The way a person responds with a sore throat is determined by the severity of the condition and the underlying reason. Usually, home cures can alleviate the pain until the problem is resolved. Sometimes, though, it is necessary to seek medical attention. Learn when to call our home GP in Costa del Sol for a sore throat.
Overview
When you have a sore throat, it might be difficult to eat or even speak. It causes scratchiness and irritation in the throat, which might grow more severe after ingesting the medication.
A viral illness, such as a cold or the flu, or a bacterial infection are among the most common causes. A sore throat is not usually a medical emergency, but severe symptoms might make it difficult to breathe.
When to call our Home GP in Costa del Sol for a sore throat
In most cases, a sore throat will go away on its own within 5–10 days, and home care is typically sufficient.
Medical care, on the other hand, is sometimes required.
According to our home GP in Costa del Sol, a person should contact a doctor if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Sore throat that is intense and continuous and does not go away.
- Breathing, swallowing, and opening the mouth are challenging tasks.
- Facial edema or swelling of the neck
- A fever of 38 degrees celsius or higher
- The presence of blood in the saliva or mucus.
- A bump on the back of the neck
- Hoarseness that lasts for more than two weeks.
- Earache.
- A rash
Taking a swab
If our home GP believes that a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, he or she will in some occasions begin by taking a throat swab for testing in the lab to identify whether or not a strep infection has developed.
There are many approaches that may be used to accomplish this.
The doctor collects a sample by using a cotton-tipped applicator to touch the back of the throat and tonsils with a cotton ball. Someone in the lab will spread the material onto a culture plate. The sample will then be tested. If strep bacterium is present, it will reproduce and spread. This normally takes up to 24 hours to complete.
The results of a fast strep test may be obtained in minutes. A doctor may offer a culture test to confirm a negative result from a quick strep test if the results of the test were inconclusive.
It is possible that the illness is caused by a virus in which case antibiotics will be of no use.
The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if a strep test results in a positive result.
EBV test
If our home GP suspects EBV infection, he or she may request a blood test to confirm the diagnosis at the best hospital in Costa del Sol, Helicopteros Sanitarios Hospital.
A painful throat may occur for a variety of reasons, including the presence of a tumor. If the condition does not resolve on its own, the doctor will do more investigations to determine the source of the problem.