Sore Throat and Strep Throat
Are you in Macon, GA with a sore throat? Head on over to Med Plus Immediate Care for quick care. Check in now or walk-in for your appointment.
Overview
Is your throat scratchy? Is it painful to swallow? You might have strep throat or simply a sore throat caused by a viral upper respiratory infection (URI)
A sore throat is described as a burning, stinging, or irritating sensation in the back of the throat. A sore throat is almost always the result of a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu, but can also be caused by a streptococcal bacterial infection causing strep throat.
Strep throat is caused by a bacteria and therefore antibiotics are used to treat it. Occasionally, a sore throat may be cause by a tonsillar or pharyngeal abscess. These causes require antibiotics and a procedure to heal you.
Symptoms Associated with Sore throat
- Cough
- Pain sensation in the throat
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Headache
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Runny nose
- A strained or raspy voice
- Conjunctivitis
Symptoms of Strep Throat
- Sore throat
- Pain sensation in the throat while swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
A good time to see a doctor
For adults – A sore throat with any of the symptoms should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Drooling
- Dehydration
- Difficulty in opening your mouth
- Swelling
- Rash
- Joint Pain
For children – If your kid shows any of the throat problems mentioned below, seek medical attention right away:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Drooling
- Not eating or drinking
- Dehydration
Causes
Most sore throats are caused by the same viruses that cause upper respiratory infection and flu.
Viral Infections. Sore throats tend to be caused by the same diseases that can cause flu and infection. Bacterial infections that cause sore throats are less common.
Bacterial Infection. Various bacterial infections might cause a sore throat. Strep throat is the most common and is caused by group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes).
Prevention
Sore throats can be avoided if you do your ability to continue healthy and to help others stay healthy, such as:
- Wash your hands before eating. When you go to the bathroom, you should spend at least 20 seconds doing the same thing before you eat or after being sick.
- Keep your hands out of your face at all times. Eyes, nose, and mouth must not be touched.
- Drinking glasses and other utensils should not be shared.
- Please wash your hands after you cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it.
- Mobiles, doorknobs, appliances, remote controls, and computer keyboards should be regularly disinfected. Phones, light switches, and remote controls in your hotel room should be cleaned when you’re on the road.
- Anyone who appears sick or is showing symptoms should be avoided.