counteract the primary benefit of the water content: maintaining hydration, which is necessary for recovery.
Potential Issues with Added Flavors and Sweeteners
The potential for irritation increases when moving from plain seltzer to flavored varieties. Many contain added ingredients, such as citric acid, used to mimic fruit flavors or as a preservative.
Adding citric acid significantly lowers the drink’s pH, making it more acidic than carbonic acid alone. This heightened acidity exacerbates throat irritation and may contribute to tooth enamel breakdown. Increased acidity can also slow the natural process by which saliva neutralizes the throat environment, prolonging discomfort.
Sweetened carbonated beverages, such as sodas, pose a problem due to their high sugar content. Sugar provides a food source for bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes, which can be involved in throat infections. Some individuals report sensitivities to artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose or stevia extracts, which can manifest as an uncomfortable dryness or a raw feeling in the throat.
Soothing Alternatives for Throat Pain
For genuine relief, non-carbonated, non-acidic options are recommended to avoid further irritating the throat lining.
Warm Liquids
Warm liquids, such as herbal tea or broth, are effective. The warmth promotes vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the inflamed area, aiding in the transport of immune cells and nutrients necessary for healing. Warm liquids also help thin thick mucus, making it easier to swallow and clear, while providing a soothing, lubricating effect on the throat tissue.
Honey
Honey is a highly recommended remedy due to its viscous texture that coats the throat, immediately reducing the scratchy sensation. Honey also contains compounds like flavonoids that possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Salt Water Gargle
Gargling with a warm salt water solution remains a time-tested method for drawing excess fluid out of swollen, inflamed throat tissues. The hypertonic saline solution uses osmosis to reduce swelling, which helps to ease pain. This action also helps to loosen and flush away thick mucus, irritants, or microbes, providing a cleansing and soothing effect.