Sore throats can be quite painful, and those with a sore throat are more likely to visit their doctor than any other patient. A sore throat is also one of the main reasons why people take sick days. The trick to treating a sore throat is knowing when it’s time to make the transition from at-home therapy to seeing the doctor. In this article, we talk about everything you should know about a sore throat and when to call our GP service in Costa del Sol for a sore throat.
Sore throats: What are they?
A sore throat usually consists of pain, irritation, and itchiness. This condition can often feel worse when you swallow. A viral infection is one of the most common causes of a sore throat. Most people have a sore throat when they’re suffering from a cold or flu. The good news is that most sore throats will disappear on their own and won't need a call to our GP service in Costa del Sol for a sore throat.
Streptococcal infection, also known as “Strep throat” is much less common. This condition is caused by bacteria and antibiotics are needed to help prevent it from getting worse.
The Symptoms of Sore Throats
The symptoms of a sore throat tend to differ depending on what they are caused by. Some symptoms include:
- A pain in the throat
- A scratch-like feeling in the throat
- Pain that gets worse when you talk or swallow
- Issues with swallowing
- Glands on the side of your neck or jaw that are swollen and sore
- Tonsils that are red and swollen
- Pus or white spots on the tonsils
- A muffled or hoarse voice
If an infection has caused your sore throat you might also have:
- A fever
- A cough
- A running nose
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Episodes of sneezing
- Aches and pains around your body
- A headache
When to call our GP service in Costa del Sol for a sore throat
Call our GP service in Costa del Sol for a sore throat if you have :
- A fever that’s higher than 38 degrees C and no other symptoms. You could have Strep Throat, which means you need to have treatment.
- Symptoms that are similar to that of a flu but fail to get better within 2-3 days. This could suggest that you have infection mononucleosis
- A child or a teenager who has symptoms that are similar to the flu. If you have diabetes, asthma, COPD, or you’re obese or pregnant you’ll need to be seen by a doctor.
- Pain or hoarseness that lasts more than 2 weeks you’ll need to get it checked out. This is because it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
- A sore throat that does not go away after a week. There is always a chance that you might be suffering from an allergy.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing. This could indicate that your epiglottis (located at the back of your throat) is swollen. If this is the case, you should get medical help as soon as you can.
- A pain in your throat that moves into your ear. This could be a sign that you have a more serious condition. It’s best that you get it checked out.
Our medical teams are waiting for your call. They are here to respond to accidents, life-threatening illnesses and conditions and anything that requires urgent medical care.
As a member of Helicopteros Sanitarios, your call mobilizes our medical team, who are ready to provide you with a quick diagnosis. They speak both English and Spanish and they can prescribe medication and the most appropriate treatment.