Sore Throat

If you have a sore throat that is severe or doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, you may benefit from a virtual exam. At ViteleDoc, a telehealth practice serving patients in California and Oregon, virtual urgent care provider Dustin Jacot, PA-C, uses virtual exams to quickly diagnose sore throats. After a review of your medical records and a discussion of your symptoms, Dustin can make treatment recommendations.  Click the online booking feature or call the practice for a telehealth consultation or today!

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat refers to pain, inflammation, or irritation at the back of your throat that’s worse when you swallow. Most sore throats occur because of viral or bacterial infections, but they can also indicate more serious underlying health problems.

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

The symptoms of a sore throat include:

• Itchy sensation in your throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen, red tonsils
• Hoarse or muffled voice
• Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking

If you have a bacterial or viral infection, you might also develop a fever, a runny nose, or body aches.

When should I see a specialist about a sore throat?

You can make an appointment with Dustin at ViteleDoc if you have a sore throat and it lasts for more than a day or two. It’s especially important to seek treatment if you experience symptoms like difficulty swallowing or swelling in your face or neck.

How is a sore throat diagnosed?

At ViteleDoc, Dustin performs all exams virtually. To diagnose a sore throat, he reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the sore throat started, if certain activities, like eating, cause the pain to be worse, and if you’ve tried taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine.

Dustin also has you upload a picture of your throat or asks you to open your mouth and point your smartphone camera at it. Dustin uses the image (or your video feed) to check for redness, swollen tonsils, or white patches at the back of your throat. 

After determining the cause of your sore throat, Dustin makes treatment recommendations.

How is a sore throat treated?

Treatment of a sore throat depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. If you have a viral infection, Dustin recommends getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and taking over-the-counter pain medication to reduce inflammation.

If you have a bacterial infection, like strep throat, Dustin prescribes oral antibiotics. You take the antibiotics for 7-10 days, and they eliminate the infection.

Dustin’s goal is to relieve your pain, encourage your body’s healing process, and improve your quality of life.

Click the online booking feature or call ViteleDoc today to receive treatment for a sore throat.