When you start a brand-new year, you get excited about the possibilities of what can happen—a new job, a new home, a new outlook on life and so on.

One thing you don’t want? A sore throat! That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah wants to offer some insight into how to find relief from a sore throat sooner rather than later.

Why Does a Sore Throat Occur?

A sore throat is any irritation to the throat that causes discomfort, scratchiness, itchiness or pain. Sore throats can occur for a number of reasons.

Sore throats can vary in severity. If you experience a sore throat that doesn’t disappear within a few days, seek medical attention to determine and treat the underlying cause.

Causes of a Sore Throat

• Allergies
• Cold
• Flu
• Sinus infection
• Tonsillitis

Can I Prevent a Sore Throat?

While there is no 100% way of stopping a sore throat from occurring, there are a number of things you can do to help protect your health as a whole, including eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly, getting quality sleep and not smoking.

Treatment for a Sore Throat

• Antibiotics, if prescribed for a bacterial infection
• Humidifier
• Fluids
• Over-the-counter medications pain relievers
• Rest
• Throat lozenges

Has it been a few days, and your sore throat is not getting any better? It might be time to make a visit to AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah for a medical evaluation.