Sore Throat

A sore throat is more a symptom than a condition itself. If you have a sore throat, it's usually due to an underlying issue. Causes include:

Viruses

Viruses are the most frequent cause of throat pain. A sore throat often signals viral infections like cold, flu, and mononucleosis. Other viral symptoms may be cough, fever, body aches, headache, and nausea. Most viral sore throats improve within 5-7 days.

Bacteria

Bacteria can also lead to throat pain. Strep throat from streptococcus bacteria causes sudden throat pain, swollen tonsils, fever, and tender lymph nodes. Strep spreads quickly through contact and needs medical care.

Allergies

Allergens can prompt postnasal drip, irritating and inflaming the throat tissues. Seasonal allergies are a common reason for sore throats.

How will I be diagnosed?

Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and examine your throat, lymph nodes, breathing, and ears. They may swab your throat to check for strep bacteria.

How is a sore throat treated?

Treatment varies by cause. Viral sore throats are treated with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. Strep requires prescription antibiotics. Allergy sore throats are treated by controlling allergy symptoms.

Contact our office if you have severe throat pain lasting over five days. We'll determine the cause and provide proper treatment for symptom relief.