A sore throat is a common symptom of many upper respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to influenza. It is classified as pain, irritation, or scratchiness in your throat that is often worse when you swallow, cough and talk. Most sore throats are caused by a virus and will go away on their own while others are caused by a bacterial infection and need treatment. Our team members at Commonwealth ENT are experts in diagnosing sore throats and their causes and in providing the right treatments.
Bacterial or Viral?
Most sore throats are caused by a virus of the upper respiratory system and are typically harmless. Viral sore throats are often a result of the common cold and are accompanied by stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, mild aches or headache, and cough. This type of illness does not usually require medical attention.
A type of sore throat caused by bacteria is called strep throat. Although it only makes up a portion of sore throats, it does require medical attention and can become very serious if left untreated. Strep throat is characterized by red, swollen tonsils, a painful throat that comes on quickly, painful and difficulty swallowing, fever, body aches, headache, and in small children, nausea and vomiting. A red rash can also develop over the body. Strep throat should be strongly suspected in the absence of other cold symptoms such as coughing, congestion, or runny nose. When in doubt it is always best to call your health care provider for their recommendation. They may have you come in for a simple throat swab to be on the safe side.
Diagnosis
If you suspect strep throat you should call your healthcare provider or, if it is after regular business hours, go to the nearest urgent care center. Strep throat is highly contagious and requires treatment with antibiotics. Your health care or urgent care provider will have your throat swabbed to check if there are harmful bacteria growing. This is relatively quick, easy and painless, and most offices can have rapid results in 15-20 minutes. This rapid test checks for the harmful type of strep only. If your rapid test is negative, most offices will send it up for a confirmation culture to see what it grows. Until that result is back it is assumed your sore throat is viral and you will be instructed on how to ease your symptoms until they self-resolve.
Treatment
Treatment for harmful bacterial infections such as strep throat is done using antibiotics. Over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can be taken until symptoms resolve. It is important to finish all doses of antibiotics, even if you feel better, so the infection cannot return.
For viral sore throats there is no “cure” or “treatment”. The virus needs to run its course which is usually 5-7 days. Symptom alleviation may be achieved by taking over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cough drops or throat lozenges, and warm tea with honey. Follow up with your primary care provider if you are still experiencing most of your symptoms after the 5-7 day viral time span.
Commonwealth ENT is available to diagnose and treat your sore throat symptoms. Contact us for an appointment today!