Sore Throat
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Sydney Crackower, M.D.
Family Practice located in Lafayette, LA
A sore throat is a symptom you may associate with a cold. While you can manage a sore throat with home remedies, if your sore throat is lingering or it’s making eating and drinking difficult, it may be time to visit the doctor. Sydney Crackower, MD in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a family medicine physician who can examine your throat and provide treatment to help you get some relief. For your convenience, he offers same-day appointments. Call today or schedule an appointment online.
Sore Throat Q & A
What is a sore throat?
A sore throat, also referred to as pharyngitis, is pain or irritation that you feel in your throat. Anyone can get a sore throat, but they tend to affect children and teens more often. You may also be at greater risk of developing a sore throat if you’re exposed to cigarette smoke, you have a weakened immune system, or you’ve spent time in close quarters, such as a classroom, airplane, or office.
What causes a sore throat?
A sore throat most often results from a viral infection, such as the cold or flu. Other viral causes include:
- Chicken pox
- Croup
- Mononucleosis
A bacterial infection can also lead to a sore throat. Streptococcus pyogenes is the most common type of bacterial infection that you may know better as strep throat.
You may also experience a sore throat if you have allergies or gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is a chronic medical condition in which the acidic contents of your stomach regurgitate up into your esophagus.
When should I see a doctor for my sore throat?
You may be able to treat your sore throat at home, but under certain circumstances, you should come in to see Dr. Crackower.
You should see the doctor if:
- Your sore throat lingers a week or longer
- You have a fever
- You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
- You develop a rash or an earache
- You notice white spots on your tonsils
Dr. Crackower offers same-day appointments so you can be seen quickly and get relief from your discomfort.
How is a sore throat treated?
Treatment for your sore throat depends on the cause and the severity of your symptoms. When you come in to see Dr. Crackower, he conducts a thorough examination to help get you the best treatment. If he suspects you have strep throat, he swabs your throat and has it tested for the bacteria.
Treatment may include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Antibiotic for a bacterial infection
If your sore throat is due to a viral infection, such as a cold, an antibiotic will not help your symptoms.
Dr. Crackower also provides recommendations for what you can do at home to help ease your symptoms, such as gargling with salt, drinking plenty of liquids, and using a humidifier to moisten the air.
To get relief from your sore throat, call Dr. Crackower’s office or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.
