Tag Archives: sore throat

Sore Throat Vs. Strep Throat

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A sore throat and strep throat may feel similar. However, they are not the same thing.

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the common cold virus, and will go away in about a week or so. A sore throat can also stem from a bacterial infection. When this occurs, it is known as strep throat, which is caused by an infection from the group A Streptococcus bacterium. Symptoms of strep throat will last much longer than those caused by viral infections

Allergies, a dry environment, and smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can also cause sore throats.

When you have a sore throat, the inside of your mouth, throat, and lymph nodes around the neck and head become inflamed and swollen. You may also notice that the inside of your mouth appears to be red from the inflammation. Other symptoms of a sore throat include:

  • Dryness
  • Hoarseness
  • Painful swallowing
  • Scratchy feeling in the throat

Symptoms of strep throat, on the other hand, can seem similar; however, the difference is that there are tiny red spots called petechiae on the roof of your mouth or white patches on your tonsils, which are the usual signs of a strep throat infection. Other symptoms of strep throat include:

  • Painful swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes and/or tonsils
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Stomach pain

There are many ways to relieve the pain caused by a sore throat, including:

  • Gargling with salt water
  • Hot tea
  • Honey
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen
  • Ice chips or popsicles
  • Using a humidifier to add cool mist to the air
  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Lozenges

It is important to note that you should never give honey to children under one year old or lozenges to children under the age of four.

The same treatments used for a normal sore throat can be used to soothe a sore throat caused by a strep throat infection. However, the best treatment for strep throat is prescribed antibiotics as they are necessary to effectively treat a strep throat infection and prevent complications.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

“Razor Blade Throat” Covid Variant

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The latest COVID-19 variant, NB. 1.8.1 or “Nimbus”, has been rapidly spreading in the U.S. and is associated with a severe symptom, a sore throat described as “razor blade throat”.

Since it was first discovered in the U.S. in March, NB.1.8.1 has become the nation’s dominant strain of COVID-19. It accounted for an estimated 43% of cases in June, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

COVID-19 viruses bind to ACE2 receptors that are found on the surface of cells. Cells in the upper airway (nose and throat) have more ACE2 receptors than those in the lower airway and lungs do, making them prime targets for Omicron variants, which bind to these receptors more strongly. Research suggests that of all the variants circulating now, Nimbus binds to ACE2 receptors the most.

Once the virus reaches those cell receptors in and around your throat, the immune system kicks into overdrive to keep the virus at bay, causing inflammation, fluid buildup, redness, and swelling.

If you do experience an intense sore throat, experts recommend several remedies, including:

  • Honey
  • Cough drops
  • Throat spray
  • Gargling with salt water
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers

If you do catch COVID, you may experience other common symptoms besides a sore throat, such as:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Congestion or a runny nose
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Most healthy people will recover from COVID without treatment. However, experts still recommend talking to a healthcare provider if you test positive. Even if you are not at risk of severe illness, treatment from a healthcare provider may be able to lower your risk of long COVID.

If you are experiencing symptoms of N.B.1.8.1, such as a “razor blade throat”, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Treating A Sore Throat

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woman suffering from sore throat sitting on sofa. Sick young woman covered with blanket coughing while sitting on the sofa at home.One of the most common causes of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as a cold. However, a sore throat can also be caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, or irritation from allergies, dryness, or pollutants, such as smoke.

Once a diagnosis is made, the symptoms of a sore throat can be treated. Over-the-counter medication can be used to relieve some of the symptoms. When the cause of the sore throat is bacterial, a physician may have to prescribe an antibiotic. If the sore throat is being caused by exposure to an irritant, it is a good idea to stay away from the substance that is causing the problem.

Home remedies can offer some relief for a sore throat. They can include:

  • Rest
  • Drinking fluids
  • Drinking warm liquids
  • Adding honey to warm liquids
  • Gargling with warm salt water
  • Lozenges
  • Sucking on popsicles or ice chips
  • Using an air humidifier

A sore throat typically improves in two to seven days. If you are still experiencing symptoms, please contact your physician.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.