Sore throats are one of the most common reasons people visit primary care doctors and emergency rooms for urgent care services. In some cases, you can treat a sore throat at home. However, it is also important to know when you need medical care. Read on to learn when you should see your doctor for a sore throat.
A sore throat is pain, irritation or scratchiness of the throat and it usually becomes worse when a person swallows. A viral infection like the flu or a cold is a common cause of a sore throat. Strep throat is a type of sore throat that is caused by bacteria. Some medications can help cure strep throat and prevent its complications.
A wide variety of things can cause sore throats in both adults and children. Things such as bacteria, allergies, or viruses can cause pain in the throat. A sore throat represents a symptom, which has an underlying cause. A doctor has to identify the cause in order to treat it.
A sore throat that is usually accompanied by fever and sometimes even a headache, rash or stomach ache may indicate strep throat. Viruses are known to cause many sore throats. Infections that cause a sore throat may result in symptoms and signs like a runny nose and cough. Although antibiotics do not have an effect on viral infections, a doctor may recommend medications to manage the pain.
It is important to seek medical attention if a person or a child has strep. Some common symptoms of strep throat include throat pain that often comes on quickly, fever and chills, painful swallowing, headache and a rash. Other symptoms include swollen and red tonsils sometimes with streaks of pus and stomach ache. Seeking medical care immediately is recommended if an adult or child has any difficulty swallowing or breathing.
In non-emergency cases, a person should contact a primary care doctor or pediatrician. Health care providers may swab a patient’s throat and perform a rapid strep test in the office. If it turns out negative, the doctor may conduct a second test to make sure. If the test turns out positive, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic.
A person can also turn to an emergency room for urgent care. This is recommended when a person does not want to wait for hours or even days to see a pediatrician or primary care physician. The facilities usually test and treat strep throat. Visiting an emergency room for urgent care is convenient because a person does not need to schedule an appointment and the wait time is short.
You should call your doctor if you or your child has any of the signs and symptoms of a sore throat. Your doctor may prescribe medications that will help cure strep throat, relieve its symptoms and prevent any complications. Visiting an emergency room is also ideal especially if you do not want to wait for a long time. If you have any questions about a sore throat, get in touch with your doctor today.
Call us today at (832) 941-1894 for more information from Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Drug screening is integral to many industries and institutions, such as workplaces, in-patient treatment programs, and sports organizations. These screenings look for signs of prescription, legal, or illegal drugs in a urine or hair sample. If you have an upcoming drug screening, you may have questions about the process. Here is what you should know.Drug…
Searching "urgent care near me" is likely the first step individuals take when they experience a sudden medical condition. However, some may not be aware of the difference between urgent and emergency situations or conditions. Learning the signs for each situation can help you determine where to go and likely increase the chances of treatment…
In healthcare, laboratory services include collecting, analyzing, and testing patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Symptoms, lifestyle, and health history provide incomplete information when making a medical diagnosis. Therefore, providers rely on laboratory services for the most complete and accurate information when making and confirming a diagnosis and planning and monitoring treatment.Laboratory…
Regardless of whether a school physical examination is necessary for admission, back-to-school season is a great time to schedule these health checkups. Not only do these checkups ensure the student’s general health, but they also allow for early detection of disease and mental health problems. Learn how a school physical can help support your student’s…
Drug screening is integral to many industries and institutions, such as workplaces, in-patient treatment programs, and sports organizations. These screenings look for signs of prescription, legal, or illegal drugs in a urine or hair sample. If you have an upcoming drug screening, you may have questions about the process. Here is what you should know.Drug…
Searching "urgent care near me" is likely the first step individuals take when they experience a sudden medical condition. However, some may not be aware of the difference between urgent and emergency situations or conditions. Learning the signs for each situation can help you determine where to go and likely increase the chances of treatment…