Why do I have a sore throat?
Sore throats often stem from a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu. But you can also have a bacterial infection, as with strep throat. While having a sore throat can certainly mean you’re coming down with an illness, it’s not always the case. Your sore throat could be caused by:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Air pollution, including secondhand smoke
- Muscle strain, like if you had to yell or talk loudly
- Exposure to chemical irritants, including household cleaners
- Allergies, particularly environmental allergens, like pollen and mold
- Dry air, possibly due to heat inside your house during colder months
Even though anyone of any age can develop a sore throat, children between the ages of 3 and 15 are most susceptible.
What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
If your throat is sore, you may feel pain every time you swallow or breathe deeply. But sore throats can lead to a host of other symptoms, too, depending on the underlying cause. The compassionate team at Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic encourages you to come in for a sore throat evaluation if you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Cough or congestion
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Sore glands in your neck or near your jaw
- White patches (signs of pus) on your tonsils
- Redness in the back of your mouth and throat
It’s also important to schedule an appointment at Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic if your sore throat is associated with a fever.
How is a sore throat treated?
Your dedicated physician at Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic is likely going to conduct a throat culture — a quick swab of your throat — to determine if you have strep throat. The team may gather blood or urine samples to send to the lab as well. Once your doctor diagnoses you, they can get you started on treatment, which may include:
- Throat lozenges
- Antihistamine drugs
- Antibiotic medication
- Over-the-counter acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
If you’re fighting an illness, it’s important to give your body time to rest and drink plenty of clear fluids. Your doctor at Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic could recommend coming back in for a follow-up if your sore throat hasn’t improved — or worsens — within a few days.
Before your sore throat worsens any further, see how the team at Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic can help. Book your sore throat exam online or over the phone today.
