Sore Throats in Tarzana

Sore Throats

A sore throat is characterized by an uncomfortable, dry, scratchy, or irritating sensation in the throat that makes it painful to swallow, breathe, and talk.

A sore throat should go away on its own, but if the symptoms persist for more than 5 days, then you should visit an ENT specialist to get a throat culture for diagnosis.

Causes of sore throats

Most sore throats are caused by bacterial or viral infections, though sinus infections, allergies, and environmental factors like dry air can also lead to the disease.

• Bacterial infections - like Streptococcus pyogenes
• Viral infections - like common cold, flu, croup, measles, mono, chickenpox
• Allergies - to dust, pollen, molds, pet dander
• Dry indoor air
• Irritants - chemical pollution, tobacco smoke
• Straining your throat muscles - by yelling or screaming
• Cancerous throat tumors

Remedies of a sore throat

There are three types of sore throats depending on the part of the throat that has been affected:

• Tonsillitis - affects the tonsils causing swelling and redness
• Pharyngitis - affects the area behind the mouth
• Laryngitis - affects the larynx or voice box causing swelling and redness

For bacterial infections, Dr. Cohen may write you an antibiotic prescription, and recommend that you:

• Gargle with warm salt water multiple times a day
• Drink some warm tea with honey
• Increase your liquid intake
• Take some pain relievers
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom

Sore throats are generally not a big concern, despite the discomfort. But if the symptoms are severe and persistent, like stiff neck, high fever, and difficulty swallowing and breathing, then you should visit your ENT specialist.