As an adult, you probably experienced sore throat pain, which has been severe enough to affect your whole day. Sore throats are common and can strike any time of the year, and for many different reasons.
Five reasons you should see a doctor about your sore throat pain
The feeling of a dry, scratchy throat, or pain when swallowing, can be irritating but a sore throat can be a symptom of something more serious, especially if left untreated. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, if you’re an adult with a sore throat that is associated with any of the following symptoms you should see a doctor:
• A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Earache and joint pain
• Rash or a fever higher than 101 F (38.3 C)
MDLIVE treats sore throats online. Schedule a quick and easy online doctor visit now.
To help soothe your sore throat and help you feel better sooner, MDLIVE offers instant access to board-certified doctors 24/7/365. Our doctors can visit with you through a phone chat or secure video to help diagnose and treat any non-emergency medical condition, like as a sore throat.
Five essential questions to ask during your consultation to ensure that you get the best results from your visit:
• What could be causing these symptoms?
• What’s the best medicine for sore throat, if needed?
• How soon do you expect symptoms to improve with treatment?
• Am I contagious, if so, when is it safe to return to school or work?
• What are useful self-care steps for a sore throat?
For sore throat pain relief that may not need immediate medical consultation these Sore throat remedies can help ease your symptoms:
• Rest. And rest your voice.
• Drink fluids. Fluids keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
• Try comforting foods and beverage. Warm liquids — broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey — and cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat.
• Gargle with salt water. A saltwater gargle of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt to 4 to 8 ounces of warm water can help soothe a sore throat. Gargle the solution and then spit it out.
• Humidify the air. Use a cool-air humidifier to eliminate dry air that may further irritate a sore throat or sit for several minutes in a steamy bathroom.
• Consider lozenges or hard candy. Either can soothe a sore throat, but don’t give them to children age 4 and younger because of choking risk.
• Avoid irritants. Keep your home free from cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate the throat.
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With MDLIVE, it’s easy to see a doctor anywhere, anytime, from your phone, tablet or computer. You don’t have to take time off work, travel across town or spend time in a waiting room for a visit that only takes a few minutes. Learn more
Source: Mayo Clinic
