Sore throats can be a nuisance if they're mild but distressingly painful when they're severe. If you have a particularly painful or chronic sore throat, Inell Rosario, MD, at Andros ENT & Sleep Center in Inver Grove Heights and Roseville, Minnesota, can help. She can diagnose and treat the many causes of sore throat, using his exceptional skills combined with advanced technologies. Call the office to find out more or schedule a consultation online today.
Sore throats can develop for many different reasons. You could simply have a dry throat or irritation due to pollution, heat, or overuse. Other causes of sore throat include:
Sore throats are a common symptom of viral diseases like flu, colds, croup, and mononucleosis (mono).
Strep throat is one of the most common types of bacterial infections. It can also lead to tonsillitis, sinusitis, ear infections, and pneumonia. Pertussis (whooping cough) is another bacterial infection that can result in a sore throat.
Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening type of sore throat where your airway swells and may affect your breathing.
Allergies to dust mites, pollen, mold, and animal dander are common problems that can make your throat sore.
Tumors that develop on your throat, tongue, or larynx (voice box) can give you a sore throat and pain going up to your ear. Other symptoms include:
If stomach acid flows up your esophagus, it can irritate or burn your throat and make it sore.
If your sore throat is severe or lasts more than 5-10 days, you should call Dr. Rosario for advice. Other reasons to consult Dr. Rosario immediately include:
You should also call Dr. Rosario if you often have a sore throat, your voice is hoarse for more than a couple of weeks, or you can feel a lump in your neck.
If your sore throat is due to a cold or flu, it should pass within a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain relief and use remedies like warm honey and lemon to ease the discomfort. Keep your throat moist by drinking regularly and using a humidifier or steamer.
If your sore throat is severe or persistent, Dr. Rosario might do a throat culture, taking a swab for laboratory analysis. If the swab shows you have a bacterial infection, you might need to take antibiotics; however, antibiotics aren't effective if you have a viral infection.
If you have allergic rhinitis, Dr. Rosario specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies. They use advanced treatments to target the source of rhinitis.
Call Andros ENT & Sleep Center for more information or book an appointment online today.
