Having a sore throat means something has irritated the lining of your throat, but it doesn’t always mean you are getting sick! Sometimes, it can indicate allergies, dry air or even a dry throat after sleeping with your mouth open.

If you wake up with a sore throat or start to develop one throughout the day, start by drinking water and changing up your environment. If that doesn’t offer you relief, it could mean that you are coming down with some type of infection.

Our AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. team talks about different illnesses that can cause a sore throat below, so read on to learn more.

Why Does an Infection Make My Throat Hurt?

When you come down with an infection, it can settle into your throat and start to grow. In response, your throat can become irritated and inflamed due to the growing infection. This inflammation is what causes pain, scratchiness and general throat discomfort.

If your sore throat is painful enough, it can be hard to eat, drink or even just swallow your own saliva without being in pain! If you just have a minor cold, your immune system can usually handle that on its own within a few days. If your sore throat is due to a case of strep throat, it will take longer to get over. You will probably even need a round of antibiotics to help clear it up.

Infections That Cause Sore Throats

• Common cold
• Strep throat
• Flu
• Tonsillitis

How Can I Tell If I Have Strep Throat?

Diagnosing yourself when you aren’t feeling your best can be hard—or impossible! The best way to figure out what is causing your pain is to stop by our clinic. Our team can perform a full evaluation and take a good look at the back of your throat.

General irritation will tend to just look red and inflamed, but if you have strep, you will likely have swollen tonsils and white patches at the back of your throat. You also develop a fever as well. In any case, we will work hard to ensure an accurate diagnosis and following treatment plan for you.

Easing Throat Pain

• Plenty of fluids
• OTC pain medication
• Rest
• Warm salt water gargles

Do you have a sore throat? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. for a diagnosis and treatment plan any day of the week.