When not to ignore a sore throat

Although the recent weather here in Elk Grove may have us believing otherwise, we are firmly in the winter season.

And there is no time of the year that more people deal with cold and flu symptoms than the winter; the reason why it is often referred to as the “cold and flu season.”

With or without a full-blown cold, a sore throat is an annoyance that many people experience often – and one that is often ignored in hopes that it will just go away after a few days.

It may start off as just a bit scratchy; something you can handle.

Then you may notice an excess amount of mucous in the throat area; additional irritation, but you still can bear it.

Then the soreness may even go on to include swollen lymph nodes.

Before you know it, this “annoyance” that you thought would go away soon has turned into a full blown infection that cannot be cured by simply taking cold medicine or gargling with salt water.

So when is it important to visit a doctor and have a sore throat checked out?

The Citizen spoke with Dr. Michael Sotak, lead physician at the newly opened Sutter Urgent Care center in Elk Grove.

Sotak specializes in emergency medicine and mentioned that although most sore throats do go away by themselves, there are crucial times when one should visit a doctor to have it checked for a more serious condition.

“I’d recommend getting an exam if you notice a fever over 102 degrees, that there is puss at the back of the tonsils, the glands at the front of your throat are swollen, or you are not having a cough along with your sore throat,” he said. “If you have at least two of these symptoms, it is best to get checked out as soon as possible.”

Although many people may be quick to assume that a noticed lump on the throat during soreness may be the sign of cancer, Sotak said that it is rarely the case.

But he mentioned that strep throat could lead to serious issues if left without treatment beyond seven days.

The painful, contagious infection of the pharynx can cause peritonssillar cellulites if left untreated too long.

This inflammatory reaction of the tissue between the capsule of the palatine tonsil can then lead to a peritonssilar abscess in its later stages.

“With these types of abscesses, I look for puss located right next to the tonsils and whether it is worse on the right or left side causing the uvula to be pushed over to the opposite side,” Sotak said. “If left untreated, it will be extremely painful to swallow and the airway may close up.”

Sotak said that in some cases the abscess will get worse and worse until it ruptures, but it is often treated by being drained before this occurs.

These are obviously the more serious conditions of leaving a sore throat untreated for too long, yet they indicate why a rapid strep test should be done if soreness lasts for more thana week.

Sotak said that the test lasts for about five to eight minutes and includes the rubbing of a swab on both tonsils. A color-coded result signals a negative or positive outcome and it appears in about 10 minutes after the test is done.

“Nine out of 10 times you will just need to get treated with antibiotics,” Sotak said.

In treating the first few days of a sore throat at home, and for those who may be allergic to antibiotics, other remedies are recommended.

“Chloraseptic spray, gargling salt water with a quarter teaspoon of salt, Motrin, or Tylenol can all help,” he said.