Waking up with a sore and scratchy throat can be stressful. Having an illness can put a damper on your plans. But does a sore throat always mean that you’re sick? Learn more about the common causes of sore throats, and when to seek medical care for a sore throat.
AFC Urgent Care Burlington offers walk-in urgent illness diagnosis and treatment 7 days a week. Our clinic is conveniently located and maintains short wait times, making it easier than ever to get your sore throat looked at by a board-certified medical professional. Walk into the clinic today, or schedule an appointment online.
Schedule an Appointment Get Directions
What Illnesses Cause a Sore Throat
Sore throats are a common early illness symptom. They occur when a virus or bacteria come in contact with your throat which can cause it to become inflamed and irritated. Similarly, excessive coughing from an illness can cause irritation in the throat and worsen a sore throat. There are many different types of illnesses that can lead to a sore throat. In the case of many viral illnesses, your sore throat will likely be mild and resolve on its own.
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can lead to a severe sore throat and other unpleasant symptoms. It requires medical diagnosis and treatment, so it is important to be able to identify the early symptoms.
Strep throat symptoms include:
- Fever
- Pain from swallowing
- Trouble eating or drinking
- Swollen and painful tonsils
- White spots on tonsils
Other Conditions That Can Cause a Sore Throat
If you have a sore throat, it could be caused by a viral infection like a cold or even a bacterial infection like strep throat. However, there are a variety of other conditions that can lead to a sore throat. If your sore throat is mild, or you are experiencing no symptoms other than a sore throat, it is possible that your sore throat is being caused by something other than an illness.
Other conditions that can cause a sore throat include:
- Allergies
- Excessive indoor heat usage
- Eating or drinking excessively hot foods
- Damage from crunchy foods
- Overuse of your voice
When to Get Medical Care
You should always seek medical care for any potential illness symptoms early. Waiting until your symptoms have become severe may result in a longer recovery time. A medical professional will be able to evaluate your sore throat and determine the underlying cause. They may conduct diagnostic testing to test for the presence of bacteria in your throat.
Treatment options for sore throats depend on what is causing it. Viral infections often cause mild sore throats that resolve on their own over time. However, bacterial infections require antibiotics for treatment. If your sore throat is not being caused by an infection, your medical provider will help identify factors in your daily life that could be contributing to your sore throat. They will recommend at-home care and OTC medications for symptom management.
Walk Into AFC Urgent Care Burlington for Sore Throat Diagnosis & Treatment
AFC Urgent Care Burlington offers patients in Burlington, MA, and the surrounding communities with fast and reliable urgent care for illness symptoms. If you’re suffering from a sore throat, the board-certified medical staff at AFC Urgent Care Burlington can help provide an accurate diagnosis for the underlying cause of your symptoms. Based on the diagnosis, they will help create a customized treatment plan to help ensure you recover quickly.
Schedule an Appointment Get Directions
Our clinic offers illness symptom diagnosis and treatment on a walk-in basis. Our clinic maintains short wait times and is open 7 days a week with extended business hours. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care for patients paying out of pocket for their healthcare. Walk into the clinic today.
