When to See a Specialist About a Sore Throat

Nilesh Patel, MD Blog When to See a Specialist About a Sore Throat
When to See a Specialist About a Sore Throat

You or your child has a sore throat, and you’re treating it at home, but it’s not getting better. You’re wondering if you should call a doctor. 

Board-certified otolaryngologist Nilesh Patel, MD, specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders at his Manhattan, New York City office. Dr. Patel performs a thorough examination to determine the root cause of your sore throat. Here’s when you should schedule a visit with our team. 

Reasons for a sore throat

Common reasons for a sore throat include: 

When you should see a specialist about a sore throat

Certain kinds of sore throats can be dangerous to your health if left untreated. Here are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to see our team: 

Sore throat with a high fever 

If you or your child has a sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, you should call the doctor. You could have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment.

White spots on the tonsils

Do you see white spots at the back of your throat on your tonsils along with your sore throat? This symptom indicates a bacterial infection such as strep, tonsillitis, or mononucleosis. 

Severe pain and difficulty swallowing

Is your throat on fire? If your throat is too sore for you to swallow food, please call our office for an appointment. 

Frequent tonsillitis

Does your child suffer from recurrent bouts of tonsillitis? It may be time to stop the rounds of antibiotics and instead address their tonsils. Once Dr. Patel removes your child’s tonsils, they’ll stay healthy and stop missing so many days of school. 

A sore throat that lasts longer than a few days

Don’t let a sore throat drag on. If your sore throat doesn’t resolve within five to seven days, please call our office. 

Swollen glands 

If you have a sore throat with swollen lymph nodes, your body is likely fighting an infection. You may also have a fever. Scheduling a visit with our team helps ensure proper infection care. 

Sore throat with an earache

Viruses and infections can cause an earache along with a sore throat. The earache is caused by blocked eustachian tubes that connect your middle ear to your throat. You may feel a pop or pressure in your ear.  

Frequent or chronic hoarseness

Do you sound more hoarse than normal? If you’re frequently clearing your throat because you’re hoarse, it’s time to see a throat specialist. You could have acid reflux or GERD. 

Chronic sinusitis

Do you suffer from chronic sinusitis with a sore throat? Post-nasal drip from the sinusitis makes your sore throat worse. Dr. Patel can perform a minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty procedure to open up your sinuses and help you breathe normally. 

Complications from an untreated sore throat

Don’t try to tough it out when you have a sore throat with any of the above symptoms. An untreated sore throat caused by a bacterial infection can result in serious complications such as an abscess, rheumatic fever, or even kidney inflammation. 

For all of your ear, nose, and throat concerns, call Nilesh Patel, MD, in Midtown, New York City, today, or schedule an appointment online at your convenience.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why Does My Child Breathe So Loudly?

Why Does My Child Breathe So Loudly?
Do you hear your child when they breathe? Perhaps it’s a low-pitched sound or a wheeze. Your loved one needs to see a specialist who understands and treats noisy breathing.