When does a sore throat get serious?

In most cases, your sore throat will improve with at-home treatment. However, it's time to see your doctor if a severe sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees lasts longer than one to two days; you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or a red rash appears.

How do I know if my sore throat is serious?

How long before a sore throat is concerning?

“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.”

How do I know if my sore throat is viral or bacterial?

A viral sore throat is typically accompanied by other cold-like symptoms, such as cough, sneeze, runny nose and a hoarse or raspy voice. “A strep infection can make it feel very painful to swallow, and often comes with fever of 101-degrees or higher,” said Schairer.

Why isn't my sore throat getting better?

Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent sore throat that lingers for a few weeks or returns frequently. Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by infection, environmental pollutants, allergies or acid reflux. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause.

Is Your Sore Throat Caused by Bacterial Infection or Viral?

When does a sore throat need hospital?

Visit your nearest emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance immediately if: your symptoms are severe or getting worse quickly. you have difficulty breathing. you're making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (called stridor)

What can a severe sore throat mean?

Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies, or other upper respiratory tract illness. Sore throat caused by a virus or the bacteria called group A Streptococcus can have similar symptoms. Sometimes the following symptoms suggest a virus is causing the illness instead of Strep throat: Cough.

What happens if a sore throat gets worse?

Contact a doctor if your sore throat is severe, doesn't feel better after a few days, or is accompanied by a high fever or swollen glands. These symptoms could be signs of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.

When is strep throat an emergency?

In general, if your sore throat lasts longer than a few days and is accompanied by other serious symptoms, you should seek emergency care. Some emergency symptoms of strep throat include: Joint pain. Difficulty breathing.

How do you know if you have strep throat or just a sore throat?

Why is sore throat worse at night?

Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning. Exposure to certain allergens at night may also worsen postnasal drip and sore throat.

Does ibuprofen help sore throat?

The following measures can often help soothe a sore throat: take ibuprofen or paracetamol – paracetamol is better for children and for people who can't take ibuprofen (note that children under 16 should never take aspirin) drink plenty of cool or warm fluids, and avoid very hot drinks.

How should I sleep with severe sore throat?

For quick relief, gargle with warm salt water before you go to bed. You can also try over-the-counter lozenges, throat sprays, and pain relievers. Let your doctor know if you have a severe sore throat and a fever for more than 2 days -- especially if you don't have typical cold symptoms like congestion and sneezing.

How should I sleep with a sore throat?

Sleeping on an incline can help you breathe easier and help clear mucus, which drip down the back of your throat and cause irritation. Rather than propping yourself up by using pillows, raise the head of your bed.

When do you need antibiotics for a sore throat?

Antibiotics. You do not normally need antibiotics for a sore throat because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. They'll only be prescribed if a GP thinks you could have a bacterial infection.

What to do if it hurts to swallow?

What are 5 symptoms of strep throat?

What happens if you don't treat strep throat?

Strep throat typically goes away within three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, you may be contagious for two to three weeks and at a higher risk for complications such as rheumatic fever.

How can I test for strep throat at home?

Rapid strep test kits are available over the counter at drugstores and do not require a doctor's prescription. These tests are quick and easy to use, giving you results in as little as five minutes. It works just like a rapid test that doctors perform.

What does strep feel like in the beginning?

You may start to feel sick a few days after you come into contact with the bacteria that causes strep throat, but usually people will start feeling sick suddenly. You will probably have a fever very quickly, and your throat will be very sore.

Is it OK if my throat hurts to swallow?

Cold, Flu, or Sinus Infection

A sore throat that causes painful swallowing often signals that you're getting one of these common illnesses. It can start a day before other symptoms like a runny nose and cough. If it's a cold, you'll need to wait it out by sipping fluids and getting plenty of rest.

What kills a sore throat hurts to swallow?

Warm liquids — broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey — and cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat. Don't give honey to children younger than age 1. Gargle with saltwater.

Should I be worried if it hurts to swallow?

Difficulty swallowing along with pain is generally a symptom of an infection or an allergic reaction. See your doctor if the pain is severe or if it interferes with eating, drinking, or breathing.

Am I contagious if I have a sore throat?

If you or your child has a sore throat caused by a virus or bacteria, it's contagious. On the other hand, sore throats caused by allergies or other environmental factors aren't contagious. Viruses cause most sore throats, such as those that cause the common cold or flu.

Why do I have a sore throat and no fever?

Most sore throats are caused by viruses or bacteria, which often come with other signs of infection, such as a fever. Even so, there are other causes of a sore throat that may not present with a fever, including allergies, acid reflux, colds, STIs, environmental pollutants, or even cancer.