Sore Throat

Understanding and Managing Your Symptoms

A sore throat is a common ailment that can be caused by a variety of factors such as viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or even dry air. Symptoms of a sore throat include pain or discomfort when swallowing, swollen or red tonsils, and a scratchy or raw feeling in the throat. It's important to understand the underlying cause of your sore throat so that you can take the appropriate steps to manage your symptoms and alleviate pain. At Annapolis Health, we understand the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment when it comes to sore throats. Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing the best care for our patients and have put together this guide to help you understand your symptoms and take the appropriate steps to manage your sore throat.

Symptoms of a Sore Throat

Common symptoms of a sore throat include:

• Pain or discomfort when swallowing
• Swelling or redness in the throat or tonsils
• A scratchy or raw feeling in the throat
• Hoarseness or loss of voice
• Fever or chills
• Swollen glands in the neck or jaw
• White or yellow spots on the tonsils
• Bad breath
• It's important to note that some of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions, so it's best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.

Causes of a Sore Throat

Some common causes of a sore throat include:

• Viral infections such as the common cold or the flu
• Bacterial infections such as strep throat or tonsillitis
• Allergies
• Dry air
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Diagnosis and Treatment

At Annapolis Health, we offer a variety of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of a sore throat and provide the most effective treatment plan. This includes:

• Rapid strep tests
• Cultures
• Imaging such as X-rays or CT scans if necessary