Sore Throat Specialist

When is a sore throat serious enough to see a doctor?

If your child is complaining of a sore throat and has difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate care from DRS Medical Associates. A child that can’t talk yet, but is drooling unusually, may also be having difficulty swallowing and should be checked.

Adults with a sore throat that lasts longer than a week should visit Dr. Santos and Dr. Sharma. Other signs that your sore throat might be more than the consequence of the common cold:

• Pain when swallowing and opening your mouth
• Difficulty breathing
• Earache
• Rash
• High fever: Greater than 101 F
• Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks, or a sore throat lasting longer than a week
• Blood-tinged saliva

What causes a sore throat?

A sore throat often occurs due to minor viral infections, such as the common cold, but it could also indicate a more serious virus, including the flu or mononucleosis. In children, measles, chickenpox, or croup — which is usually accompanied by a barking cough — may also be to blame.

Group A streptococcus, known as strep throat, is a common bacterial infection that causes a sore throat. Symptoms include a severe sore throat and fever. Strep throat is quite contagious, but easily is resolved with antibiotics.

Allergies, dryness, irritants, and muscle strain (from yelling) are benign causes of a sore throat that should resolve on their own.

What will a sore throat exam involve?

The doctor will review your symptoms and check your vitals, particularly your temperature. You’ll have a swab of your throat if strep is suspected and an in-house test can quickly reveal whether you need antibiotics due to a bacterial infection.

How will the doctor treat a sore throat?

If your sore throat is a result of a viral infection like the flu, it should resolve in five to seven days. Over-the-counter medications can relieve pain temporarily. Children can get relief from children’s versions of these mediations.

Antibiotics treat a bacterial infection, such as strep. You’ll likely feel relief after a day or two on the medication, but take the entire course to completely wipe out the infection.

If your sore throat is a symptom of another condition, such as acid reflux or allergies, talk to the doctors about treatment for this source of the issue.