During the cold winter months, dry heat may create a recurring, mild sore throat with a parched feeling, especially in the mornings. This condition often responds to humidification of bedroom air and increased liquid intake. Patients with a chronic stuffy nose, which causes mouth breathing, can also have a parched throat. They may need treatment for their stuffy nose.

     An occasional cause of morning sore throat is when stomach acids come up into the back of the throat, where they are extremely irritating. You should avoid eating and drinking for one to two hours before retiring. You might find antacids helpful. If these fail, see your doctor.

     Industrial pollutants and chemicals in the air can irritate the nose and throat, but by far the most common air pollutant is tobacco smoke. It cannot be tolerated by many people who are either allergic or sensitive to smoke and its contents. Other irritants include smokeless tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and spicy foods.

     A person who strains his voice (yelling at a sports events, for example) gets a sore throat not only from muscle strain, but also from the rough treatment to his throat membranes. Well-trained experienced public speakers and singers learn not to abuse their throats and voices. They produce loud voices by taking deep breaths and using their chest and abdominal muscles more than their throat muscles.