A sore throat, often marked by a rough, scratchy sensation at the back of your throat, can be the initial indicator of a developing cold. Colds can range from standard viral infections to COVID-19 or even more severe health issues.
The throat, also known scientifically as the pharynx, serves a dual purpose: it’s a passageway for food heading towards the esophagus and air on its way to the windpipe and larynx.
Various factors can lead to a sore throat, including allergies, exposure to smoke, strep throat, and tonsillitis.
The approach to treating a sore throat varies depending on the underlying cause. For milder cases, remedies such as sucking on throat lozenges, increasing fluid intake, and gargling salt water can provide relief. However, for more severe infections, medical providers, like those at Make You Well, might prescribe antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection causing the sore throat.
Antibiotics are effective because they interfere with essential bacterial processes, either killing the bacteria or inhibiting its growth.
In some instances, an antiviral medication may be necessary. These medications work by preventing viruses from attaching to and entering healthy cells.
At Make You Well in Colleyville, TX, healthcare professionals are equipped to assess your symptoms and medical history to pinpoint the exact cause of your sore throat and provide a path to recovery.
Yes. Non-infectious causes of sore throat include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid irritates the throat; postnasal drip from allergies; dry air (especially during the winter heating season); vocal strain from prolonged speaking or singing; and, less commonly, irritation from smoke or chemicals. Our providers consider the full range of causes rather than assuming every sore throat is an infection.
Untreated strep throat caused by Group A Streptococcus carries real risks: rheumatic fever (which can cause lasting heart valve damage), post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney condition), and peritonsillar abscess—a collection of pus around the tonsil that may require drainage. These complications are preventable with a complete course of antibiotics, which is why prompt diagnosis and treatment of strep throat matters.
If your child has a confirmed or suspected strep throat, they should remain home until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are fever-free. If the sore throat appears viral (with runny nose, mild fever, and cough), they can typically return to school once they feel well enough and are fever-free for 24 hours. When in doubt, bring your child to Make You Well in Colleyville for a rapid strep test before making that decision.
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils that can be caused by either viral or bacterial infections—strep throat is a specific bacterial form of tonsillitis caused by Group A Streptococcus. Viral tonsillitis is the more common form and does not respond to antibiotics. Both present with sore throat and swollen tonsils, but strep typically causes more sudden onset, higher fever, and visible white patches on the tonsils. A rapid strep test distinguishes between them.