What causes a sore throat?
There are many reasons you might develop a sore throat. Some of the common causes are:
Viral infection
The most common cause of a sore throat, a viral infection can lead to upper respiratory tract infections, the flu, or the common cold.
Bacterial infection
Strep throat, tonsillitis, or certain STDs that cause a sore throat to indicate a bacterial infection.
Environmental irritants
Air pollution, fumes, smoke, dust, pet dander, or pollen can trigger the symptoms of allergies or asthma, which can cause a sore throat.
Trauma
Excessive singing, yelling, or even talking can strain the throat muscles and irritate the tissue.
What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
A sore throat usually produces some common symptoms, which may include:
- Painful swallowing
- Inflammation and swelling in the glands of the neck
- Scratchy feeling in the throat
- Hoarse voice
- White patches on your tongue or tonsils
- Coughing
If you have a virus or bacterial infection, you might also have symptoms like fever, nausea, headaches, fatigue, runny nose, or sneezing.
How is a sore throat treated?
At Huntington Beach Urgent Care, Dr. Schwartz uses a swab to collect a sample of your throat tissue. Using the in-house lab, he can test the sample for strep throat or common viruses.
If you have a viral infection, he may recommend rest, over-the-counter pain and fever relievers, or a medicated cough syrup to relieve inflammation or other irritating symptoms.
Antibiotics cure strep throat and bacterial infections. You’ll need to take the full course of antibiotics to make sure the infection is eliminated.
When do I need to see a doctor for a sore throat?
Sometimes you can manage a sore throat at home, but it’s important to seek medical care if you have symptoms that last longer than about a week, or if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing. Joint pain, fever, or an earache are also indications that you need medical attention.
If you have symptoms of a sore throat and want fast relief, contact Huntington Beach Urgent Care today. Book an appointment with the online scheduler or call the office to be seen as soon as possible.
