Sore Throat Specialist
-
- Tweet
Lyon Primary Care
Primary Care Physician located in Midtown, New York, NY
When hot tea with honey isn’t enough to relieve your sore throat symptoms, the experienced staff at Lyon Primary Care can help. Under the direction of board-certified primary care physician Valerie K. Lyon, MD, our medical team provides to patients who live and work in Midtown, New York City, effective treatment for sore throats. If you have a sore throat that won’t go away, it could be a sign of an infection that needs medication. Call to schedule an appointment today for friendly, knowledgeable medical care.
Sore Throat Q & A
What causes a sore throat?
The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection that comes with the common cold or the flu. Typically, a virus that leads to a sore, scratchy throat resolves on its own as your body fights off the cold. However, if you have a sore throat that’s caused by a bacterial infection, or strep throat, you need antibiotics to cure the infection and prevent further complications.
Other causes of a sore throat include:
- Allergies
- Air pollution
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Mononucleosis
- Measles
- Chickenpox
Smoking, muscle strain, and sinus infections may also cause throat pain, irritation, or difficulty swallowing.
When should I see a doctor for my sore throat?
If you have a sore throat that persists more than a week, it could be a sign of an infection that requires medical attention. You should seek prompt medical attention if you have a sore throat along with any of these symptoms:
- An earache
- Joint pain
- A rash
- A fever of 101°F or higher
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Blood in your saliva or phlegm
- A lump in your neck
If you suffer from hoarseness or recurring sore throats, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Dr. Lyon and our medical team evaluate your symptoms and may perform a throat culture to determine the underlying cause of your sore throat. They provide treatments to relieve immediate symptoms, as well as clear up any type of infection that may be present.
How can I tell the difference between a sore throat and strep throat?
While you may experience irritation and pain with both a sore throat and strep throat, there are a few key differences that may indicate strep throat. If you have any of the following signs, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with Dr. Lyon or another provider in our office, so you can receive the appropriate treatment:
- White patches on your tonsils or in the back of your throat
- Red, swollen tonsils and throat
- Red spots in your throat or on the roof of your mouth
- A headache
- An ear infection
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severely swollen lymph nodes below your ears
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
If any of these symptoms persists more than two days, you could have strep throat. Fortunately, it’s highly treatable with antibiotics. In most cases, you begin to feel better in the first 48 hours after you begin taking your prescription.
When sore throat pain and accompanying symptoms interrupt your life, call the office to schedule an appointment to get relief.
