Pharyngitis, pronounced lair-in-gitis, is a common condition that affects people of all ages; commonly referred to as sore throat. Many people who are suffering from pharyngitis may not even realize that the cause of their symptoms is from a specific sore throat case. Luckily, the condition is very easily treatable once it’s diagnosed at any urgent care center.

However, respiratory infections and other types of acute illnesses can increase your risk of getting a sore throat  during the holiday season! Viruses like the common cold and flu can spread quickly in early and late wintertime!

So what can patients do to avoid sore throat during the busy holiday season!

What is Sore Throat and Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is the medical term for a sore throat. This is typically caused by inflamed mucus membranes in the throat, often following the cold, flu, or other illness. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection like strep throat.

The sore throat symptoms associated with pharyngitis typically clear up on their own in about a week. If symptoms persist for longer than a week or if they become too severe, medical attention may be required. Symptoms of bacterial pharyngitis include a fever and white or puss filled patches along the back of your throat. Bacterial pharyngitis requires an antibiotic before you’ll begin to see any improvement.

Sore Throat Prevention

The best way to prevent pharyngitis is to prevent getting sick, but that’s not always possible. Reduce your risk of illness by regularly washing your hands, keeping your hands away from your face, and staying away from people you know are ill.

If you do become ill despite your best efforts, begin treating your symptoms right away. Since a sore throat is caused by swollen mucus membranes in the throat, controlling your nasal congestion or runny nose will help prevent the sore throat from occurring. Drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy diet, and rest as much as possible when you’re ill to lessen this mucus membrane inflammation too.

How Urgent Care Can Help

Your local urgent care center may not be able to cure your pharyngitis, but they can help make it more manageable! Prescription medications will work to reduce your other symptoms of either a viral or bacterial infection, which will in turn reduce the severity of your sore throat. The urgent care will assess your throat, lymph nodes, nasal passages, and other symptoms to determine the best line of defense. In severe cases of pharyngitis, a prescription may be given for a throat spray to help reduce pain and inflammation.

If you think you may be suffering from pharyngitis and need to receive treatment, stop in to your local urgent care today! There’s no reason to continue suffering when treatment is available in a convenient location, at a low cost, and in a quick way.