A sore throat is a common symptom that most people experience at some point. Sore throats are often caused by viral infections like the common cold or flu. However, a sore throat can sometimes signify a more serious condition, such as a bacterial infection. Knowing when to seek medical advice can help prevent complications and ensure proper treatment, leading to a faster recovery. If you’re experiencing a sore throat, walk into AFC Urgent Care Cortez. Our walk-in urgent care clinic offers same-day illness symptom diagnosis and treatment to patients in Cortez, CO, and the surrounding areas. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance, simply walk into the clinic - we have short wait times!
Causes of a Sore Throat
There are many different illnesses that can lead to a sore throat. In some cases, sore throats aren’t caused by an illness. Instead, they can be caused by environmental conditions such as dry air or habits such as smoking. If you’re experiencing a sore throat, it can be difficult to self-diagnose the cause of your sore throat. Understanding the underlying cause of your symptoms is the best way to ensure you’re treating them effectively.
If your sore throat is mild or accompanied by other symptoms such as a cough or congestion, it may be caused by a viral infection like a cold. There are many different viruses that can cause mild symptoms like a sore throat, however, viral infections typically resolve on their own within a few days. Severe sore throats that cause pain while swallowing or sore throats that are accompanied by a fever indicate a more serious condition that could be caused by a bacterial infection. If your sore throat comes and goes, it likely is due to an environmental irritant.
Managing Discomfort During Healing
Sore throats can be uncomfortable. If your sore throat is bothering you, it is important to seek medical care. Getting looked at by a medical professional is the best way to determine what is causing your sore throat so that you can treat it effectively. Regardless of the cause, knowing the correct steps for treatment at home for a sore throat can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Some effective remedies include:
- Gargling with warm salt water can reduce swelling, soothe irritation, and help kill bacteria.
- Drinking warm tea with honey or simply sipping warm water can provide relief. Honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help soothe the throat.
- Drinking fluids, such as water, broths, or herbal teas, keeps your throat moist and helps prevent dehydration.
- Sucking on throat lozenges or hard candy can stimulate saliva production, which helps lubricate the throat.
- Resting your voice and avoiding irritants.
- Applying a warm compress to your neck can ease discomfort from sore throat muscles.
When to Seek Medical Care
While sore throats are a common symptom, there are instances when you should seek medical treatment. If you experience severe pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a high fever, swollen glands, or a rash accompanying your sore throat, you should seek medical care. Additionally, if you have frequent sore throats or a history of recurrent infections, your medical provider can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure you receive the right care for a faster recovery.
Walk Into AFC Cortez for Sore Throat Treatment in Cortez, CO
Sometimes, seeking urgent care services for a sore throat is essential to avoid potential complications. At AFC Cortez, our board-certified medical providers are trained to accurately diagnose and efficiently treat the underlying cause of your sore throat. We understand that your time is valuable, which is why our clinic is open 7 days a week, including weekends, and we accept walk-in patients. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you for same-day sore throat care!
