Sore Throat Specialist

When should I see a doctor for a sore throat?

Everybody has a sore throat at some point in their lives. It’s common to wake up with a scratchy, dry throat. You may even have one when the weather changes. Even the common cold can give you a mild sore throat. 

Most sore throats subside on their own with plenty of rest and liquids. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. As an adult, you should seek professional treatment for a sore throat if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Severe throat pain
• Pain when swallowing
• Difficulty eating and drinking
• Rash
• Fever greater than 101ºF
• Saliva with blood
• White spots in the back of your throat
• Earache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Sore throat that lasts longer than one week

If your child has a sore throat for longer than four days, or if they’re drooling unusually, call 

Sunset Urgent Care for testing and treatment.

What can cause a sore throat?

Sore throats are common and can be a symptom of many health conditions, infections, and viruses, including:

• Influenza (flu)
• Common cold
• Chickenpox
• Measles
• Mono
• Allergies
• COVID-19
• Tobacco use or secondhand smoke
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Tonsillitis
• Swollen adenoids

One of the most common causes of a sore throat that requires medical attention is strep throat. This bacterial infection typically leads to a sore, scratchy throat. You may also see small white spots in the back of your throat or tonsils. Strep throat is often accompanied by swollen lymph nodes and a fever.

What happens during a sore throat exam?

When you arrive at Sunset Urgent Care for your sore throat exam, Dr. Kwaw checks your vitals, reviews your medical history, and discusses your symptoms. Next, he asks you to open your mouth wide, so he can visually examine the inside of your throat. He also feels your lymph nodes to check for swelling.

If your throat shows signs of infection or irritation, Dr. Kwaw takes a swab to test your saliva for strep throat. He performs this rapid test onsite, so you can get your results as soon as possible.

What are the treatments for a sore throat?

If you have a viral infection, such as the flu or common cold, your symptoms should subside within five to seven days. It’s important to rest and drink plenty of liquids while you recover. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory pain relievers can also help alleviate your pain. More serious viral infections, such as chickenpox, may require medication to treat.

To treat bacterial infections like strep throat, Dr. Kwaw prescribes antibiotics. Your symptoms should improve within a few days after starting your medication.

If you have a sore throat and need medical treatment, call Sunset Urgent Care Medical Center, or book an appointment online today.