Sore Throat: Knowing when it’s dangerous

May 12, 2024 News

Dr. Zulfikar Bux

Emergency Medicine Specialist

Kaieteur News – Since the Pandemic, we have been experiencing respiratory illnesses year-round. Most of the time, sore throat is a presenting symptom for these illnesses. There are instances when a sore throat can lead to life-threatening consequences if it’s not detected and treated early. Today, I will shed some light on sore throat and when it may be dangerous.

When should I see a doctor about a sore throat?

Most people do not need to see a doctor about a sore throat. It usually gets better on its own. But sore throats can sometimes be serious if:

You have a fever of at least 101°F or 38.4°C
Your throat pain is severe within the first 2 days, or does not start to improve within 5 to 7 days

Go to the emergency room if you:

Have trouble breathing
Are drooling because you cannot swallow your saliva
Have swelling of the neck or tongue
Cannot move your neck or have trouble opening your mouth

What causes sore throat?

Sore throat is usually caused by an infection. Two Main types of germs can cause it; viruses and bacteria. People who have a sore throat caused by a virus would usually not have serious complications from the sore throat. People who have a sore throat caused by bacteria might need to see a doctor. They might have a type of infection called strep throat. Only about 1 in 10 adults who seek medical care for sore throat have strep throat.

How can I tell if my sore throat is caused by a virus or strep throat?

It is hard to tell the difference. But there are some clues to look for.

People who have a sore throat caused by a virus usually have other symptoms, such as:

A runny nose
A stuffed-up chest
Itchy or red eyes
Cough
A raspy (hoarse) voice
Pain in the roof of the mouth

People who have a sore throat caused by strep throat do not usually have a cough, runny nose, or itchy or red eyes. But they might have:

Severe throat pain
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4°F or 38°C)
Swollen glands in the neck

If you think you have strep throat, the doctor can check you for it easily. He or she can run a swab along the back of your throat and test it for the bacteria that cause strep throat.

Do I need antibiotics?

If you have an infection caused by a virus, you do not need antibiotics. But if you have a bacterial infection of the throat, with strep throat usually being the most common, you should get antibiotics. Most people with strep throat get better without antibiotics, but doctors often prescribe them anyway. That’s because antibiotics can prevent problems sometimes caused by strep throat. Plus, antibiotics can reduce the symptoms of strep throat and prevent its spread to other people.

What Problems can strep throat cause?

If left untreated strep throat can spread and cause more serious systemic, life-threatening infections. It can also spread to your heart and kidneys and cause permanent or even fatal damage.

What can I do to feel better?

If you want some relief from the pain from a sore throat, you can take pain medicine that you can get without a prescription. Throat sprays can help soothe the pain along with sucking on cough drops or candy. Some people feel relief if they gargle with salt water.

What can I do to prevent getting a sore throat again?

Keeping your hands clean by washing or sanitizing them plays a vital role in decreasing your risk of getting infected. Also, you should avoid being close to people who have a throat infection or an acute cough.

Now that you are more aware of the dangers of sore throat, be sure to remain alert for symptoms of the dangerous type. If you are still not sure, then your best option is to go see your doctor.