Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Of A Sore Throat

6. When To Seek Treatment

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child with a sore throat should see a doctor if symptoms do not go away with the first drink in the morning. Seek immediate treatment if a child has problems swallowing or breathing, or has unusual drooling, which might be a sign of difficulty swallowing. Adults should see a doctor when symptoms last more than a week or when a sore throat accompanies a fever higher over one hundred and one degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Diagnosis

A physical exam will need to be done to detect the cause of a sore throat. A doctor may look into the throat, ears, and nose using a lighted instrument to check for visual signs of infection or airway blockages. A physician may also check for swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck and jaw and utilize a stethoscope to listen for breathing problems. A throat swab may be needed to detect what type of infection is present. If cultures are sent to a laboratory, results are usually available within forty-eight hours.