Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. While discomfort can occur throughout the day, many find symptoms, especially a sore throat, intensify at night. This is often due to physiological responses and environmental factors that become more pronounced during sleep.
Why Symptoms Intensify at Night
Symptoms intensify at night due to several factors. Post-nasal drip is one significant reason, where mucus drains from the nasal passages down the back of the throat. When lying flat, this drainage can pool, irritating the inflamed throat tissue, leading to increased discomfort and a persistent cough.
Another contributing factor is reduced saliva production during sleep. Saliva typically helps wash away bacteria and keeps the throat moist, providing a soothing effect. With less saliva being produced overnight, the throat can become drier and more irritated, exacerbating the pain.
The lack of daytime distractions also plays a role in the heightened perception of pain at night. During waking hours, daily activities and tasks can divert attention from the discomfort. However, in the quiet of the night, with fewer external stimuli, the sensation of pain can become more prominent and noticeable.
The body’s immune response and inflammatory processes follow a circadian rhythm, a natural 24-hour cycle. Studies suggest that the immune system’s activity and inflammation can fluctuate throughout the day. This fluctuation may influence how symptoms are perceived at different times.
Managing Nighttime Discomfort
Several home strategies can alleviate nighttime strep throat discomfort. Elevating the head while sleeping helps reduce post-nasal drip from pooling in the throat, lessening irritation and coughing. Using an extra pillow or a wedge pillow can achieve this elevated position.
Staying well-hydrated throughout the day is important, as it keeps the throat moist and can ease swallowing. Warm liquids, such as tea with honey or clear broths, can provide soothing relief. Cold fluids like popsicles or ice chips can also temporarily numb the throat and offer comfort.
Throat lozenges or sprays containing ingredients like menthol can temporarily numb the throat and provide a soothing sensation. Using a humidifier in the bedroom adds moisture to the air, which can help prevent the throat from drying out and reduce irritation, making breathing more comfortable.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage throat pain and reduce fever associated with strep throat. It is important to follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a healthcare professional if there are any questions regarding medication.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While home remedies can help manage symptoms, know when professional medical attention is necessary for strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics to prevent potential complications.
You should contact a doctor if you experience severe throat pain that makes swallowing difficult, especially if accompanied by a high fever, typically 101°F (38.3°C) or higher. Other concerning signs include a rash, which might indicate scarlet fever, or swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck.
Seek immediate medical evaluation if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva, or if symptoms do not improve after a few days or worsen significantly. If strep throat has been diagnosed and symptoms do not improve after 48 hours of starting antibiotics, seek medical advice. If you have been exposed to someone with confirmed strep throat and develop symptoms, it is advisable to get tested.