When it’s tough to tell if a sore throat is related to a recent case of the sniffles or the result of overly enthusiastic cheering at the kid’s sporting event, a visit with a health care provider can help clear things up.
“Most sore throats will resolve on their own with home care measures,” said Dr. Glenn Vogelsang, a Family Medicine Physician at ThedaCare Physicians-Oshkosh. “At the same time, it’s important to watch for the warning signs of strep throat.”
Typically, a sore throat feels scratchy, raspy, achy, or a combination of these symptoms. Sharp pain, especially with swallowing, is also a sign of sore throat. Sometimes a sore throat can lead to pain in the ears or neck.
“Viruses are responsible for a lot of sore throat cases,” Dr. Vogelsang said. “Other causes often are related to allergies, tonsillitis, acid reflux, strep throat, and bacterial infections. A person’s throat also can get irritated from yelling, smoke exposure, hot liquids, or spicy foods.”
When to Suspect Strep
A viral sore throat can feel similar to strep throat, a bacterial infection that can make the throat feel sore and scratchy.
“I often tell people to look at the whole picture of their symptoms,” Dr. Vogelsang said. “If you also have cold symptoms, a virus is the likely cause of your sore throat.”
Streptococcus, the bacteria that causes strep, has many types. The most common is group A strep. Strep throat symptoms can include, but aren’t limited to:
- Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with gray or white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
“If you suspect strep throat, it’s important to get tested,” Dr. Vogelsang said. “Untreated, strep can lead to complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.”
Diagnosing strep requires a throat swab and lab test.
“We typically will order this depending on your symptoms,” Dr. Vogelsang said. “During an exam, we’ll feel your neck to check for swollen glands. We’ll also use a lighted instrument to look at your throat, nose, and ears.”
If a strep test is positive, the health care provider will likely prescribe antibiotics.
“It’s important to finish the full course, even if your symptoms have resolved,” Dr. Vogelsang said. “Failing to do so can lead to complications.”
If the strep test is negative and the throat looks distressed, the health care provider may order a throat culture seeking other forms of strep or bacteria.
General Sore Throat Relief
“Antibiotics will not treat a viral infection,” Dr. Vogelsang said. “Instead, comfort measures at home can help ease symptoms.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests these sore throat relief tips:
- Lozenges, popsicles, or ice chips. Don’t give lozenges to kids under 4 years old.
- Warm water and honey can help relieve sore throat and cough.
- Gargle warm salt water or half-strength peroxide followed by Cepacol mouthwash.
- Drink warm beverages or plenty of other fluids (not alcohol).
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
Dr. Vogelsang suggests seeking medical care for worsening symptoms such as a sore throat that doesn’t get better within a few days; rash, joint pain, or swelling; or blood in the phlegm.
“If there’s a lot of pain with swallowing or the tonsils are quite large, we may choose to give you a course of steroids to decrease swelling and to make swallowing more comfortable,” Dr. Vogelsang said. “The important thing is to be examined by a health care provider.”
Preventing Illness
Dr. Vogelsang offered steps to prevent and slow the spread of sore throat:
- Wash hands frequently. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if no soap and water.
- If possible, cough or sneeze into a tissue. Throw used tissue into the garbage.
- If tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Don’t share cups and utensils when sick.
- Avoid exposure to people who are ill, and stay home if sick.
“Enduring a sore throat is not fun, but with rest and comfort measures, you should feel better soon and be back to cheering at those youth sporting events,” Dr. Vogelsang said. “And when you need care, you have options including in-person, virtual, and urgent care options.”
To learn more about care options, visit ThedaCare.org or call 920-830-6877.
