Sore Throat

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat includes any pain or irritation that occurs in the throat. With a sore throat, you may experience a worsening of your pain when you swallow. 

Your sore throat may also include other symptoms, depending on the cause, such as:

• Swollen glands
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Hoarse voice

Sore throats usually resolve on their own with at-home care. However, if your sore throat is chronic or recurrent, the team at Southern ENT & Sinus Center can help. 

What are the common causes of a sore throat?

Viral infections, such as a cold and flu, are the most common causes of a sore throat. However, you may also develop a sore throat from a streptococcal infection, which is a bacterial infection.

Other causes of your sore throat that may lead to recurring symptoms include:

• Allergies
• COVID-19
• Salivary gland diseases
• Tonsillitis
• Acid reflux
• Tumors
• Postnasal drip

Dry heat or weather may also cause a sore throat. 

What happens during a sore throat evaluation?

When you come in for a sore throat evaluation at Southern ENT & Sinus Center, you can expect an in-depth exam. The team takes a patient-centered and evidence-based approach to care aimed at finding the root cause of a sore throat to provide the most effective treatment.

During the exam, your specialist reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, and performs a physical exam. To better understand the root cause of your sore throat, your provider may run various tests, such as:

• Allergy testing
• In-house CT scan
• Blood work
• Throat culture

Your provider uses the information gathered during your exam to create your personalized treatment plan. 

How is a sore throat treated?

Treatment for your sore throat depends on the root cause. Your provider at Southern ENT & Sinus Center develops your personalized treatment plan and reviews it with you.

Some of the treatments offered at the state-of-the-art practice include:

• Allergy medication
• Antibiotics
• Diet change
• Reflux medication

If needed, the team also performs surgical procedures, such as a tonsillectomy, to alleviate your sore throat.

For sinusitis, the team may recommend a balloon sinuplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure that opens your sinus cavity to improve symptoms. The skilled surgeons also perform functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to clear blocked sinuses. 

For expert care of your sore throat from an experienced team that provides the highest quality of care, call Southern ENT & Sinus Center, or book an appointment online today.