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. M.D. Express Urgent Care is skilled in recognizing and treating viruses that cause sore throat symptoms for our patients.
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 M.D. Express Urgent Care?
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.
M.D. Express Urgent Care Centers are available 7 days a week in 5 convenient locations when you need us. If you or a family member are experiencing the pain of a sore throat that isn’t getting better, stop in to see us. No appointment is necessary!
