In addition to being painful, sore throats are one of the main causes of doctor visits and sick days. Know the warning signs and when to call our home GP in Marbella for a sore throat if it persists.
When should you call a doctor for a sore throat?
When it comes to treating a sore throat, the most important thing is to be aware of when it is time to switch from treating the condition at home to going to the doctor.
The common cold, nasal drainage, yelling, smoking, low humidity, or air pollution are just some of the things that can cause a sore throat.
There are additional less common causes of a sore throat, such as strep throat, mononucleosis (also known as "mono"), or tonsillitis. These conditions can all lead to a painful throat.
Home treatment
There are a few different options available to treat a sore throat, including the following:
- Reduce swelling and discomfort by gargling with warm salt water at least once every hour.
- Consuming warm fluids such as tea or soup can help soothe the throat and help thin the mucus in the sinuses, both of which can lead to improved drainage and less stuffiness.
- Quit smoking immediately and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Taking over-the-counter medications, such as throat lozenges, decongestants, acetaminophen, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Home GP in Marbella for a sore throat
The majority of the time, treating your sore throat at home will result in it getting better. If, on the other hand, you have a severe sore throat and a fever over 38C degrees for more than one to two days; if you have trouble sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or if a red rash appears, it is time to call our home GP in Marbella for a sore throat.
If you experience any of the signs and symptoms described above, it is possible that you are suffering from a bacterial infection. In such a scenario, it is possible that our physician will advise you to take an antibiotic in order to treat your infection.
A doctor might advise a tonsillectomy for adults who experience multiple bacterial throat infections in a relatively short period of time.
The surgical removal of the tonsils, or a tonsillectomy, may be advised by your doctor if:
- Tonsil abscesses do not respond to drainage.
- Despite taking antibiotics, there is a lingering bad taste or odour in the mouth.
- To diagnose a suspected tonsil tumour, a biopsy is required.
However, a tonsillectomy should never be considered a treatment option until all other options have been exhausted. The best way to treat a sore throat is to avoid getting one in the first place.
Prevention
You can avoid getting a sore throat by switching out your toothbrush once a month and getting rid of your old toothbrush as soon as you feel better from an existing sore throat in order to avoid getting it again. Additionally, you should give up smoking because the act of doing so can irritate the throat.