Sore Throat Specialist
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Walnut Creek Urgent Medical Care
Urgent Care & Internal Medicine located in Walnut Creek, CA
When it feels like razor blades are cutting your throat every time you swallow, you might be experiencing the first symptoms of an infection. Getting the right diagnosis for what’s causing your sore throat may help you manage symptoms. Whether it’s hard to get an appointment with your regular doctor or you don’t have one, stop by Walnut Creek Urgent Medical Care in Walnut Creek, California. The expert team of urgent care providers is here to help you diagnose and manage your symptoms to help you heal as quickly as possible. Call or come in right away to receive expert care with little to no wait time.
Sore Throat Q & A
What causes a sore throat?
The primary causes of a sore throat are infections and irritants of some kind. Sore throats can be caused by viral or bacterial infections or a fungal infection. Allergies may cause a sore throat, especially if they result in post-nasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat). Air pollution can irritate the throat and make it sore. Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke can also cause sore throats.
How is a sore throat treated?
Treatment for sore throats will depend on the cause of the condition. Viruses are the most common cause of a sore throat and are not treatable with antibiotics. In many cases, antibiotics will increase the patient’s risk of further illness due to allergic reaction or side effects like nausea, vomiting, rashes and yeast infections. The best course of action for a viral infection is to treat the symptoms with medicines to reduce swelling and soothe any itching, burning or painful sensations and for the patient to rest and take in plenty of fluids. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection, and sometimes for strep throat.
When do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
If patients have a viral infection, it will usually go away on its own. Antibiotics will not help and may even be harmful, as they can have side effects, alter the normal bacteria in the intestines and increase the risk of drug-resistant bacteria. If a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection caused by a group of bacteria called group A streptococcus, antibiotics may be necessary.
How do I know if my sore throat is a virus or strep throat?
A virus infection or allergies usually result in watery eyes, coughing, sneezing and a runny nose. If it is a virus, you may run a slight fever (less than 101 °F) and have a mild headache or body aches. Strep throat is more likely to cause a fever above 101 °F, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches or body aches. The tonsils are usually red and swollen, and sometimes have white patches or streaks of pus. You may also have tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth.
How can I protect myself from getting a sore throat?
Maintaining good health and hygiene are essential to avoid contracting a sore throat or other illness. Some top tips include:
- Limit tobacco usage
- Wash your hands often
- Drink enough fluids
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Avoid contact with people who are ill with strep throat or mononucleosis
- Avoid irritants like smoke, fumes, or excessive yelling
To learn more about how to can manage your sore throat, call the clinic or stop by today.
