There are few common illness symptoms more unpleasant than a sore throat. That constant discomfort every time you swallow calls for immediate relief in the form of throat lozenges, liquids, and analgesics. But what does your sore throat mean, and how can you get rid of it?
What Is a Sore Throat?
A sore throat is an inflammation of the tissues in your mouth and throat that can present with redness, swelling, general pain, and discomfort, especially when swallowing. Although physical damage to your throat can cause soreness, a sore throat is usually a response to a bacterial or viral infection.
What Are The Causes?
The causes of a sore throat can vary. If you also have symptoms like a cough, stuffy nose and sneezing, your sore throat is probably another symptom of a rhinovirus, or the common cold, and should fade along with the rest of your symptoms over time.
If it is in conjunction with white spots in the back of your throat or swollen tonsils and possibly a fever, you may have a bacterial infection like streptococcus – strep throat – or a more serious virus like mononucleosis.
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is one of a group of infections called streptococcal infections. These are bacterial infections that usually come with a rash and possibly a sore throat, called strep throat. Strep can be quite serious and, unlike a common cold, requires medical attention.
How Do We Treat Sore and Strep Throats?
If you are troubled by any throat symptoms, come into our clinic for evaluation. If your symptom is caused by a virus, the usual treatment is soothing liquids and foods like tea and honey and getting plenty of rest. When soreness is persistent, very painful, or comes with non-common cold symptoms like aches, rash, or fever, you likely have a bacterial infection and should seek immediate medical attention.
BeWell Immediate Care for Sore and Strep Throats Near Whittier, CA
At BeWell Immediate Care, we can do a fast strep test to detect strep throat in 10 minutes. A strep throat is something that you should consult a doctor for immediately. If you suspect you or your child might have it, don’t wait for your regular doctor’s appointment. Walk in without an appointment to our clinic at 12533 Washington Blvd., Suite B in Whittier. Or schedule a consultation on our website.