Having a sore throat after a night of drinking alcohol is a common experience for many people. But is the sore throat actually caused by the alcohol itself? Or are there other factors at play? Here we’ll explore the connection between alcohol consumption and sore throats, looking at the potential causes and treatments.
What Causes a Sore Throat After Drinking?
There are a few possible explanations for why throats often feel scratchy and irritated after a night of drinking:
- Dehydration – Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you urinate more frequently. This can lead to dehydration and dryness of the mucous membranes in the throat.
- Irritation – Alcohol can directly irritate the lining of the throat, especially if you’ve been drinking spirits or wine. Acidic mixers like citrus juices or soda can also contribute to irritation.
- Immune system effects – Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol suppresses the immune system. This may make you more prone to viral infections that can cause sore throats.
- Yelling/Talking loudly – Bars, clubs and parties get loud. Raising your voice to be heard can strain and inflame the throat over time.
- Smoking – Many people smoke cigarettes when they drink. Smoke is very irritating to the throat.
- Snoring/open-mouth sleeping – Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, leading to more snoring and open-mouth breathing at night. This dries out the throat and allows more irritation.
So in most cases, a sore throat after drinking is caused by indirect factors like dehydration, irritation, infection risk and straining the throat from yelling. The alcohol itself likely only plays a partial role.
Is Your Sore Throat Actually Strep or Tonsillitis?
In some cases, that “alcohol-induced” sore throat may actually be something more serious like strep throat or tonsillitis.
Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection, while tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils often due to a viral or bacterial infection. Both conditions can produce symptoms like:
- Painful sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fatigue
These are signs you may need to see a doctor for antibiotics or other treatment. Don’t assume a sore throat after drinking is just from the alcohol. Check for other symptoms of strep or tonsillitis, especially if the pain seems severe.
Can Drinking Alcohol Make an Existing Sore Throat Worse?
If you already have a sore throat from a cold, the flu or another source, drinking alcohol could potentially make symptoms worse. Here’s why:
- Alcohol dehydrates the body – Dehydration dries out your throat more and thickens mucus.
- Alcohol inflames tissues – This can compound throat pain and irritation.
- Alcohol impacts the immune system – Your body has a harder time fighting off viruses or infections.
- Alcohol numbs pain – This can lead to more vigorous drinking and yelling, straining an already inflamed throat.
For these reasons, it’s smart to avoid drinking when you’re dealing with an active sore throat or illness. The alcohol is unlikely to help, and will probably prolong throat pain and symptoms.
Treatments and Remedies for Sore Throat From Drinking
If you wake up with a sore, scratchy throat after a night of drinking, here are some remedies and soothing treatments you can try:
- Gargle with salt water – Gargling with warm salty water can help reduce swelling and soothe pain. Use 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces water.
- Drink tea with honey – Hot herbal tea mixed with honey coats and soothes an irritated throat. Green tea, chamomile and mint teas work well.
- Suck on lozenges – Cough drops and throat lozenges with numbing ingredients like menthol or benzocaine can temporarily ease sore throat discomfort.
- Use a humidifier – Keeping moisture in the air prevents dryness and irritation. Aim for 30-50% humidity in your room.
- Take OTC pain relievers – Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Drink plenty of water – Stay hydrated to help dilute mucus, minimize dryness and prevent dehydration from alcohol.
Most sore throats, even severe-feeling ones, resolve on their own within 3-5 days. See a doctor if pain is severe or you have signs of strep throat or tonsillitis.
Can Drinking Alcohol Regularly Cause Chronic Sore Throats?
Frequent or chronic sore throats may be a sign you’re drinking alcohol excessively on a regular basis. Here’s why alcohol abuse makes recurrent sore throats more likely:
- Repeated dehydration dries out the throat long-term.
- Frequent vomiting from drinking can strain throat tissues.
- Impaired immune function occurs with long-term alcoholism.
- Yelling, smoking and snoring happen more often.
- Poor nutrition associated with alcohol abuse weakens defenses against infection.
Cutting back on drinking, staying hydrated, managing reflux and improving nutrition can all help prevent repeated sore throats associated with alcohol consumption.
When to See Your Doctor
In most cases, a sore throat after a night of drinking will resolve on its own with home remedies and rest. But see a doctor right away if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing liquids
- Severely swollen throat
- High fever over 101°F (38°C)
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
- Severe pain that lasts over 2 weeks
- Frequent sore throats that keep returning
These can be signs of a more serious infection or underlying condition needing medical treatment. Don’t hesitate to get professional advice.
When to See Your Doctor for a Sore Throat After Drinking
| Symptoms | Potential Issue |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing | Throat swelling or obstruction |
| Difficulty swallowing liquids | Throat abscess |
| Severely swollen throat | Allergic reaction or infection |
| High fever over 101°F (38°C) | Bacterial or viral infection |
| Blood in saliva or phlegm | Laryngitis, throat ulcer or tonsillitis |
| Severe pain lasting over 2 weeks | Tonsillitis, mono, chronic illness |
| Frequent sore throats returning | Allergies, acid reflux, or illness |
Preventing Sore Throats Related to Drinking
You can take steps to help prevent painful sore throats associated with alcohol consumption:
- Drink water between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke while drinking.
- Be aware of your alcohol limits and don’t overdo it.
- Sip drinks slowly rather than gulping them.
- Eat before and while drinking to reduce stomach irritation.
- Don’t drink alcohol when you already have a cold or sore throat.
- Use a straw to minimize contact between alcohol and your throat.
- Consider taking supplements like vitamin C, zinc or elderberry extract to support immunity.
The Bottom Line
Drinking alcohol commonly leads to sore throat symptoms like pain, itching, and irritation. This is most often caused by dehydration, irritation of the throat lining, yelling/straining the throat, and increased vulnerability to infections.
While uncomfortable, alcohol-related sore throats usually resolve on their own. Drink plenty of fluids, use throat lozenges, take OTC medications, and avoid further alcohol exposure while symptoms persist. Use home remedies like warm teas, salt water gargles, and humidifiers to ease throat discomfort.
See a doctor promptly if you have severe throat swelling, high fever, blood, trouble breathing or swallowing. With proper care, your sore throat should disappear within a few days.