Cold & Sore Throat

The pain and irritation of a persistent sore throat can make life very uncomfortable for you or your child, making it difficult to eat, drink, or fall asleep. At Low Cost Health Clinics with seven offices in Anaheim, Riverside, Santa Ana, Corona, Costa Mesa, Cathedral City, and Indio, California, the team of skilled and compassionate providers can effectively treat a minor sore throat due to colds and coughs, as well as strep throat. Schedule an appointment by phone or online to learn more about effective treatment options. You can also walk into the nearest office as needed, no appointment required.

What causes a sore throat?

A sore throat is a common childhood condition resulting from viral or bacterial infection. In most cases, a sore throat isn’t a serious issue and resolves without treatment. However, a persistent sore throat can point to a more serious condition, including strep throat.

Bacteria and viruses are spread through person-to-person contact or by children touching infected objects, then putting their hands in their mouths.

How is a sore throat diagnosed?

To diagnose a sore throat, your Low Cost Health Clinics provider reviews other symptoms, such as a fever, runny nose, and cough associated with an upper respiratory infection or cold. They also visually inspect the throat, checking for abnormalities.

Redness or white patches at the back of the throat can indicate strep throat. Your provider may test for strep by swabbing the throat and testing the cell samples. Results of a strep test don’t take long, and your provider can confirm strep throat during your appointment.

What treatments are available for a sore throat?

Treatment for a sore throat depends on the patient's age and diagnosis. A sore throat might be the result of:

Viral infection

There are no treatments for sore throats related to viral infections. If your child is being treated for a sore throat, you can keep your child comfortable by providing plenty of liquids. Ice pops can also soothe an irritated and sore throat. 

Your Low Cost Health Clinics provider may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers for severe pain.

Strep throat

If you or your child are diagnosed with strep throat, your provider will prescribe an oral antibiotic to clear the infection. 

It can take 1-2 days of antibiotic treatment before you or your child starts to feel better. Make sure to take the entire course of antibiotic medicines, or the infection can come back.

How do you know if you have tonsillitis or just a sore throat?

The tonsils help fight germs and infections. In some cases, the infection remains in the tonsils, causing frequent redness and swelling. Tonsillitis, or infected tonsils, can make it difficult for your child to breathe properly through their mouth. The condition also causes pain in the throat.

If you or your child experiences frequent sore throats due to the inflammation and infection of tonsils, your Low Cost Health Clinics provider may recommend surgically removing them.

To learn more about treatments for sore throat, schedule an appointment by phone or using the online booking feature.