Sore throats are a common illness symptom. Despite them being mild most of the time, they can be severe and very painful which can impact your health by impacting your ability to do everyday tasks including eating and drinking. Sore throats can indicate a variety of different illnesses, making them difficult to self-diagnose. If you’re suffering from a sore throat, AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock is here to help by providing same-day illness diagnosis and treatment with no appointment needed.
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What Causes a Sore Throat?
First, let's understand what a sore throat is. A sore throat is a painful and scratchy feeling in the throat. Sore throats often get worse when you swallow, especially while drinking and eating. Sore throats are simply an inflammation of the throat. They can be caused by various different viral and bacterial infections. In most cases, a mild sore throat will resolve on its own, however, in some cases, sore throats can indicate a more severe infection which requires medical care to treat.
Most mild sore throats are caused by viral infections. This can include illnesses such as the common cold or the flu. Sore throats can also happen due to exposure to environmental irritants like dust and smoke as well as allergens. It is very difficult to understand what is causing your sore throat without a medical diagnosis, which is why it is important to seek medical care if your sore throat is causing you to have difficulty swallowing or causing severe pain.
Sore Throat Diagnosis at Urgent Care
Sore throats typically resolve on their own after about a week. If your sore throat is causing severe discomfort or has lasted longer than a week, you should seek medical care for diagnostic testing. This will help identify exactly what is causing your symptoms so that you can get the necessary treatment.
To diagnose the cause of your sore throat, your medical provider will evaluate your symptoms and conduct a thorough medical examination of your throat and sinuses. They will ask you about other symptoms you are experiencing as well as any known allergens. Your medical provider may swab your throat to test for the presence of an infection to more accurately diagnose what is causing your sore throat.
Same-Day Sore Throat Treatment Near Castle Rock, CO
Depending on your test results, your medical provider may provide several treatment options to help relieve your symptoms. Because there are many different illnesses that can cause a sore throat, the treatment options available for your specific symptoms may vary, but could include prescription antibiotics, OTC medication use, and at-home remedies.
For healthy adults, a mild sore throat usually is nothing to worry about. However, if your sore throat is causing severe symptoms, you should get tested to ensure you are not suffering from a more severe illness. Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can cause a severe sore throat. Difficulty in swallowing things, losing your voice, and neck/jaw soreness are all common symptoms that indicate you are suffering from a more severe infection.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock for Same-Day Illness Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re suffering from a sore throat, it could indicate that you are suffering from an infection. For most healthy adults, a mild sore throat will resolve on its own. However, a severe sore throat may indicate the presence of a more severe illness that requires medical attention. Seeking medical care early can help prevent your symptoms from worsening. AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock offers walk-in illness diagnosis so that you can get the care that you need when it’s convenient for you. Simply walk in, or schedule an appointment online.
