A sore throat could simply be a nuisance or a sign of a serious medical problem requiring treatment. At PrimeMD, with locations in North Columbus, Newark, Lancaster, Westerville, Kenton, Marion, Wilmington, Dublin, and New Albany, Ohio, the expert medical team can find the root cause of sore throats and treat them to speed up your recovery. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
A sore throat is an uncomfortable, tender feeling in your throat. A variety of viruses, bacteria, or medical conditions can cause it, and it can make you feel lousy. Finding the cause of a sore throat, treating it, and getting symptom relief is the best way to recover.
If you have a sore throat, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
The symptoms you experience with a sore throat can help your provider determine its cause. See the experts at PrimeMD at the first sign of a severe or long-lasting sore throat.
Some factors increase your risk of developing a sore throat. Examples include:
Ways to reduce your risk of getting a sore throat include:
Your provider diagnoses a sore throat after discussing your medical history and asking about your symptoms. They check your vital signs, complete a physical examination, and take a look at your throat, ears, and nose using a lighted instrument.
Your provider often feels the lymph nodes in your neck and listens to your heartbeat and breathing. They could recommend you undergo blood tests, nasal or throat swabs, a rapid strep test, or other diagnostic tests to find the underlying cause of a sore throat.
Depending on what’s causing your sore throat, the team at PrimeMD might suggest one of the following treatments:
Things you can do at home to relieve a sore throat include:
Your doctor could recommend you take over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat unpleasant symptoms and their underlying cause, especially if you have strep throat. Take all medicines exactly as directed by your provider.
To get treated for a sore throat and the condition that’s causing it, schedule an appointment with PrimeMD by phone or online today.
