Warning Signs! When to See a Doctor about your sore throat.

by DeJarra Sims

When your vocal cords become inflamed or infected, you may begin to experience pain, redness and a raspy sounding voice or hoarseness. Sometimes hoarseness is due to what is called "vocal fatigue" which means the voice gets tired easily. Professional singers, actors, teachers, speakers tend to get vocal fatigue a lot and using Voice Restore herbal Throat Spray, along and vocal rest should clear it up within a few days. Other times, there may be an underlying issue and you may need to see a doctor. A few conditions associated with causing hoarseness are:

  • Smoking
  • GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease) also known as Acid Reflux
  • Excessive Alcohol drinking
  • Type 2 Diabetes

If you have GERD or Diabetes, make sure you are taking the proper medications and supplements to treat these conditions. If you are unsure, you should visit your primary care doctor once a year for a basic check-up and ask if you may be suffering from either of these conditions.

If you happen to smoke or drink excessively, try to cut back or stop completely. If you find yourself having difficulty decreasing your amount of alcohol use, it may be beneficial to seek help and you can reach out to your family doctor for resources.**

However, If you know that none of these previous conditions affect you, and you have a severe sore throat and either of the following:

  • a fever over 101 degrees that lasts longer than one to two days; or
  • you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils; or
  • a red rash anywhere on your body around the same time of your sore throat

You should see a doctor for treatment because you may have an infection and need to be treated with prescription medication. 

I hope as always that this information is helpful! 

In Health, 

 

**If you or anyone you love is dealing with excessive alcohol use, please call 1-800-487-4889, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) 

The SAMHSA helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. To learn more visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline 

 

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