How to Spot Your Sore Throat Symptoms & Treat Them
What is a sore throat?
A sore throat is a dry, scratchy, and painful feeling in one’s throat. Throat pain is among the most common signs. It accounts for the highest number of people visiting the doctor annually. Treat your sore throat in Chelmsford at the Colecross private walk-in clinic and feel better today.
A huge percentage of sore throats come as a result of environmental factors such as dry air or infections. Even though it’s uncomfortable, a sore throat usually disappears on its own.
There are three main types of sore throats. These include:
– Pharyngitis – attacks the region behind the mouth
– Tonsillitis – the redness and swelling of the tonsils
– Laryngitis – redness, and swelling of the larynx or voice box
What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
Depending on the cause, the symptoms of a sore throat vary. The symptoms include:
– Feeling scratchy
– A burning sensation
– Dry throat
– Tenderness
– Feeling irritation
The symptoms may worsen when swallowing or talking. The tonsils or throat might also have a red colour.
Sometimes there is a formation of areas of pus or white patches on the tonsils. Other symptoms include:
– Nasal congestion
– Appetite loss
– Body aches
– Swollen glands in the neck
– Headache
– Runny nose
– Fever
– Sneezing
– Coughing
– Chills
– Hoarse voice
– Trouble swallowing
What are the causes of sore throats?
Sore throats can result from issues like injuries or infections. We’ve listed below some of the most common causes:
Viral infections such as colds and the flu – Viruses cause a huge number of sore throats. Some of these viruses include the common cold and the flu.
Bacterial infections like strep throat
Allergies – The immune system’s reaction to allergy triggers such as pet dander, grass, and pollen releases chemicals that result in symptoms such as watery eyes, throat irritation, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
Dry air – When dry air sucks moisture from your throat and mouth, it leaves them feeling scratchy and dry.
Irritants such as smoke and chemicals can cause a sore throat
GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) – This is a condition that occurs when acids from your stomach push back into the esophagus. The acid burns the throat and esophagus, generating symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn.
When to see a doctor to treat a sore throat in Chelmsford
Usually, a sore throat doesn’t cause any concerns. Nevertheless, it’s important to see a doctor or pharmacist if:
– Your immune system is weak because of conditions like diabetes or chemotherapy
– You have high temperatures, are shivery, or feel hot alongside your sore throat
– Your sore throat symptoms worry you
– You get sore throats frequently
– There is no improvement on your sore throat after a week
A long-lasting and severe sore throat can be associated with a bacterial infection such as strep throat.
How will Colecross Pharmacy help in treating a sore throat in Chelmsford?
Feel free to ask us about ways you can relieve the discomfort and pain associated with your sore throat. These include the use of:
– Ibuprofen and paracetamol
– Medicated lozenges consisting of antiseptic, anti-inflammatory medicine, or anaesthetic
– Anaesthetic spray
Antibiotics
It’s not common for antibiotics to speed up your recovery or relieve sore throat symptoms; hence they aren’t normally needed.
You’ll only get a prescription if you have a bacterial infection.
Don’t wait any longer to treat a sore throat in Chelmsford. Get treatment at the Colecross private walk-in clinic for your sore throat.
Book an appointment with us today to get back to your normal life again!
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This blog post was written on behalf of Colecross Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.