Symptoms

  • A painful, scratchy and irritated throat
  • Red and inflamed tonsils
  • Swollen glands
  • Discomfort that worsens when swallowing or talking
  • Hoarseness

What Causes a Sore Throat?

  • Viruses, like the flu, common cold and mono
  • An allergic reaction and postnasal drip
  • Air pollution and other irritants
  • Muscle strain
  • GERD
  • Tumors

When to See a Doctor?

Most sore throats go away on their own within a few days. However, see a doctor if your discomfort lasts longer than a week and/or is associated with:

  • Difficulty swallowing, breathing and opening the mouth
  • Bloody saliva or phlegm
  • A lump in the neck
  • Persistent hoarseness
  • A fever higher than 101 F
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What to Expect During Your Appointment

When you arrive at SFENTA™ with a sore throat, your doctor will begin your appointment with a physical examination. This will involve viewing the throat, ears and nose with a lighted instrument, feeling the neck for swollen glands and listening to your breathing with a stethoscope. Based on the findings, your doctor may also perform a throat swab to check for streptococcal bacteria, which causes strep throat.

How Will Your Sore Throat Be Treated? 

If your sore throat is caused by a virus, your symptoms should improve on their own within five to seven days. In this case, treatment will consist of at-home care and over-the-counter pain medications. If a bacterial infection is the cause, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

With 37 convenient locations across the South Florida area, we’re never far away.

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