In a majority of sore throat cases, the problem comes-and-goes when you’re getting a cold or the flu. Sure, there are serious things which may happen if you get a sore throat with great frequency. If that’s the case, the ENT Center of Austin can diagnose this regular, repeated occurrence and offer help. However, for those who aren’t plagued with continuous roughness, we want to make the journey less bumpy by tossing out some suggestions to smooth the road ahead.
What Causes Sore Throats?
- Maybe there’s a bacterial infection going on. From experience and knowledge we know that two most common bacterial infections come from contracting Streptococcus or strep throat and a fancy schmantzy thing called Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. You’ll know it when you see a red rash in your throat.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could be another reason, especially when you sleep or merely lie down.
- Mononucleosis (mono) and the flu are common viruses that bring on the hurt. Look for blisters in the mouth and throat.
- It could be yeast-based, like Candida that could show-up after chemo.
- Your adenoids or tonsils get infected.
- Smoking can dry your throat and make it sore.
- Post nasal drip, which could indicate an allergy or chronic sinusitis.
The takeaway is that most sore throats are happening because you breathe through your mouth too much or a virus is in your system.
Look At A Previous Blog Post
Go back a little on our website blogs and seek-out the post called “Go To Your Kitchen When You Have A Sore Throat.” That’ll give you a way to soothe your pain when this deal comes-up.
Before we go, we’ve got a rundown of when you need to contact us for assistance:
- Can’t swallow even soft food — pudding or Jell-O.
- Can’t swallow liquids or take your pills.
- There are no other cold symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes or sinus congestion.
- It lasts more than a week.
- If the front of the neck is sore and stiff and you have a sore throat.
- Your lips or tongue swells up.
- Having such an extreme swelling of your throat that you have trouble breathing.
- Dehydration, heart palpitations, faintness and light-headedness start to happen.
- Been in contact with someone who has strep throat? You could catch their misery.
- See any white patches on the back of the throat? Is the pain associated with a fever, swollen “glands” (lymph nodes)? See us.
- For those who experience a fever, followed by a sore throat, get help from a medical professional.
As we mentioned before, when a sore throat bears down on you it will most likely run its course in 2-to-3 days. Don’t panic. Just be aware when matters go Code Red and seek appropriate aid.
Original Source: http://austinentmd.com/blog
Image Source: www.flickr.com/photos/cynergy/2659264056
