From the Guidelines
For a sore throat caused by cold air and snoring, the most effective treatment is to use a humidifier in the bedroom to add moisture to the air, reducing throat irritation from dry air and snoring, as well as trying mandibular advancement devices (MADs) to stabilize the lower jaw in a forward and downward position, maintaining airway patency during sleep, as recommended by the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, the Portuguese Society of Stomatology and Dental Medicine, the Portuguese Dental Association, and the Portuguese Society of Temporomandibular Disorders, Orofacial Pain and Sleep 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Gargling with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times daily can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol, 325-650mg every 4-6 hours) or ibuprofen (Advil, 200-400mg every 6-8 hours) can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Throat lozenges containing benzocaine or menthol provide temporary numbing relief.
- Staying hydrated with warm liquids like herbal tea with honey can help coat and soothe the throat.
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back, elevating your head with an extra pillow, or using nasal strips can help improve airflow and reduce snoring.
- If symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days, worsen significantly, or are accompanied by high fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, consult a healthcare provider as these may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.
It's also important to note that the use of MADs has been shown to decrease the frequency and/or duration of apneas, hypopneas, respiratory effort-related arousals (RERA), and/or snoring events, as well as improve nocturnal oxygenation, reduce daytime sleepiness, and improve quality of life measures in OSA, with a better adherence compared to CPAP 1.
Additionally, a consistent and standardized nomenclature when referring to OAs, as well as future studies evaluating the benefits of OA treatment to cardiac, metabolic, and neurocognitive health, and assessing the long-term outcomes associated with OA therapy in adult patients with OSA, are needed to optimize patient care strategies 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Sore Throat
- Sore throat caused by cold air and snoring can be managed with various treatments, depending on the underlying cause.
- For snoring, lifestyle modification, intra-oral devices, or surgical intervention may be recommended 2.
- Continuous positive airway pressure is the treatment of choice for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea, which can be related to snoring 2.
Sore Throat Treatment
- For acute sore throat, non-pharmacological self-management, ibuprofen, and naproxen are recommended for symptomatic treatment 3.
- Laboratory tests are not routinely necessary, and antibiotics are not indicated if the risk of bacterial pharyngitis is low (<3 points) 3.
- If the risk is moderate (3 points) or high (>3 points), delayed prescribing or immediate antibiotic treatment may be recommended, respectively 3.
- Penicillin remains the first choice for antibiotic treatment, with clarithromycin as an alternative for those who do not tolerate penicillin 3.
Management of Snoring and Sore Throat
- A structured history of snoring and its associated symptoms, comprehensive examination, and sleep studies where relevant can lead to the correct diagnosis and appropriate management of snoring 2.
- For sore throat, assessing the risk of bacterial pharyngitis using clinical scores can help determine the need for antibiotic treatment 3.