Having a sore throat could indicate a variety of different issues, from viral and bacterial infections to environmental irritants and even spending too much time indoors during the winter. Learn how to treat a sore throat and when to seek medical care for a sore throat. Visit AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook for rapid same-day care for sore throats in Bound Brook, NJ.
Is A Sore Throat Always A Symptom Of An Illness?
Sore throats are a common symptom that most of us have experienced at one point. Sore throats are often a symptom associated with mild illness, such as a viral infection, but they can also be a symptom of more serious illnesses like strep throat and mono. In many cases, sore throats are mild in nature and resolve on their own after a day or two. However, in the case of more serious illnesses, they may be longer-lasting and require medical intervention to resolve.
Sore throats can occur for a variety of reasons that are not related to being sick. Overusing your voice by yelling or screaming can cause you to experience a sore throat or even cause you to lose your voice temporarily due to vocal cord strain. Exposure to allergies is also a very common cause of a sore throat. Smoking or being exposed to smoke can cause temporary irritation to your throat and airways. Even exposure to indoor heating can dry out your throat while you sleep and cause you to have a sore throat.
When To Seek Medical Treatment For a Sore Throat
It is important to evaluate whether you are experiencing other symptoms in addition to your sore throat to determine whether your sore throat is an illness symptom or caused by an environmental irritant. If your sore throat is your only symptom, you may have been exposed to an environmental irritant. In these cases, your sore throat will resolve on its own pretty rapidly once you remove the irritant.
If your sore throat is not your only symptom, you likely are suffering from an illness. If your sore throat is causing severe discomfort or causing you to have trouble swallowing, you should seek medical care for a proper diagnosis. Similarly, if you see tiny red dots on the roof of your mouth or white spots in the back of your throat, you may have strep throat and should seek immediate medical care for treatment. However, if your sore throat is mild, it will likely resolve on it’s own and can be managed at home.
At-Home Sore Throat Remedies
Whether your sore throat is severe or mild, having a sore throat is never pleasant. Taking the correct at-home care measures can help you recover much quicker from your sore throat and prevent it from worsening. If your sore throat is causing severe discomfort, you should always seek medical attention for a medical evaluation and diagnosis. Here are some tips for managing a mild sore throat at home:
- Stay hydrated
- Drink warm liquids
- Avoid crunchy foods
- Gargle warm salt water
- Get plenty of rest
- Avoid overexerting your voice
- Use over-the-counter throat spray and cough drops
- Incorporate honey into your beverages
Get Sore Throat Treatment In Bound Brook, NJ, By Visiting AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook
If you’re suffering from a sore throat, the dedicated medical team at AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook can help. Our walk-in clinic is available seven days a week for patients in Bound Brook, NJ, and the surrounding communities. Using our on-site laboratory, our medical staff can evaluate your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis so that you can get symptom relief fast. Walk into our clinic today, or schedule your visit online.
AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook offers illness diagnosis and treatment on a walk-in basis for the whole family. Sore throats can indicate a variety of different illnesses and conditions. Our medical staff is trained to evaluate your symptoms and identify a variety of common health conditions. Depending on your exact symptoms and diagnostic testing results, your medical provider will provide appropriate treatment steps to help you get back to feeling your best. Visit AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook today for sore throat treatment. We accept most major medical insurance plans. For additional information, contact our team directly by calling 732-469-3627.
