Sore Throat

What is a sore throat?

If your throat feels scratchy for more than a day or two, then it probably comes from something more than overusing your voice or drying out your throat by sleeping with an open mouth. Viral infections commonly cause sore throats and go away within a few days, but in the meantime, you probably want to find some relief. 

You can tell a sore throat comes from an illness by additional symptoms that come with it, including:

• Cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue

You might have a raspy voice because of your sore throat too. At Canton Urgent Care, your provider uses a rapid strep test or a throat culture to find out if your sore throat comes from an infection before providing treatment. 

Which illnesses cause a sore throat?

Most sore throats happen because of common viral infections like the common cold or the flu, but other illnesses can also give you a painful or scratchy throat. Aside from cold and flu, a sore throat can come from:

Strep throat and other bacterial infections

Strep throat is one of the most common bacterial infections that cause sore throat and can be diagnosed with a rapid strep test using a throat swab. 

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection of your tonsils, which are round structures at the back of your throat. Bacteria and viruses can cause tonsillitis. 

Allergies

Allergies from airborne substances like pet dander, mold, or pollen can dry your throat and cause postnasal drip. 

Acid reflux

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows upward into your esophagus, often after drinking alcohol or eating a large or spicy meal. 

How is a sore throat treated?

Canton Urgent Care treats your sore throat according to its underlying cause. Bacterial infections like strep throat and certain types of tonsillitis are treatable with antibiotic medications. You must complete your round of antibiotics, even if symptoms stop before the round is finished, to clear the infection. 

Allergy-induced sore throats may improve when you take antihistamines and other medications to reduce an allergic reaction. 

For any sore throat, your provider at Canton Urgent Care encourages you to drink plenty of fluids, rest, gargle with saltwater, and humidify the air. 

Call Canton Urgent Care, book an appointment online, or walk in for sore throat testing and treatment today.