What causes a sore throat?
Sore throats occur for several reasons. For instance, it may be that you stayed inside with dry, warm air circulating all day. Or you may live or work in an area with frequent poor air quality days.
You can even develop a sore throat because of muscle strains if you had to talk loudly or for long periods, like after a presentation at work.
A sore throat is often one of the first signs of an illness, too. A sore throat can occur because of:
- Cold or flu
- Mononucleosis
- Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria (strep throat)
Other times, you develop a sore throat because of allergies due to dust, molds, or pet dander.
When should I get medical care for a sore throat?
Having a sore throat isn’t anything you should ignore, especially if it could potentially be linked to an illness. It’s important to come in to Urgent Care of Ada for a sore throat evaluation if you experience:
- Pain that worsens with swallowing
- Swollen glands in your neck
- White patches on your tonsils
- Sinus pressure or pain
- Hoarseness
- Fever
Urgent Care of Ada boasts an in-house lab to help you get fast results for any essential screenings, such as a throat swab or blood draw.
How does an urgent care clinic treat a sore throat?
Once your provider at Urgent Care of Ada gets to the root of why you have a sore throat, they talk with you about treatment options. They counsel you about lifestyle changes that can minimize your symptoms and help you recover, such as using a humidifier.
Depending on the results of your lab testing, you may need:
- Antibiotic medications
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Allergy treatments, such as antihistamines
Before your sore throat worsens, contact Urgent Care of Ada for an evaluation. You’re welcome to walk in, or schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
