A sore throat is a very annoying symptom that can occur as a result of many illnesses. But as annoying as it is, a sore throat is always cause for much worry. In some cases, sore throats resolve on their own within a few days. However, there are times when even a little sore throat can become something else beyond home remedies and over-the-counter medicine. So when should you seek urgent medical care for a sore throat? Read on to find out.
For same-day sore throat relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Our urgent care center provides walk-in illness diagnosis and treatment seven days a week. Simply walk-in today!
Understanding Sore Throats
Sore throat, or pharyngitis, is a condition marked by pain, irritation or even itching in the throat, typically caused by inflammation due to cold or other virus. Sore throats can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, environmental factors, or even other underlying health conditions. The pain can range from a mild soreness to a stinging pain.
Sore throat can be caused by many factors, however, the most common causes include:
- Viral Infections, like the common cold or flu
- Bacterial Infections, like strep throat
- Environmental Factors like exposure to smoke, pollution, dry air, or allergens.
- Acid Reflux
- Tonsillitis
How To Treat a Sore Throat
As we said earlier, sore throats are always cause for alarm. They can be easily treated at home with a few lifestyle changes, home remedies and self-care. If you’re experiencing sore throat, here are some things to do to relieve the symptoms:
- Don’t talk too much and don’t shout. Working your throat may cause further strain on it, so stay quiet as much as you can till it heals.
- Keep yourself hydrated and your throat moist with soothing fluids like water, juices, and warm tea. A dry throat is difficult to heal.
- Gargle with warm saltwater several times a day to reduce swelling. Half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water is the recommended dosage.
- You can also use over-the-counter medicine to help relieve the symptoms faster. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Using throat lozenges or sprays can also help reduce throat discomfort.
When to Seek Urgent Care
If left untreated, some sore throats can move from being just an annoying pain to something more serious. Bacterial infections, like strep, need to be treated professionally with antibiotics. It’s important to consult an urgent care center to better understand the underlying cause of your sore throat. Contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain or difficulty swallowing
- High fever
- Worse and persistent sore throat for more than a week
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Swelling in the neck
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Get Same-Day Sore Throat Relief at AFC Urgent Care Union City
It is always important and advised to get treatment for any symptoms of any illness as soon as possible. As little and mild as a sore throat may seem, it can eventually get worse and lead to even greater discomfort in the body. First aid practices like home remedies and over-the-counter drugs should be used at the first instance of sore throat, but if the sore throat persists or gets worse it’s advisable to seek urgent care. At AFC Urgent Care Union City, we can examine your sore throat, diagnose the cause, and prescribe treatment as necessary. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week, so you can stop by when it’s convenient for you! If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please call us directly at (551) 257-1948.
