How do you get a Sore Throat?
Nobody wants to get a sore throat, however, this is something that plagues millions of people throughout the world every year. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, a dry and scratchy feeling, as well as other related symptoms.
There are many reasons why you may get a sore throat, with the most common including:
- Viruses, such as the ones that cause the flu or a cold (this is the most common cause)
- Some sore throats, such as strep throat, are caused by bacteria
- Allergies
- Dry air
- Smoking or exposure to smoke
- Pollution such as airborne chemicals
Note: along with the above, a sore throat can be a side effect of a more serious condition. For this reason, if the problem persists it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Sore Throat caused by a Virus: Additional Symptoms
If you are suffering from a sore throat caused by a virus, you can expect to be faced with some or all of the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Headache
- Body aches
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Low grade fever
Diagnosing a sore throat is easy enough, as you will know when this ailment has set in. That being said, you may not be able to pinpoint the exact cause on your own. Additionally, the treatment for a sort throat caused by a virus is not going to be the same as one caused by bacteria. With strep throat, for example, you can take an antibiotic to fight against the symptoms.
When to See your Doctor
Since a sore throat is something most people have successfully dealt with in the past, they don’t see the need in visiting a doctor. Here are several situations when you should contact a medical professional:
- A sore throat that persists for more than one week
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive drooling (typically in young children)
- High temperature (102 degrees or above)
- Blood in saliva
- Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
- Symptoms of dehydration
- Recurring sore throats
Even if you have a sore throat it is often times difficult to pinpoint the cause. As long as you are aware of potential causes, as well as other symptoms and when to seek medical care, you should be able to successfully conquer this ailment.