Sore Throats
Sore throats are common complaints from college students.
Symptoms may include:
- Soreness or pain in the throat, especially when you swallow or talk
- Swollen neck glands
- The back of the throat and/or the tonsils look bright red or have pus deposits or white spots
- Sores on the roof of the mouth
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Postnasal drip
- Bad breath
- Headache, and/or earache
Causes:
- Bacterial or viral infection, such as strep throat, tonsillitis, or mononucleosis
- Shouting for long periods of time
- Tobacco or marijuana smoke
- Air pollution, dry air, and/or allergies
- Post nasal drip
- Self-induced vomitting
- Infection transmitted through oral sex
What kind of care do I need?
Urgent
With a sore throat, is it very hard for you to breathe, are you unable to swallow your own saliva, or are you unable to say more than 3 or 4 words between breaths?
Non Urgent
Do you have any of the following problems with sore throat:
- Fever
- Swollen, enlarged neck glands
- Headache
- General aching feeling
- Ear pain
- Bad breath
- Skin rash
- Loss of appetite and severe fatigue
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Dark urine
- Bright red or white deposits on the tonsils or back of the throat
Has even a mild sore throa lasted more than 2 weeks?
Self-Care: Gargle every 2 to 3 hours with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 cup of warm water. Drink warm beverages. For strep throat, drink and eat cold liquids and foods. Don't smoke. Avoid spicy foods. Suck on hard candy or lozenges. Take an over-the-counter medication for pain.
