A sore throat is one of the most common illness symptoms there is, and one of the most uncomfortable. Millions of people come to the doctor’s office every year complaining of them. This common issue can be a side effect of a number of illnesses, from GERD to the flu. At Montecito Concierge Medicine, we can evaluate your specific problem and determine its source. Once we have identified what the cause of your discomfort is, we can discuss treatment or management options together.
What Is a Sore Throat?
You’re probably all too familiar with sore throats. It may start with a little lump as you swallow and before you know it, each subsequent swallow is agony. It may be accompanied by a cough or difficulty speaking. Usually a sore throat is a symptom of another illness, although you can also get a sore throat if you are, for example, subjected to a sharp impact to the throat area.
What Types of Sore Throats Are There?
You may not realize it, but there are different types of sore throats. Laryngitis is a sore throat where the voice box is inflamed, making it difficult to speak. Tonsillitis is another category that causes tonsils to become swollen, and pharyngitis is the type of soreness you are probably most familiar with, affecting the area just past the mouth.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms of a sore throat include a scratchy throat, a burning sensation, difficulty swallowing, dryness, or general throat irritation. The throat or tonsils may appear red upon examination. Along with these symptoms, you may also experience issues such as acid reflux, coughing, fever, or other problems related to the underlying cause of your issue.
How Do We Treat a Sore Throat?
At Montecito Concierge Medicine, we treat a sore throat by treating the underlying cause. For example, we can prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection. If the soreness is the result of a viral infection, as is commonly the case, we may recommend warm fluids like soup or tea, or cool foods like ice cream to soothe the throat until the infection passes. We also may suggest a humidifier if dry air at home is a potential contributor.
Montecito Concierge Medicine for Sore Throats?
When it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When you are a Montecito Concierge Medicine member, you can always call on us to get an immediate diagnosis and the treatment you deserve. We can give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing just what is causing your symptoms, and give you the best recommendations for treatment. To find out more about how our health services work, call (805) 892-6500 or fill out and submit the form below.