A sore throat is a common ailment. While often mild, it can sometimes signal a more serious issue requiring medical attention. Knowing when to seek professional help is important for proper management and to prevent complications.
Signs Warranting Urgent Care
Certain symptoms indicate a sore throat requires urgent care. Severe throat pain, especially if swallowing is difficult, is a key indicator. Difficulty breathing or excessive drooling, particularly in young children, warrants immediate medical attention. A high fever (101°F/38.3°C or higher) that persists for more than a day or two, or a fever reaching 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, should prompt a visit.
The throat’s appearance also provides clues. Swollen tonsils with white patches, pus streaks, or red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae) can suggest a bacterial infection like strep throat. A rash resembling scarlet fever accompanying a sore throat is another red flag. New symptoms like neck stiffness, swollen neck lymph nodes, or blood in saliva or phlegm are concerning. Seek medical care if a sore throat worsens, doesn’t improve after a few days, or persists longer than a week.
When Home Care Suffices
Many sore throats are viral, like the common cold or flu, and typically improve within days. Mild sore throats often present with a scratchy sensation, mild pain, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Other symptoms can include a runny nose, cough, or hoarse voice. If symptoms are mild and don’t include the red flags mentioned previously, home care is usually sufficient.
Simple home remedies can alleviate discomfort. Gargling with warm salt water can reduce swelling and discomfort. Drinking warm liquids like tea with honey or broth can soothe the throat, and ice pops can also provide relief. Getting plenty of rest and resting your voice aids recovery. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, easing throat irritation, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can manage pain and fever.
What to Expect at Urgent Care
At urgent care, medical staff will begin with an initial assessment. They will gather information about your symptoms and their duration. A physical examination will follow, where the healthcare provider will examine your throat, check for swollen tonsils or pus, and feel your neck for enlarged lymph nodes. They may also check for other signs of infection.
To determine the cause, diagnostic tests include a rapid strep test or a throat swab. A rapid strep test quickly detects Group A Streptococcus bacteria (strep throat). If the rapid test is negative but strep is suspected, a throat culture may be sent for definitive results. Based on the diagnosis, treatment may involve antibiotics if a bacterial infection is confirmed. If viral, treatment focuses on symptomatic relief, similar to home care, to manage discomfort while your body fights the infection.