Sore Throat in Charleston, SC

Everyone experiences sore throats when they have a cold or flu. But there are other reasons for sore throats that may be symptomatic of more serious problems. 

Strep Throat

Kids and adults alike are all susceptible to strep throat. This highly contagious disease comes from a bacteria called group A Streptococcus.

Group A strep can actually live within the nose or throat without causing any sort of harm to its host. These bacteria only become a problem when they come into contact with an infected person.

This transfer can happen any time, and is quite easily spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing dishes or utensils, etc.

Symptoms of Strep

Since strep throat is a very common disease it is important to know its symptoms, which consist of:

  • A sore throat
  • Pain upon swallowing
  • Fever
  • Very swollen tonsils that may also have white or yellow spots
  • Small red spots, known as petechiae, located on the roof of the mouth
  • Swollen lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting

Although many patients report them as symptoms of strep, a cough, runny nose, and hoarseness all have nothing to do with strep throat. These are signs of another possible illness, which could be occurring along with a case of strep, but is not connected to strep in any way.

It is wise to go see a doctor if you believe yourself to be sick with strep throat. Untreated cases of strep can develop to cause several serious health problems such as: 

  • Infection of the tonsils, sinuses, skin, blood, or middle ear
  • Scarlet fever
  • Inflammation of the kidneys
  • Rheumatic fever

Treatment for Strep Throat

Thankfully, strep throat is quite easy to treat using antibiotics. After 24 hours of taking these antibiotics, you will no longer be contagious. This does not mean that you can stop taking the prescribed antibiotics.

In order to be fully effective and prevent the person’s strep throat from immediately returning, they must finish the entire supply of antibiotics prescribed to them. This period usually lasts for about 10 days.

It is also possible to relieve common symptoms of strep throat, particularly a sore throat, by taking over-the-counter medications such as anti-inflammatories. This will help to reduce the swelling of the tonsils, which can make speaking and eating much more manageable.

Inflamed Tonsils and Adenoids

The tonsils are tasked with helping the body to fight off infection, though they can often become infected themselves with the hefty amount of germs that make their way into the mouth and nose. When this infection occurs, it is known medically as a condition of tonsillitis.

Anyone can develop tonsillitis, though it is especially common in young children. Recurrent cases of tonsillitis may call for the removal of these tissues if they are unresponsive to traditional treatments.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Not surprisingly, it is very common for individuals to notice a change in the appearance of their tonsils if they have become infected. Most often, the tonsils will become red and swollen, and may also be coated in white or yellow patches. Other typical symptoms include:

  • Pain and difficulty when swallowing
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Foul smelling breath
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes on either or both sides of the neck
  • Difficulty speaking, or changes in regular tone of voice
  • Stomach pains

Because tonsillitis often affects kids as young as two years of age, it may be challenging to notice their symptoms since they are not typically able to clearly verbalize their discomfort. If your child presents common physical symptoms of tonsillitis and also becomes unusually fussy, refuses to eat, or starts to drool more than usual, it is advised that they see Low Country ENT immediately for treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Tonsillitis may be caused by a variety of diseases both bacterial and viral, which means that multiple tests may need to be conducted before a definitive diagnosis is reached. Fortunately, these diagnostic tests are very simple and can be completed quickly to help you or your child begin a course of treatment as soon as possible.

If the patient’s tonsillitis is determined to have been caused by a bacterial infection, it can usually be easily treated using common antibiotic medications. Those with a viral infection will need to simply wait until the symptoms have passed within 7-10 days. There are still several ways in which you can ease these symptoms of a viral infection, including:

  • Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to help reduce swelling
  • Use lozenges to help soothe the throat
  • Gargle with saltwater
  • Rest as much as possible to allow the body to heal on its own
  • Set up a humidifier nearby to prevent dryness of the throat or nasal passages
  • Remain hydrated to ease swallowing

As previously mentioned, surgery to remove the tonsils (known as a tonsillectomy) may be advised by your provider if the patient frequently encounters tonsillitis, or cases of tonsillitis that are unresponsive to treatment. In severe cases, swollen tonsils may lead to difficulty breathing and/or inability to swallow food. If these vital functions are affected, it is imperative that the individual receive medical attention as soon as possible.

Laryngitis

When the voice box, or larynx, becomes inflamed, it can result in hoarseness or a temporary loss of voice. The larynx plays a crucial role in allowing air to flow to and from the lungs while keeping food and liquids out of the airway. It also enables sound production through the vibration of the vocal cords. Laryngitis, which is inflammation of the larynx located at the top of the trachea (windpipe), often leads to symptoms like hoarseness, coughing, breathing difficulties (especially in children), and sometimes voice loss. This condition can stem from infections, acid reflux, or growths such as nodules and polyps, or even nerve damage affecting the vocal cords. Typically, laryngitis resolves on its own within two weeks with measures like staying hydrated, increasing air humidity, and resting the voice.

Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis, commonly referred to as a sore throat, is usually caused by a virus but can also be due to a bacterial infection like strep throat. The pharynx is the tissue located behind the mouth and soft palate, serving as a passageway for food and liquids to enter the esophagus and air to reach the lungs. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it results in pharyngitis. The most common symptom is painful swallowing. Pharyngitis can also occur alongside laryngitis. Typically, the inflammation resolves on its own with rest, increased fluid intake, and humidified air.

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis occurs when the tissue at the base of the tongue, called the epiglottis, becomes inflamed. The epiglottis acts as a flap that prevents food from entering the windpipe during swallowing. When inflamed, it can swell and block the airway, creating a medical emergency. Infections are the most common cause, but epiglottitis can also result from chemical irritants, severe heat damage, or trauma. If a sore throat impairs your ability to swallow, seek immediate medical attention.

If you have a sore throat that causes pain or won’t heal, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists.