Symptoms, causes, and treatments for
Sore Throat
If your throat hurts or just feels super uncomfortable when swallowing, you may have a sore throat or what docs call “pharyngitis.”
Symptoms associated with sore throats include:
Viral infections and bacterial infections are the two primary causes of sore throats. Colds, which are a viral infection, can manifest into a nasty sore throat and partner up with other familiar symptoms (fever, coughing, sneezing, and so on). Viral infections tend to clear up in a matter of days without medication.
However, your sore throat could indicate a more serious bacterial infection. Heard of strep throat (streptococcal bacteria)? Not fun.
Luckily, we test for strep on site at all of our Portland, Seattle, Salem, and Vancouver neighborhood clinics.
Typically, no.
But don’t wait it out if your temperature spikes above 101°F: that’s one of the key signs you’re infected with strep.
Even if you’re strep-free, a high fever might mean a really bad flu or mononucleosis (a.k.a., mono, a.k.a. the kissing disease). However, our doctors should determine the underlying cause of your illness. That’s because certain conditions can be triggered by strep throat, such as rheumatic heart disease or kidney disease.
The following can also increase the chance your sore throat is actually strep throat instead of a viral infection:
Also, no one likes getting sick from their coworkers. Strep throat is contagious for up to three weeks. So if you think you have strep throat, stop sharing drinks and don’t put off an examination.
Other worrisome strep symptoms to watch out for:
Sore Throat
Prevention Tips:
Consider these tips to help prevent a sore throat:
