You notice a pain in the back of your mouth. When you swallow, it feels like your throat is full and like you have a mixture of sandpaper and straight pins back there. You might even notice some lumps or swelling on the outside of your throat.
These symptoms are consistent with pharyngitis, more commonly known as a sore throat. It is one of the most common complaints among urgent and primary care offices, especially during the winter months.
Why Does My Throat Hurt?
Sore throat is typically caused by a viral infection. The same viruses that cause the common cold – runny nose, itching/watery eyes, cough, and congestion – usually cause a sore throat. These infections are more prevalent in the winter months, and they will typically go away without medical intervention because our bodies are designed to fight these types of infections on their own. You can help your body prevent and fight these infections by keeping yourself hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and using salt-water gargles to help soothe the irritated throat.
Sometimes a sore throat is caused by bacteria instead of a virus. The most common type of sore throat caused by bacteria is strep throat. Strep throat is diagnosed with a throat swab. A clinical diagnosis of strep throat may be made when the tonsils are enlarged and beefy red with white patches. Strep throat is often accompanied by enlarged tonsillar lymph nodes, which you may feel on the outside of your throat. Unlike viruses which must run their course, bacterial throat infections can be treated with prescription antibiotics. Typically, a course of 7-10 days of antibiotic medication with over-the-counter pain and fever reducer will resolve the problem.
When Should I Visit a Medical Provider?
If you have a sore throat and no fever, you should try home treatment first. Over-the-counter medication for the pain, salt-water gargles to help soothe the irritated throat and patience are often the only treatment you need for a sore throat.
However, if you do not see any improvement in your symptoms or have a fever or flu-like symptoms, you should see your medical provider or visit M.D. Express Urgent Care. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing your own saliva, you should seek medical attention immediately.
At Riverside Health, we're dedicated to compassionate, collaborative care. We provide a wide range of services, from childbirth to end-of-life care, delivering over 2 million services each year. Our integrated network allows us to support you seamlessly through health, illness, recovery, and wellness. With top clinicians and advanced technology, we’re here for you at convenient locations close to home and work. Visit riversideonline.com.
If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:
If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.
Virtual Clinic – Schedule through MyChart or click Here to learn more about Primary Care On Demand.
MD Express Urgent Care – Click Here to find a location near you for after-hours care or when your primary care provider is busy.
If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368
