Have you been suffering from a recurring sore throat? There are various causes why your throat may be frequently irritated– from bacterial and viral infections to seasonal allergies. It’s important to understand what’s triggering your sore throat so you can be sure to get the proper treatment and recover quickly. This blog will explore 3 common causes for a sore throat that comes and goes, and outline when to seek medical treatment.

Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl for same-day general illness treatment. Our team of healthcare providers specialize in treating a wide range of symptoms and conditions, seven days a week.

Strep Throat / Other Infections

One of the most common causes of a lingering strep throat is streptococcal pharyngitis– often referred to as strep throat. Strep is a bacterial infection that develops from an overproduction of mucus in the tonsils and throat. Common strep throat symptoms include painful swallowing or talking, red swollen tonsils, fever, and body aches. It’s important to have your symptoms medically diagnosed so you can follow the right treatment regimen. Strep is typically treated using antibiotics. If you don’t treat strep properly, your sore throat could linger on and off for weeks, and lead to further complications.

Other infections, including influenza and mononucleosis, can also cause a sore throat that comes and goes. If it’s determined that your sore throat is caused by a viral infection, be sure to get plenty of sleep and hydration to recover quickly.

Seasonal Allergies

When you think of allergies, there’s a good chance you think of irritated eyes or a runny nose. However, many people can actually suffer from a persistent sore throat that develops from seasonal allergies. Essentially, allergies can cause long-term nasal congestion that can inflame and irritate the throat from post-nasal drip. Therefore, the mucus that drips to the throat can trigger a sore throat that can fluctuate in irritation. Additionally, seasonal allergies can often cause a cough, which can also lead to a sore throat that comes and goes.

Symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, or a tickling feeling in your throat can indicate that your sore throat is caused by seasonal allergies. If you suspect this may be affecting you, visit AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl for seasonal allergy treatment. Our board-certified providers can examine your condition and make treatment recommendations. Typically, nasal sprays or antihistamines can help alleviate your symptoms.

Smoking

Chronic smoking can undoubtedly cause a recurrent sore throat. Smoking can lead to a dryness in your throat that can cause a sore feeling. Additionally, the toxins in cigarettes can cause mucus to build-up in your nasal passages that can also lead to a sore throat. If you’re a frequent smoker and suffer from a persistent sore throat, the best thing to do would be to quit smoking. Rely on support groups to help guide you through the process of quitting.

When To Seek Medical Attention

If you have been suffering from a sore throat that comes and goes, it’s never a bad idea to be checked out by a healthcare provider. Getting your symptoms examined and properly diagnosed can go a long way in ensuring you follow the right treatment plan for your individual case. It’s especially important to seek medical treatment if your sore throat is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, lasts longer than two weeks, and causes any difficulty breathing.

At AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl, our medical team can determine if your sore throat is being triggered from strep, allergies, a viral infection, smoking, or other cause. We operate on an individualized healthcare system– meaning each treatment plan works for your individual health needs. The clinic is open seven days a week, with walk-in visits welcomed. If you have any additional questions on sore throat treatment, or other services we provide, please call our office directly at (720) 818-8010.