Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Sore Throat

Sore throats may be common, but that doesn’t mean they’re fun! In fact, a sore throat is one of the top reasons people miss work and school. And though sore throats are rarely a medical emergency, going away with rest and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, they can be a sign of a more serious illness.  

At Urgent Care of Ada, in Ada, Oklahoma, our expert medical providers help diagnose the cause of your or your child’s sore throat, so you can find relief. Keep reading to learn why ignoring a sore throat is never a good idea. 

Why do people get sore throats?

There’s no one reason people get sore throats. Anything that irritates your throat can make it sore, including:

• Dry air
• Dehydration
• Allergies
• Postnasal drip
• Environmental irritants (e.g., cigarette smoke; chemicals)  
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)  

Viral and bacterial infections can also cause sore throats. Some of the different infections that can trigger soreness in your throat include:

• Common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• COVID-19
• Chickenpox
• Mononucleosis (mono)
• Chickenpox
• Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat)

Children may also develop croup, a common viral infection that causes a sore throat and a hoarse cough that sounds like a seal barking. 

Why shouldn’t I ignore my sore throat?

Because sore throats can develop for many different reasons, from the climate to an underlying health condition, it’s important to pay attention to your sore throat and understand when it’s time to seek medical attention. 

At Urgent Care of Ada, your provider reviews your medical history and listens to your symptoms so that they can get started finding the cause of your pain. If you have any of the following  symptoms with your sore throat, schedule an appointment with your provider:

• Sore throat lasting longer than seven days
• Severe sore throat
• Fever higher than 101 F
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• White patches on the tonsils
• Trouble opening the mouth
• Earache
• Joint pain
• Lump(s) in the neck (swollen glands)
• Facial or neck swelling
• Rash
• Recurring sore throats

In addition to any of the above symptoms, if your child has a sore throat, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends bringing in your child if their symptoms don’t improve with their first morning drink or if they experience unusual drooling. 

NOTE: If you’ve been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 or have been in areas where social distancing and mask-wearing don’t occur and you develop a sore throat, schedule a COVID-19 test at Urgent Care of Ada as soon as possible, even without the presence of other symptoms. 

What treatments help a sore throat?

The right treatment for your sore throat depends on the cause. Many times, you can alleviate the discomfort of a sore throat with warm beverages, using a humidifier, rest, and OTC medications. 

Although these treatments address your symptoms, they don’t necessarily resolve the underlying issue causing your sore throat. Based on the results of any lab testing your Urgent Care of Ada provider conducts, you may also need antibiotic medications or medications to treat the underlying condition, such as antihistamines for allergies. 

Pinpoint the cause of your sore throat and get the treatment you need by contacting the team at Urgent Care of Ada. You can call 580-215-6975 to schedule an appointment or request one online. We also treat sore throats in our urgent care clinic.