Sore Throat

Sore throat is an illness that does not raise deep concerns but does come with the great pain. An irritated and swollen throat can affect your daily activities.

Beyond physical pain, there is usually an underlying cause to the sore throat. These vary from a common cold to more serious conditions. Keep in mind that early diagnosis helps to prevent complications and, overall, to have a quicker and better recovery.

Sore Throat Signs

A sore throat is an illness that becomes more notorious over time. The most common signs that might lead to having a sore throat are:

• Unusual painful feeling in the throat

• Pain swallowing saliva, foods or drinks

• Irritated tonsils

• Infected tonsils (presence of pus or white patches)

• Irritated lymph glands

• Hoarse voice and pain when talking

If you are experiencing any of these signs it is advisable to get medical attention. Your doctor will provide treatment and medical advice to heal that sore throat.

A sore throat itself is a symptom, which indicates an infection. The most common causes are:

Respiratory Infections: Viruses

Viruses are the cause of respiratory illnesses which tend to present signs of a sore throat. Viral infections that result in a sore throat are:

• Common cold (typically caused by rhinovirus, but also by the Metapneumovirus)

• Nose, sinus, or upper throat infections (Coronavirus)

• Bronchiolitis or pneumonia (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

• Mono or mononucleosis (Epstein–Barr Virus)

• The flu (Influenza Virus)

Respiratory Infections: Bacteria

Another source of respiratory infections is bacteria. Bacteria affects the throat mucosa and causes a sore throat. Common bacterial infections are:

• Strep Throat (Streptococcus Bacteria)

• Meningitis caused by Hib Disease (Haemophilus Influenzae)

• Ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia or bronchitis (Moraxella catarrhalis)

Allergies

Allergies are a reaction from the immune system. They serve to remind us to avoid exposure to certain substances. Some of the allergies that present a sore throat as a symptom are pollen, dust, mold and pet dander.

Other Causes

Sore throats do not exclusively appear in respiratory infections. Other conditions to cause this symptom are:

• Viral rashes like chickenpox, measles or roseola (sixth disease).

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Preventive Measurements

The causes of a sore throat could be due to one of many illnesses or medical conditions. Exposure to bacteria, viruses, or allergens can result in a sore throat as a reaction of our immune system. Hygiene is the foremost solution to prevent having a sore throat. Consider applying into your daily routines these preventive hygiene measurements:

• Soap and Water. Although hand sanitizers are practical, they don’t remove germs as well as soap and water. Wash your hands before consuming a meal, going to the bathroom, or after visiting public places.

• Electronic Devices. Keep devices in daily use like cellphones, tv remotes, or laptops clean.

• Social Interactions. Avoid sharing personal items with other people. If someone is sick, politely maintain your distance from them.

Treatment and Diagnosis

Medical diagnosis will determine the causes of a sore throat. At BASS Primary Care, signs of sore throat qualify as a condition to be treated as a medical urgency.

Our qualified team of licensed physicians, nurses, and medical assistants will provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment to cure your sore throat signs.

The waiting time to schedule an appointment with your regular physician can take up to 24 hours. The average medical visit at BASS Primary Care in Walnut Creek takes from 30 minutes to an hour, and you can be seen quickly.