Sore Throat & Sick Visits

When should I schedule a sick visit?

Schedule a sick visit if you or a loved one has signs of an acute illness, including difficulty breathing or swallowing. You should also come to the office if children experience unusual drooling — they may not able to swallow correctly and risk choking.

Dr. Thomas recommends contacts her office if any of the following symptoms occur:

• An ongoing or worsening sore throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Joint, neck, or ear pain
• High fever
• A rash
• Blood or phlegm in your saliva
• Lumps in your neck

The sooner you come in for treatment, the less likely it is your symptoms will get worse. An office visit is also necessary if you experience a burning sensation while urinating, this is a sign of a urinary tract infection.

What causes a sore throat?

Sore throats are often the consequence of a bacterial or viral infection, like a cold or the flu, and can be addressed in a sick visit at Thomas Family Practice.

Viral infections

Viral infections are from small germs that need living hosts, like humans, to multiply and survive. The germs invade your cells and provoke sore throat-inducing illnesses:

• Common colds or cases of flu
• Mononucleosis
• Measles or chickenpox
• Bronchitis, croup, or pneumonia
• Upper respiratory infections

Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections are from single-cell organisms that multiply in many types of environments, including the human body. Bacteria are usually harmless, but some lead to illness and a sore throat.

The most common type of bacteria that causes sore throat infections causes strep throat, and common symptoms include a severely sore throat, high fever, and swollen lymph nodes in your neck. Bacterial infections can also cause the common cold or pneumonia.

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

The debilitating symptoms of sore throats include difficulty or pain when swallowing and talking.

In some cases, sore throats cause redness or white patches on your tonsils. All these signs indicate it’s time to schedule a sick visit and get started on treatment.

How are illnesses treated at a sick visit?

When you come in for a sick visit, Dr. Thomas determines the cause of your symptoms and develops a treatment plan. She may order lab tests, such as blood or urine evaluations, to determine if a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection is present.

Dr. Thomas generally advises you to rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids to boost your immune system and recover quickly. She may also prescribe medication or recommend over-the-counter products a part of your treatment plan.

Although sore throats give the impression that a hot cup of tea with honey can cure them, they can be part of a larger and potentially dangerous condition. Contact the team at Thomas Family Practice today by phone or online to make an appointment.