Sore Throat
Urgent Care for a Sore Throat
Probably everyone has had a sore throat at one time or another. It can be miserable, and knowing what’s causing the sore throat and where to go for medical treatment may be difficult. The good news is that CareWell Urgent Care is here to help. We offer comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions at each of our convenient locations.
Can I Go to Urgent Care for a Sore Throat?
Urgent care is an excellent choice for diagnosing and treating a sore throat. From a sore throat that just started recently to a chronic or persistent sore throat, we are equipped to get to the bottom of it and help get you on the road to recovery.
Most causes of a sore throat can be handled in urgent care, saving you the long wait times and inconvenience of emergency rooms (ERs).
In the event of certain symptoms that may indicate a life-threatening situation, it is recommended that you visit an ER:
- Severe difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Swelling of your throat or airway.
- Losing consciousness.
Symptoms of a Sore Throat
The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Common sore throat signs and symptoms include:
- Itchy throat.
- Scratchy or painful sensation in the throat.
- Discomfort when swallowing.
- Hoarseness.
- Redness or red dots at the back of your mouth and throat.
- White or yellow patches on tonsils.
Depending on the cause of your sore throat, you may experience other symptoms, including cough, congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, fever, chills, or a headache.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
There are several possible causes of a sore throat, ranging from allergies to infections. Some common causes include:
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies or an allergic response to an allergen may cause a sore throat. In the case of allergies, you may also experience itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, or itching in the back of your throat.
- Common Cold: A sore throat and a cough, often accompanied by a runny nose, congestion, and fatigue, are typical cold symptoms.
- Flu: The influenza (flu) virus can cause a sore throat, which may be accompanied by a fever, chills, body aches, a cough, and fatigue.
- COVID-19: A COVID infection may be accompanied by a sore throat, a cough, shortness of breath, a fever, fatigue, and other symptoms.
- Strep Throat: This bacterial infection is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep). Typically characterized by a very sore throat, a fever, red or speckled tonsils, or white or yellow patches on the tonsils, strep should be treated right away with an antibiotic to prevent serious complications.
Urgent Care Treatment for Sore Throat
When you visit one of our CareWell Urgent Care Locations, our experienced team will ensure you are seen as quickly as possible. One of our providers will discuss your symptoms, perform a careful physical exam, and order any lab tests or imaging needed to reach a diagnosis. With onsite labs, X-ray capabilities, and other services, we can provide rapid testing and diagnosis.
Sore throat treatment in urgent care depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your provider may prescribe antihistamines or steroid spray for allergies. Medicated sprays may help a sore throat due to the cold. Symptoms of the flu or COVID may be relieved in some cases by certain antiviral medications. Strep throat is typically treated with an antibiotic, which must be taken for a set length of time to eliminate the strep bacteria.
How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat
Rest is essential in recovering from any illness, including a sore throat. Drinking plenty of fluids, including warm liquids like broth or herbal tea, is often helpful. Honey may also help to soothe a sore throat, and throat lozenges may be beneficial.
Visit CareWell Urgent Care for Sore Throat Treatment
Our caring, experienced providers and clinical staff are ready to provide the care you need for a wide range of symptoms. With 12 locations conveniently located across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, exceptional urgent care for your whole family is within reach.
