Not Sure What’s Causing Your Sore Throat? Visit a Walk in Clinic Today

Woke up in the morning with a sore throat? You may find it difficult to speak or even swallow water. The condition can be extremely frustrating especially if you have a packed schedule. How do you go through the day with that kind of pain and discomfort? Over the counter pain killers may provide temporary relief but if you really want to get to the root of the issue, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible. 

So what is sore throat? 

If your throat feels dry, irritated, scratchy or inflamed, it may be a case of sore throat. While viral or bacterial infections are the leading causes of sore throat, it may also be attributed to the overstraining of vocal chords or allergies. Usually, it feels very painful when you try to swallow food or water. Sipping warm fluids offer some relief. 

Causes of sore throat 

Sore throat can be attributed to various infections. The symptoms generally include pain and soreness in your mouth, tonsils, throat… all the way down to your neck. Sometime, it may be accompanied by fever, headache, or intense earache. Your doctor at a medical office near Arlington will be able to offer a precise diagnosis based on your symptoms.

The most common reasons for sore throat are as follows:

Viral infection:  If you have caught a cold or flu, your sore throat may be an extension of the infection. It may also be caused by other viruses such as the ones that cause mononucleosis or hand, foot, and mouth disease. Sore throat caused due to viral infections will heal on its own in about seven to ten days. Remember that self-treating viral infections do not produce the desired results since antibiotics do not affect viruses. 

Bacterial infections: Streptococcus bacteria cause the strep throat infection. It is characterized by high temperatures, inflammation of the tonsils, and swelling of the tonsils. Your doctor at the Arlington walk in medical clinic will prescribe the necessary antibiotics in case the test results indicate that it is a bacterial infection. 

Allergies: If you are allergic to pollen, mold, pets or dust, your nose will develop mucus as a reaction to exposure to these factors. When this mucus drips along your throat, it can inflame the tonsils and cause sore throat. Once you take your allergy medications and the reactions subside, the sore throat will go away too. 

Drinking warm liquids such as lemon tea or soup can help provide relief to sore throat. Gargling with warm salt water is also a good tip to reduce the swelling and inflammation. Keep yourself well hydrated by consuming plenty of water so that your throat does not feel dry. 

If home remedies do not seem to help, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor at your nearest medical office near Arlington. Since these clinics remain open even at night when symptoms of sore throat seem to worsen, you can easily access quality medical care and medications. Best of all, you need not book an appointment to consult a doctor at these walk in clinics.