Sore Throat When Yawning: Causes, Treatment & When It’s Serious

Key takeaways:

• Viral and bacterial infections are common causes of sore throat.
• There are other causes of sore throat while yawning, such as acid reflux or allergies.
• Sore throat when yawning is rarely a sign of a life-threatening illness.

Sore throat is one of the most common symptoms that lead to patients scheduling an appointment with their doctor. It is a frustrating and sometimes quite painful symptom.

A respiratory virus is one of the most common causes of sore throat. There are cases when a bacterial infection causes a sore throat. There are also times when a sore throat is not caused by an infection. Allergies, acid reflux, throat dryness, and even second-hand smoke exposure can cause a sore throat.

Any of the above can cause a sore throat while yawning. We’ll review some of these causes in more detail below and explore potentially helpful at-home remedies.

Is it normal to have a sore throat when yawning?

A sore throat that lasts more than a few hours usually indicates some health problem. Waking up with a sore, scratchy, or dry throat is common. These symptoms should be temporary. If you have a persistent sore throat, something else is likely going on.

What throat pain can feel like when yawning

Many patients describe a sore throat as dry, scratchy, or sharp. Swallowing or yawning can sometimes worsen pain. This usually has to do with stretching the irritated mucosa (throat lining) over the muscles in the throat.

Cause of a sore throat when yawning

Most of the time, a sore throat while yawning is due to viral infection. There are some notable exceptions to this, however.

Viral respiratory infection

Viral pharyngitis is an infection of the throat lining. The same viruses responsible for colds are often behind viral pharyngitis. A sore throat while yawning is often caused by this. You may also have a cough, runny nose, or congestion.

Bacterial infection

Sore throat while yawning is occasionally due to bacterial infection. Strep throat is one of the most common bacterial infections causing sore throat. Additional symptoms often include a cough, fever, and tender lumps in your neck (swollen lymph nodes).

Allergies

An allergic reaction is sometimes the cause of a sore throat. Allergic irritation of the nose leads to congestion, sneezing, and post-nasal drip, which is mucus dripping down the throat. Post-nasal drip usually results in a sore or scratchy throat.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a less common cause of sore throat. In this condition, stomach acid comes up and enters the esophagus, causing irritation. If the reflux is severe enough, it can reach the throat. Other common acid reflux symptoms include heartburn and chest pain.

Other causes of a sore throat when yawning based on another symptom, condition, or situation

At times, the presence of additional symptoms can help identify the cause.

Sore throat when swallowing and yawning

Swallowing and yawning require the use of muscles in and around the throat. When these muscles activate, the tissue on top of the muscles gets stretched, similar to the skin on our arms and legs stretching when we flex our limb muscles. Any condition that irritates the lining of the throat can cause pain while swallowing or yawning.

Sore throat on one side only when yawning

In rare cases, this indicates a collection of infected fluid in your throat. This is known as an abscess and is a life-threatening condition. Abscesses are very rare and usually present with other prominent symptoms. These symptoms include voice changes, difficulty breathing, and neck stiffness.

At-home remedies for relieving a sore throat when yawning

There are options for treatment at home to help you feel better if yawning is causing a sore throat.

Throat lozenges and sprays

Many lozenges and sprays can help relieve a sore throat. You should look for a product containing one of these four ingredients: menthol, dyclonine, benzocaine, or hexylresorcinol. All of these have anesthetic properties, which means they will numb the irritated tissue in your throat.

There is no evidence that any one of these is better than the other. Lozenges may last longer than sprays and be easier to take.

Warm or cold fluid intake

Sucking on ice chips or popsicles can relieve a sore throat. Cold fluid has a numbing effect on tissue. You may prefer warm fluids, such as tea with honey or soup. Fluids also help with hydration, which is especially important if you have an infection.

Pain medications

Over-the-counter pain medications are often effective for sore throats. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are popular choices. Research shows that ibuprofen might be more effective for pain relief.

Take a lower dose at first (200 milligrams for ibuprofen and 325 milligrams for acetaminophen). You can always increase it later on. You should avoid ibuprofen if you have stomach ulcers or kidney problems.

Environmental changes

Humidifying the air can help prevent your throat from drying out. This can be achieved with an air humidifier or by running a hot shower in a closed room for a few minutes. Avoiding second-hand smoke exposure is also important to avoid further throat irritation.

When you should see a doctor for a sore throat when yawning

Most of the time, a sore throat is mild and will go away on its own. There are times when further care is needed, however.

You should see a doctor if:

Visit your healthcare provider if you notice one or more of the following:

• You have a fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Your symptoms don’t improve after 48 hours.
• Your symptoms are severe.
• You are having trouble eating or drinking.

You should go to the emergency room if:

Seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room if one or more of the following applies to you:

• You have trouble breathing.
• If you are drooling because you can’t swallow your saliva (spit).
• Your neck or tongue is swollen.
• You can’t open your mouth or move your neck.

Questions to ask your doctor about a sore throat and yawning

• What is causing my symptoms?
• Can I do anything at home to address my symptoms?
• Do I have a contagious condition?
• How long will my symptoms last?

How a doctor can help treat a sore throat when yawning

The cause of your sore throat will dictate the treatment. Many times, viral causes of sore throat simply need to run their course. If that isn’t the case for you, a number of treatments may help.

Antibiotics

A doctor will prescribe antibiotics if they believe a bacterial infection is causing your sore throat. It is important to take your medicine exactly as prescribed. If you stop early, your infection can return and be worse than before.

Home remedies

The home remedies discussed above may be the only treatment you need. This is especially true for viral infections. Your doctor may recommend painkillers if your symptoms are especially uncomfortable.

Frequently asked questions: sore throat when yawning

It is normal to have questions about a sore throat when yawning. Please ask your doctor questions until you understand your condition and recommended treatment.

What if your throat is only intermittently sore when yawning?

The symptoms of a viral or bacterial throat infection may not be present all the time. An intermittent sore throat may also indicate that your treatment is working.

Why does it feel like you have a lump in your throat when yawning?

This can be due to swelling and irritation of the tissues in and around your throat. If you have trouble swallowing fluids or food, please contact your doctor.

Is a sore throat when yawning a sign of COVID?

The virus responsible for COVID-19 is one of the leading viral causes of sore throat. So, experiencing a sore throat – whether it happens when you yawn or not – could potentially be a sign of COVID.

Final thoughts

A sore throat while yawning is not usually an indication of something serious. At-home remedies may be all you need to get past your symptoms. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better after 48 hours or if you are having severe pain or fevers.

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