Imagine waking up each morning with a persistent sore throat, feeling as though you’ve been yelling all night. While this is often attributed to colds or allergies, it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition: sleep apnea.
Can’t sleep apnea cause chronic sore throat? Yes, it can! Read on to learn more.
Understanding Sleep Apnea and the Connection to Throat Pain
What is sleep apnea? It’s a sleep disorder with frequent breathing disruptions during sleep, and it’s very common. This can lead to a number of health issues, including chronic sore throat, as well as much more serious issues like stroke. But how exactly are these two conditions connected?
Can’t Sleep Apnea Cause Chronic Sore Throat? Yes, Here’s How
There are several ways sleep apnea can contribute to a chronic sore throat:
- Mouth breathing: Individuals with sleep apnea often breathe through their mouths due to the obstruction in their nasal passages, which often dries out the throat and leads to soreness.
- Snoring: The vibration caused by snoring can irritate the tissues in the throat. Continuous, loud snoring night after night can result in a sore and inflamed throat.
- Frequent awakenings: People with sleep apnea experience frequent awakenings throughout the night as their body attempts to resume normal breathing. This can cause a cycle of dry mouth and throat irritation, contributing to soreness.
- Acid reflux: Sleep apnea can increase your risk of reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. The acid can irritate the throat lining, causing chronic pain.
Expert Sleep Apnea Care Is Just a Call Away
At ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea with customized care cutting-edge techniques including Inspire.
If you’re wondering, “Can’t sleep apnea cause chronic sore throat,” let us help you find the relief you deserve and enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep. Contact us at 703-448-0005 now!