Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Sore Throat And Cough While Lying Down?
Question: hello - i have had a sore throat upon waking for about 2-3 weeks now. it tends to go away as the day wears on, then comes back when i am lying down. In the morning when i wake up it feels pretty severe. I am also having some difficulties swallowing, and swollen glands right below my mandible. i feel ok - just a little fatigued. Thoughts??
Brief Answer:
Consideration
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending your question.
I am suspicious that you might be experiencing symptoms related to acid reflux.
Acid reflux can cause the symptoms including severe sore throat or sometimes cough especially after laying down for a prolonged period of time.
The fact that you seem to wake up with this very sore throat that gets better during the day suggest that you may be experiencing what we call silent reflux during the night while you are laying down.
I would recommend that you try a short course of medication to decrease the concentration of acid in your stomach to see if this helps promote significant improvement of your symptoms. A medication that you can obtain generally over the counter called omeprazole would be a good start at 20 mg daily.
One other possibility that can sometimes cause symptoms like you described include postnasal drainage or allergies. It does not sound like your history is consistent with this consideration however.
for now I would try the omeprazole to see if this helps and give it at least two weeks before deciding.
thank you again for sending your question. As always please follow up with your primary care physician for further decisions regarding your continued health care.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Consideration
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending your question.
I am suspicious that you might be experiencing symptoms related to acid reflux.
Acid reflux can cause the symptoms including severe sore throat or sometimes cough especially after laying down for a prolonged period of time.
The fact that you seem to wake up with this very sore throat that gets better during the day suggest that you may be experiencing what we call silent reflux during the night while you are laying down.
I would recommend that you try a short course of medication to decrease the concentration of acid in your stomach to see if this helps promote significant improvement of your symptoms. A medication that you can obtain generally over the counter called omeprazole would be a good start at 20 mg daily.
One other possibility that can sometimes cause symptoms like you described include postnasal drainage or allergies. It does not sound like your history is consistent with this consideration however.
for now I would try the omeprazole to see if this helps and give it at least two weeks before deciding.
thank you again for sending your question. As always please follow up with your primary care physician for further decisions regarding your continued health care.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
