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Sore Throat services offered in Cicero and Chicago, IL
More than 5 million people in the United States visit the doctor every year because of strep throat (a common cause of a sore throat). At Cermak Immediate Care in Cicero and the neighborhood of Marshall Square in Chicago, Illinois, their team can determine the cause of a sore throat with prompt, personalized, on-site testing and offer relief using highly effective treatments. Schedule an appointment by phone, request one online, or simply walk into the office today.
What is a sore throat?
A sore throat is often the result of strep throat, a condition caused by group A streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes. A strep throat infection and other causes of a sore throat can cause the following symptoms:
- Painful swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Stomachache
- White patches on the throat lining
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Rash
- Scratchy throat
- Throat pain
- Irritation
You could also experience swollen or sore glands in your neck or jaw and a muffled or hoarse voice. You might have a cough, fever, runny nose, sneezing, headache, weakness, or body aches if an infection is involved.
What are the common causes of a sore throat?
A sore throat can develop because of:
- Colds
- Flu
- COVID-19
- Mono
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Tonsillitis
- Strep throat
- Tobacco smoke and other air pollutants
- Allergies
- Dry air
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Throat muscle straining
- Tissue abscess
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Tumors of the throat, voice box, and tongue
Visit Cermak Immediate Care if a sore throat lasts longer than a few days, is severe, or you have additional symptoms.
If you experience difficulty breathing or other alarming symptoms with a sore throat, call 911 or head immediately to a nearby emergency room.
How is a sore throat diagnosed?
Cermak Immediate Care offers on-site lab testing (throat swab) to screen for strep throat, flu, and other potential causes of a sore throat.
Your provider also checks your temperature and other vital signs, examines your throat to look for redness and white patches, completes a physical exam, and discusses your symptoms and medical history. They determine the cause of a sore throat to effectively treat your condition.
How is a sore throat treated?
Your throat swab sample is tested for strep bacteria using a rapid test that takes less than 15 minutes. If you have strep throat, taking antibiotics can kill the bacteria causing the infection.
If the cause of your sore throat is something else, like mononucleosis or the flu, the Cermak Immediate Care team could suggest other medications, home remedies, lifestyle changes, or refer you to another specialist.
Don’t live with a painful sore throat when help is within reach at Cermak Immediate Care. Schedule an appointment by calling the nearest office, booking an appointment online, or simply walking in today.