What are common throat infections and disorders?
Infections caused by viruses and bacteria are the most common cause of everyday throat infections. A cold, strep throat and influenza are common causes of sore throats that are contagious and can be transmitted through contact such as coughing, sneezing, or sharing food or drinks. Anything that irritates the delicate mucosal membranes that line the throat can lead to a sore throat. Noninfectious causes of sore throat include acid reflux, allergies, smoking, pollution, and irritants in the air.
Dr. Loft can diagnose and treat a wide range of throat infections and disorders, including:
- Strep throat
- Tonsillitis
- Tonsil stones
- Tonsil hypertrophy (enlarged tonsils)
- Pharyngitis
- Laryngitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV- warts)
- Throat and Mouth Cancer
When should I talk to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist about my sore throat?
If your sore throat is severe, causes swallowing or breathing difficulty, or persists longer than the usual 5-10 days associated with a common cold, than medical evaluation and treatment is advisable. Symptoms that you should contact an ENT physician include:
- Severe or persistent sore throat
- Difficulty or painful swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain or difficulty opening your mouth
- Pain or swelling in the neck
- Persistent fever or temperature greater than 101 degrees
- Earaches
- Blood in your saliva or phlegm (mucous)
- Persistent hoarse voice
- White or yellow patches in your throat or on your tonsils
If you have a persistent sore throat or any of the abovementioned symptoms, contact Dr. Lloyd Loft for evaluation and treatment.
How are throat infections and disorders diagnosed?
Dr. Loft will begin the evaluation of your throat problem with a detailed medical history and comprehensive physical exam. If a bacterial or strep throat is suspected, a throat culture can be performed. A fiber optic endoscope (a thin fiber optic tube attached to a camera) can provide detailed visualization of hard to see regions in the back of your nose, lower throat and larynx. The majority of sore throats and throat disorders can be diagnosed and effectively treated with a thorough office evaluation. Occasionally other diagnostic studies, including blood tests, CT, or MRI scans, may be helpful in selected cases.
How are throat infections and disorders treated?
The treatment of your throat problem will depend upon the cause of your symptoms. Dr. Loft will provide a specific treatment plan based on your diagnosis. For mild sore throats related to the common cold, patients can often be made more comfortable with simple home remedies like good hydration, warm tea or soup, salt water gargles, and over the counter analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).
For bacterial infections like strep throat or tonsillitis, a course of antibiotics may be indicated. Treatment of a sore throat related to acid reflux (GERD) might include acid-blocking medications as well as dietary and lifestyle modifications. Treatment of persistent sore throat related to a more serious diagnosis such as cancer must be individualized for each patient, depending on a wide variety of factors.
If you are concerned about a persistent, frequent, or severe sore throat, call Dr. Lloyd Loft MD, FACS, or make an appointment online today.
