When to See a Doctor for Sore Throat
If you have a sore throat, it's important to know when to see a doctor. If sore throat is accompanied by additional symptoms, these may be warning signs that indicate you should seek medical immediate attention:
- Tonsil swelling on one side
- High fever
- Swollen glands or any lumps in the neck
- Trouble breathing
- Severe and unrelenting pain
- Pain that persists for more than several days
- Severe headache or stiff neck
- Numbness
- Abdominal pain
- Light hurts your eyes
- Trouble swallowing your saliva/ drooling
- High heart rate
- Abnormal sounds when you breathe (stridor or wheezing)
Emergency or immediate medical care should be sought for sore throat accompanied by symptoms of meningitis, which may include severe headache, sensitivity to light, nausea or vomiting, feeling very tired or sleepy, skin rash, confusion, seizures, and stiff neck.
If your sore throat has lasted a few days or longer and are getting worse, you should contact your doctor. You should also see your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swollen neck or face
- Joint or ear pain
- White patches at the back of your throat when looking in a mirror
- Lost voice for a week or two
- Coughing blood or having blood in your saliva or mucus
Additionally, if you have a sore throat that lasts longer than a week or keeps recurring, it's important to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss it. You should also contact your doctor if you experience neck pain that is severe, lasts several days without going away, or is accompanied by symptoms like headache or numbness.
Remember to always consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.