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Sore Throat Q & A

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat, also called pharyngitis, causes pain, irritation, and discomfort in the throat. When you have a sore throat, swallowing can be painful. Eating and drinking may be uncomfortable, increasing your risk of lethargy and dehydration. 

Depending on the cause of a sore throat, you may experience other symptoms, such as:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • White spots in the back of your throat
  • Skin rash
  • Headache
  • Fever

Walk-ins are welcome at Summitview Urgent Care if you have a persistent sore throat or worsening symptoms. The clinic is open seven days a week, and all providers are emergency room (ER)-trained.

What causes a sore throat?

Many factors can cause a sore throat, including:

  • Allergies
  • Pollutants
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Acid reflux
  • Injuries

A sore throat can also be the sign of a more serious illness, including:

Strep throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that develops in the throat and tonsils. It can cause redness, swelling, and white spots in the back of the throat. Symptoms usually develop within five days of the initial exposure.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a viral or bacterial infection that inflames the tonsils, lymph nodes in the back of the throat that help filter bacteria.

Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, commonly called mono, is a contagious infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms can develop several weeks after your initial exposure and last for up to four weeks or longer.

How can I treat a sore throat at home?

Many home remedies are effective at relieving throat discomfort, including:

  • Gargling with warm salt water
  • Staying hydrated
  • Resting
  • Sucking on throat lozenges
  • Drinking warm tea with honey
  • Running a humidifier
  • Take Tylenol or Motrin for fever and pain 

If at-home treatments offer little relief from your sore throat, the providers at Summitview Urgent Care can run various tests to determine whether you need professional medical attention.

When should I go to urgent care for a sore throat?

Visit Summitview Urgent Care if you experience severe throat pain, difficulty breathing, or problems swallowing. You may also benefit from immediate care if your sore throat accompanies other symptoms, such as a fever or swollen lymph nodes. Summitview Urgent Care offers convenient, affordable care for sore throats.

Call Summitview Urgent Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about sore throat care.