A sore throat can be an uncomfortable and frustrating symptom, but distinguishing whether it's caused by strep throat or seasonal allergies is crucial for proper treatment. While both conditions can feel similar, they have different underlying causes and require different approaches for treatment. Knowing how to tell the difference can help you decide whether to seek medical attention or manage your symptoms at home with over-the-counter remedies.
If you’re experiencing a severe sore throat, AFC Urgent Care Cortez can help. Our clinic is available 7 days a week to provide patients with rapid sore throat diagnosis and treatment. Whether your symptoms are caused by strep throat or seasonal allergies, our medical staff will work with you to determine the best course of treatment. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care, or pre-register online below.
How to Differentiate Strep Throat and Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
When trying to distinguish between a sore throat caused by strep throat and one caused by allergies, it's essential to consider the accompanying symptoms and how they behave. For allergies, symptoms will come and go as you’re exposed to allergens. With strep throat, symptoms will gradually become more and more severe over time. If your sore throat is caused by allergies, you may experience other symptoms such as severe nasal congestion, irritated eyes, sneezing or hives. Strep throat symptoms are typically local to the throat area, and often are accompanied by a fever and other flu-like symptoms such as body aches and chills.
When to Seek Medical Care for a Severe Sore Throat
Sore throats can be painful and can even affect your ability to eat and drink comfortably in some cases. If your sore throat is causing significant discomfort or pain, it is important to seek medical care. Delaying care in the case of both allergies and strep throat will allow your symptoms to become more severe. If you have additional symptoms such as a fever or flu-like symptoms, you may require treatment and should seek immediate medical care.
Tips to Find Relief
Finding relief from a sore throat, whether due to strep or seasonal allergies, involves a combination of self-care practices and targeted treatments. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, you may be able to manage them at home with proper self-care. Using a humidifier and taking hot showers can help keep your airway moist and soothe irritation. Drinking warm liquids, especially hot teas with honey, can also help soothe a sore throat. OTC medications are available to help with sore throats, including throat lozenges and sore throat sprays.
Walk Into AFC Cortez for Same-Day Sore Throat Diagnosis
If you’re experiencing a sore throat, understanding the underlying cause can help you treat it effectively. At AFC Urgent Care Cortez, our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide patients in Cortez, CO, with same-day sore throat care. Our clinic is equipped with a laboratory on-site for rapid strep throat testing.
We never require patients to schedule an appointment. Simply walk into the clinic for rapid same-day care when it’s convenient for you. Our clinic works with most medical insurance plans, and we offer competitive rates for our care for self-paying patients. Walk in, or give us a call at (970) 516-5500 to speak to a member of our team.
