Throat Infection
When you have a scratchy or sore throat, you may be experiencing a throat infection. While it is common to have an infection that affects the throat, this is not a condition you want to ignore. There are serious complications that can occur from throat infections that are left untreated. At Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT, we can determine the cause of a throat infection and provide treatment at our Alpharetta, GA, medical clinic.
Bacterial and viral infections can impact the throat. Colds, flu and COVID-19 can all affect and inflame the throat tissues. If you have a sore throat, it can be related to sinus infections, allergies and other respiratory issues, but the throat may not be infected. When there is a throat infection, it is often due to a streptococcus bacterial infection, or strep throat.
Strep throat is the most common throat infection and requires treatment to fight off the bacteria. Strep throat includes symptoms of a severe sore throat that is red and inflamed. You may also experience a fever, headache and coughing. It is important to have a throat culture taken to determine if you have strep throat or if there are other causes of your throat infection.
Relief for Throat Infections
Treatment for a viral or bacterial infection can relieve the symptoms of a throat infection. It can also protect you from complications if you have strep throat. If left untreated, strep throat can cause rheumatic fever, middle ear infections, pneumonia and meningitis, which can cause serious health problems.
Treatment for throat infections can include antibiotics but patients should rest and care for their body for a faster recovery. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to ward off dehydration from an accompanying fever. Your doctor may suggest flushing the throat with saline water to help fight off the infection.
If you suspect you have a throat infection, contact our team at Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT. We are located in Alpharetta, GA, near Dunwoody and Roswell. Call our office to schedule a throat exam with our ENT specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
