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Suggest Treatment For Painful Sore Throat
Question: I have had a sore throat that started out as a mild one but last night became very painful. It's not helped by advil at all. I also have a sot of mucous in my throat and may be developing laryngitis I am on vacation and don't know if I should visit an urgent care facility as I worry that it might be strep throat.
Brief Answer:
Please go in to get a throat swab.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I am always concerned when there is a very sore throat and I agree with you that you should make sure it isn't strep pharyngitis. Because untreated, if it is strep, there is the risk of developing rheumatic heart disease.
Strep usually also causes a fever and swollen tender lymph nodes in the neck. But not always, especially if you are Advil or Tylenol. So I do recommend that you go to a clinic to have your throat swabbed. They may be able to do a rapid strep test on site which is fairly accurate, and then send a swab for culture (which takes 2-3 days but usually you will know in 2 days). If the rapid strep is negative, and there isn't whitish pus on the tonsils, you don't need an antibiotic. In some places the practitioners are quick to give antibiotics but the risks are greater than the benefits if it is caused by a virus.
I agree with taking Mucinex as that contains guaifenesin which, if taken with A LOT of water, can help thin the secretions. If you don't have high blood pressure, you can also take decongestant (pseudoephedrine). This may help dry up the drainage in your sinuses so it isn't running down your throat causing a sore throat and laryngitis. One other thing to consider is a nasal steroid such as Flonase (over the counter) as it can stabilize the mucus membranes making them less likely to swell or produce mucus. Don't use it within a couple of hours of the Neti Pot as the Flonase will just drip down your throat instead of staying in your sinuses.
I hope this helps. Get as much rest and fluids as you can too.
Please go in to get a throat swab.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I am always concerned when there is a very sore throat and I agree with you that you should make sure it isn't strep pharyngitis. Because untreated, if it is strep, there is the risk of developing rheumatic heart disease.
Strep usually also causes a fever and swollen tender lymph nodes in the neck. But not always, especially if you are Advil or Tylenol. So I do recommend that you go to a clinic to have your throat swabbed. They may be able to do a rapid strep test on site which is fairly accurate, and then send a swab for culture (which takes 2-3 days but usually you will know in 2 days). If the rapid strep is negative, and there isn't whitish pus on the tonsils, you don't need an antibiotic. In some places the practitioners are quick to give antibiotics but the risks are greater than the benefits if it is caused by a virus.
I agree with taking Mucinex as that contains guaifenesin which, if taken with A LOT of water, can help thin the secretions. If you don't have high blood pressure, you can also take decongestant (pseudoephedrine). This may help dry up the drainage in your sinuses so it isn't running down your throat causing a sore throat and laryngitis. One other thing to consider is a nasal steroid such as Flonase (over the counter) as it can stabilize the mucus membranes making them less likely to swell or produce mucus. Don't use it within a couple of hours of the Neti Pot as the Flonase will just drip down your throat instead of staying in your sinuses.
I hope this helps. Get as much rest and fluids as you can too.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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