Blog

We have all experienced a sore throat, that raw, scratchy feeling in the back of the throat. It could just be dry winter air, seasonal allergies, or a plain old cold. But it also could be serious; like a bacterial condition, strep, or a viral infection. Only your doctor can tell for sure. But here are a few signs to help you out.

Sore Throat: Look

Grab a flashlight, look in the mirror, and say, “Ahhh.” You could find some important clues. You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat. Your tonsils, the bumps on either side at the back of your throat — might be red and swollen, too. These could be signs of bacterial infection like strep throat or oral thrush, or a viral infection like oral herpes or mononucleosis. They also might be something else, like tonsil stones, which are painful calcium deposits on your throat.

Cold Symptoms?

If you have a cough and drippy nose along with your sore throat, that could be good news. You may feel crummy, but you’re less likely to have a serious infection. You probably just have a common cold virus and post-nasal drip.

Sore Throat: Fever?

Colds can cause a fever, but it’s usually just a mild one. If you have a sore throat and a fever over 101 F, it’s more likely to be a throat infection like strep than a simple cold. But these don’t always raise your temperature — so watch for other symptoms.

Sore Throat: Swollen Lymph Nodes ?

The most common reason is infection, viral or bacterial. Lymph nodes trap and destroy germs, and they can swell up when they start to fight an infection. You might feel them under your jaw or on either side of your neck. But it isn’t always serious. Even the common cold can cause swollen lymph nodes.

Sore Throat: How Much Does It Hurt?

When a cold causes your sore throat, it can be plenty painful, but it usually goes away after a couple of days. Bacterial infections, like strep throat, tend to cause more severe pain that doesn’t get better. With strep, it may hurt so much that you can barely swallow. In fact, it can also cause nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, and stomach pain.

A Rash?

A rash on your neck and chest that sometimes spreads to the rest of your body can be a sign of a group of bacterial infections called streptococcal infections. The most minor of these is strep throat, but they also include more serious ones, like scarlet fever and toxic shock syndrome. They need to be treated by a doctor, immediately.

Bacterial Infections

They may feel the same, but a common sore throat and bacterial infections are very different. Most sore throats are caused by viruses, like the cold virus. No medication will cure a cold virus, your body heals on its own. But antibiotics can fight a bacterial infection, such as strep, and stop it from spreading.

Antibiotics: Just Say No

If you have a sore throat from a cold, antibiotics won’t help at all. They only help against bacteria not viruses. Too much exposure to antibiotics will turn regular bacteria into “super bugs” that don’t respond to treatment.

Rapid Strep Test

To figure out if strep — the most common bacterial throat infection — is causing your sore throat, your doctor may use a rapid strep test. Results are ready in 5 to 10 minutes, but the test doesn’t pick up all cases of strep. If yours is negative, your doctor may send a throat culture to the lab to be sure. That’s more thorough, but you won’t get the results for a few days.

Antibiotics for Strep

If you do have a positive strep test, your doctor will give you oral antibiotics. You’ll probably feel better in a day or two, but don’t stop taking the medication, go ahead and finish the whole course, which is usually 10 days. If you stop too soon, some of the bacteria could survive and get you sick again. You’ll still be contagious up to 24 hours after you start antibiotics, so wash your hands often to protect people around you. And throw away your toothbrush.

Sore Throat: Humidifier or Vaporizer

Steam from a humidifier or vaporizer can keep your scratchy throat moist and cut down on pain. You can also lean over a sink with hot running water. Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam, and breathe deeply. Try this for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day.

Sore Throat: Warm Compress

Try a warm water bottle or heating pad against the outside of your throat. Or wet a towel with hot water to make your own warm compress. It will soothe tender lymph nodes in your neck.

Sore Throat: Soothing Eats

If you need an excuse to eat ice cream, a sore throat is a great one. The cold has a numbing effect, and the creamy texture makes it easy to swallow. Other soothing foods include milkshakes, gelatin, and hot soup. If your sore throat is especially painful, stay away from crunchy or spicy foods.

Sore Throat: Drink, Then Drink Some More.

If you have a fever and don’t drink enough fluids,because it hurts to swallow, you will dehydrate pretty fast. Choose drinks that are easy on your throat: Water and warm tea are good choices. Stay away from citrus drinks, though, because they may sting your sore throat.

Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help dull the pain of a sore throat. But be careful if you’re taking something for a cold or the flu, as some of these medications already include a painkiller. Don’t take a double dose.

Decongestants

If fluid draining from your nose irritates your throat, try a decongestant nasal spray or oral decongestant. They help dry up post-nasal drip and give your throat some relief.

Sore Throat: Lingering Sore Throat

If it lasts longer than a week or gets worse, check with your doctor, even if you had a negative strep test. A throat swab may miss bacteria, so you may need another one. A sore throat that doesn’t go away could also be a sign of acid reflux or mononucleosis.