Sore Throat

Sore Throat Q & A

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat is a symptom that many people of all ages experience when they get sick. If you feel soreness, aching, dryness, or scratchiness in the throat, there are a number of infections and illnesses that could be causing it. Other factors contributing to sore throats that are not illnesses include dry air, smoke or airborne chemicals, or too much use of your voice.

What causes a sore throat?

If your sore throat is severe or persists beyond some rest and home care, or if it comes with a fever that lasts beyond two days or other concerning symptoms, you should walk into Care Fast Urgent Care to identify the cause and get treatment.

Your provider may offer testing for these common sore throat causes:

• The common cold
• The flu
• Strep throat
• Measles
• Mononucleosis
• Chickenpox
• Mumps
• Allergies
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

While making a diagnosis, your specialist considers any other symptoms you have with your sore throat.

What should I expect during an appointment for a sore throat?

When you come to Care Fast Urgent Care with a sore throat, your specialist requests information about your symptoms and their duration. They also perform a brief physical exam to identify anything unusual, such as enlarged tonsils or swollen lymph nodes.

In many cases of sore throat, Care Fast Urgent Care uses a throat swab to gather a secretion sample and test it for streptococcal bacteria, the organism that causes strep throat. Your physician will also listen to your breathing using a stethoscope.

How is a sore throat treated?

The treatment you receive for your sore throat wholly depends on your diagnosis. After confirming a diagnosis, your provider at Care Fast Urgent Care might recommend or prescribe:

Over-the-counter pain medications

Gentle over-the-counter pain medications like those that contain acetaminophen can ease symptoms of a sore throat. Be sure that you don’t give aspirin to a child or teenager with a sore throat, as it can cause a rare but serious reaction.

Home care

Home care is essential to easing a sore throat. You’ll need to drink lots of fluids, rest, possibly use a humidifier, and stay away from others if you have a contagious infection.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are only useful in cases of sore throat that come from bacterial infections like strep throat. You must take the entire course of antibiotics to get rid of the infection entirely.

A sore throat can persist for days without the right care. Walk into Care Fast Urgent Care to get seen and help.