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Sore Throat

A sore throat is a painful and common medical condition that everybody suffers from on occasion. It might be a sign of a cold, strained vocal cords, or a critical situation. As miserable as a sore throat can be, signs and symptoms tend to resolve fast without clinical remedy.

What Are the Symptoms of a Sore Throat?

Symptoms consist of general pain, scratchiness, dry throat, swallowing problems, hoarseness, swollen neck or jaw glands, and swollen or infected tonsils. You may additionally have a fever, chills, cough, runny nose, sneezing, headache, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and vomiting.

What Causes a Sore Throat?

Most sore throats are the result of viral infections, regularly associated with the common cold or flu. Bacterial infections also can result in sore throats. Some of the more common ones consist of strep throat, tonsillitis, whooping cough, and diphtheria.

Additional elements that could cause a sore throat are allergies, acid reflux, environmental irritants, dry air, and strained vocal cords. Occasionally a critical situation, such as a tumor or HIV, can cause a sore throat.

Treatment & Prevention of Sore Throat

The best treatment method for a sore throat is a home remedy. Try gargling with heated saltwater periodically throughout the day. Make sure you drink lots of liquids, and use throat lozenges and cough drops to alleviate discomfort and irritation.

A humidifier, OTC pain relievers, and decongestants help provide relief. You’ll need to look for antibiotic remedies in case your sore throat is a result of bacteria.

There are steps you may take to reduce your chance of developing a sore throat in the future. Wash your hands frequently, cough or sneeze right into a tissue or your sleeve, and do not share meals or utensils with others.

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Erin O. from Downingtown, PA

“I had stopped taking my allergy medicine and ended up with the worse sinus infection of my life. The staff at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County genuinely will provide you with the best care. I was overwhelmed by the kindness, concern, and sense of urgency everyone gave. My phone calls were returned promptly and time was made to see me in the office when it was an emergency.”

Connie J. from West Chester, PA

“I can say after years of coming to Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County, my relationship and trust with Dr. Marriotti has grown tremendously. He is personable, friendly and I appreciate his input with my hearing condition. The staff at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County is always cheery and pleasant. I enjoy my visits and always leave feeling like I am in good hands.”

Dauna P. from University Lincoln, PA

“I am so grateful for the care Dr. Picariello has given for my complex and serious brain diagnosis. He has made such an impression on the way the process was handled. I shall never forget him and how humble he was when dealing with my condition. He is truly one of the best around and I am fortunate for his high ethical standards and professionalism.”

Kathy S. from Schwenksvile, PA

“The knowledge, encouragement, concern, and individual attention the doctors of Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County had demonstrated was far beyond my expectations. The office atmosphere is professional yet friendly. The doctors know their profession well and are able to explain in basic understandable terms. They made sure we were comfortable and took their time going over everything extensively.”

James B., from Coatesville, PA

“The allergy shot process has been a great experience and has prevented a reoccurrence of my nasal polyps, and decreased the need for my asthma inhaler. The allergy staff is excellent.”