A sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of viral infections, but during COVID-19, many people have described a unique type of throat pain — one that feels sharp, burning, or like glass shards when swallowing. This painful sensation can be alarming, especially if you’re unsure whether it’s normal or something more serious.
In this article, we’ll explore why your throat might feel like glass during COVID, what causes that intense discomfort, and the best steps you can take to ease the pain and recover safely.
Why Does COVID Cause Throat Pain?
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which primarily affects the respiratory system. When the virus enters your body, it often begins in the nose and throat — areas rich in ACE2 receptors that the virus uses to attach to cells.
As your immune system responds to the infection, inflammation develops in the throat’s mucous membranes. This inflammation leads to swelling, dryness, and irritation, which can make swallowing feel painful. For some people, the pain is mild, while others describe it as severe and sharp, almost like tiny cuts or glass in the throat.
What Does “Feels Like Glass” Throat Pain Mean?
When people say their throat feels like glass, they’re usually describing severe inflammation and dryness in the throat tissues. The pain can feel scratchy, stabbing, or razor-like, especially when swallowing or speaking.
This happens when the lining of the throat becomes dry and raw from inflammation or dehydration. The nerve endings become exposed and highly sensitive, which can make even a sip of water or air passing through feel painful.
Is a “Glass-Like” Throat Pain Common in COVID?
Yes, many people with COVID have reported this symptom, particularly during early variants and with Omicron strains. Studies have shown that Omicron and other upper-respiratory variants tend to affect the throat more than the lungs, causing symptoms like a severe sore throat, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
While not everyone will feel this glass-like pain, it is common enough to be recognized as part of COVID’s symptom range. However, similar throat pain can also occur with other viral or bacterial infections, like strep throat or tonsillitis, so proper diagnosis is important.
Other Possible Causes of Throat Pain During COVID
Although the virus itself causes throat irritation, there are other reasons your throat may feel especially raw or painful during infection:
a. Dry Air or Mouth Breathing:
COVID congestion can make you breathe through your mouth, drying out the throat and making it sore.
b. Coughing:
Frequent coughing can strain the throat muscles and worsen inflammation.
c. Dehydration:
Fever and reduced fluid intake can lead to dryness, amplifying that glass-like pain.
d. Acid Reflux:
Some people experience acid reflux or postnasal drip while sick, which irritates the throat further.
e. Secondary Infections:
In some cases, bacterial infections like strep throat can develop alongside COVID, making symptoms worse.
How to Relieve the “Glass-Like” Throat Pain
There are several safe and effective ways to ease this painful throat sensation while your body heals:
1. Stay Hydrated:
Drink warm fluids such as herbal teas, warm water with honey, or clear broths. Avoid acidic or carbonated drinks that can irritate the throat.
2. Gargle with Salt Water:
Mix a teaspoon of salt into warm water and gargle several times a day. This helps reduce swelling and soothes irritation.
3. Use a Humidifier:
Keeping the air moist prevents your throat from drying out, especially if you’re coughing or breathing through your mouth.
4. Try Honey and Lemon:
Honey coats the throat and has mild antibacterial properties. A warm honey and lemon drink can provide natural relief.
5. Rest Your Voice:
Avoid shouting or talking excessively. Give your vocal cords and throat time to recover.
6. Use Throat Lozenges or Sprays:
Menthol or honey-based lozenges can numb the pain and promote saliva production to keep the throat moist.
Home Remedies to Help Soothe the Throat
Traditional home remedies can also be helpful alongside rest and hydration. Some popular options include:
- Warm turmeric milk: Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can ease throat irritation.
- Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower can moisten the throat and reduce dryness.
- Ginger tea: Ginger contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Chamomile tea: Known for its calming effect, chamomile tea can soothe irritation and promote sleep.
These remedies are not cures for COVID, but they can make symptoms easier to manage as your body recovers.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Throat Pain
If home remedies aren’t enough, over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief.
- Pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Throat sprays: Some sprays contain mild numbing agents that provide short-term relief.
- Decongestants: If nasal congestion is contributing to mouth breathing and dryness, decongestants can help.
Always follow the recommended dosages and consult your healthcare provider before combining medications.
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of COVID-related throat pain improve within a week, but you should contact a doctor if:
- The pain is severe or getting worse instead of better
- You have difficulty swallowing liquids or saliva
- You see white patches or pus in your throat (possible bacterial infection)
- You experience shortness of breath or chest pain
- You develop a high fever that persists for more than a few days
A healthcare provider can determine whether your pain is part of COVID or a sign of another condition that needs treatment.
Preventing Throat Pain During COVID Recovery
Even after the infection starts to improve, throat irritation can linger. Here are ways to prevent further discomfort:
- Keep sipping water throughout the day to stay hydrated
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods that can irritate your throat
- Use a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air
- Avoid alcohol and smoking, which dry and inflame throat tissues
- Get enough rest and nutrition to support your immune system
Consistency with these habits can help your throat heal faster and reduce long-term irritation.
The Emotional Side of Throat Pain During COVID
Many people with severe throat pain during COVID experience anxiety or fear, especially when the pain feels unusual or intense. It’s important to remember that sharp or burning sensations can be part of the body’s natural inflammatory response.
Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle stretching can help reduce stress, which in turn supports faster recovery. Remember that throat pain, while uncomfortable, is often temporary and not dangerous on its own.
Conclusion
If it feels like glass in your throat during COVID, you’re likely experiencing inflammation and dryness caused by the body’s immune response to the virus. While this pain can be intense, it usually improves within several days as you recover. Staying hydrated, using soothing remedies, and resting your throat are the best ways to manage discomfort.
If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a week, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other causes such as strep throat or secondary infection. With proper care and rest, most people find their throat pain resolves fully within a short time.
FAQs
1. Why does my throat feel like glass when I have COVID?
This sensation comes from inflammation and dryness in your throat’s lining caused by the virus. It can make swallowing feel sharp or painful.
2. How long does throat pain last with COVID?
Most people experience sore throat symptoms for three to seven days, though it may last longer for some, especially if dehydration or coughing continues.
3. What can I drink for a COVID sore throat?
Warm liquids like herbal tea, honey water, or clear broth are soothing. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and acidic juices that can worsen irritation.
4. Can COVID cause long-term throat problems?
In most cases, throat pain is temporary. However, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see a doctor to rule out lingering inflammation or other issues.
5. When should I worry about my sore throat with COVID?
Seek medical attention if you have severe pain, swelling, high fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues, as these may indicate complications or another infection.
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