Sore Throat

A sore throat can make speaking, swallowing, and sleeping feel like chores, leaving you fatigued and unable to enjoy your daily activities. With offices in Colton, Coachella, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Perris, Riverside, Indio, and San Bernardino, California, Apple Urgent Care has the diagnostic services and treatments to relieve your sore throat quickly. Call the office nearest you, schedule an appointment online, or walk in to receive the comprehensive care you deserve.

Why do I have a sore throat?

Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, is a scratchy, painful discomfort in the throat that often feels worse when you swallow. Sore throats can make speaking, eating, and drinking uncomfortable. While this pain and irritation often resolve with time, sore throats may have underlying causes that require professional medical treatment.

What other symptoms can accompany a sore throat?

Sore throats that last for more than a few days usually accompany other symptoms, such as:

• Hoarseness
• Voice changes
• Trouble swallowing
• Coughing
• Postnasal drip
• White spots in the back of the throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fever
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache

A comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis is essential to determine a sore throat’s underlying cause and develop an effective treatment for your condition.

Why do I have a sore throat?

Colds, viruses, and infections can cause a sore throat. Most of these illnesses resolve quickly, but others can worsen without treatment. Common causes of a sore throat typically include:

• Allergies
• Sinus infections
• Cigarette smoke
• Common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• Strep throat
• Tonsillitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

If you have a sore throat, Apple Urgent Care provides comprehensive evaluation and testing to accurately diagnose and treat your condition.

Which tests help diagnose a sore throat?

The Apple Urgent Care team may perform several tests based on your symptoms, such as:

Throat culture

This test involves swabbing the back of the throat to collect a sample of throat mucus or secretions. 

Rapid strep test

Similar to a throat culture, this test screens for certain types of bacteria. Results are available within minutes, allowing for prompt treatment if positive.

Rapid antigen test

This test can quickly identify viral infections, like influenza A and B, which can cause sore throats during flu season.

Monospot test

This blood test can help diagnose infectious mononucleosis (mono), a viral infection that can cause a severe sore throat.

I have a sore throat. What are my treatment options?

The Apple Urgent Care team may recommend a range of treatments depending on the cause of your sore throat. Common treatments for sore a sore throat include:

• Rest and fluids
• Anti-inflammatory pain relievers
• Warm salt water gargle
• Humidifier
• Warm liquids like caffeine-free tea with honey
• Soothing throat lozenges
• Antibiotics

Don’t wait to seek treatment for a sore throat. Call Apple Urgent Care today or schedule an appointment online to receive prompt, comprehensive care.