Sore Throat
Treatment Online
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Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
virtual visits
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Highly Recommend
Great service, easy to use. Connects you fast and got the help I needed quickly and cheaply.
Anonymous
AMAZING!!
It was a great overall experience! It literally took me less than 5 minutes to speak with a doctor!
Emma D.
First time user
Doctor was very attentive and listened to what I told her. I hope they will start delivering medications soon...
Anonymous
Definitely using...
I appreciate the doctor and the excellent care she provided me. I would recommend her and this service without hesitation.
Anonymous
Very useful
Allowing me to consult with healthcare professionals without leaving the comfort of my home.
Sara M.
Got my prescript...
It was a very positive experience. Wait time was less than 5 minutes and got my prescription in 15 minutes!
Harry C.
Not bad at all
My doctor was firendly and listened to me. I probably saved couple of hours and never had to leave my home.
Ava E.
Best healthcare a...
My new favourite healthcare app on the go. One of the easiest and most convenient services out there.
Anonymous
Convenient
My call with the doctor took less than 15 minutes. It saved me an urgent care visit and quite a lot of money.
Matt T.
Sore throat treatment online
What can cause a sore throat?
A sore throat can be caused by a variety of factors, making it a common but uncomfortable ailment. Here are some of the primary causes:
- Viral Infections: The most common cause of sore throats are viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, mononucleosis, or COVID-19. These viruses can inflame the throat and lead to significant discomfort.
- Bacterial Infections: Streptococcal bacteria, which causes “strep throat,” is a significant bacterial cause. Less common bacterial infections like whooping cough can also result in a sore throat.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, pets, or mold can trigger postnasal drip which irritates the throat and causes pain.
- Dry Air: Breathing in dry air can suck moisture from the mouth and throat, and make the throat feel rough and scratchy.
- Smoke, Chemicals, and Other Irritants: Exposure to smoke, chemicals, or other irritants in the environment can cause throat irritation.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a digestive system disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This can irritate the throat, leading to chronic sore throat.
Symptoms of a sore throat
Experiencing a sore throat can involve a range of symptoms that signal its presence and severity:
- Painful Throat: The most direct symptom, presenting as a constant ache or sharp pain, often worsening when you swallow or speak.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Discomfort during swallowing is common, highlighting throat inflammation or swelling.
- Swollen Glands: Tender and swollen glands in the neck or under the jaw can indicate your body’s response to an infection.
- Red and Swollen Tonsils: Visibly inflamed tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus, can suggest a more severe throat infection.
- Hoarseness or Loss of Voice: Changes in voice quality, ranging from slight hoarseness to complete loss of voice, often accompany throat infections.
- Associated Symptoms: Depending on the cause, you might also experience a cough, runny nose, fever, body aches, headaches, or sneezing.
Sore throat treatment
Easing a sore troat:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist and alleviate pain.
- Warm and Cold Foods: Soothe the throat with warm broths or cold treats like ice cream.
- Gargling Salt Water: Helps reduce swelling and clears infections.
- Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can relieve dryness and irritation.
Underlying causes:
- Viral Infections: Such as colds or flu.
- Bacterial Infections: Including strep throat, which requires antibiotics.
- Allergies: Leading to postnasal drip that irritates the throat.
- Environmental Factors: Smoke and pollutants can exacerbate throat pain.
- Acid Reflux: Stomach acids rising into the throat can cause ongoing irritation.
Treatment possibilities:
- OTC Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and fever.
- Antibiotics: Necessary for bacterial infections but not for viral infections.
- Home Remedies and Rest: Helps in recovery and easing symptoms.
When to see a doctor:
- Persistent Pain: If the sore throat lasts more than a week.
- Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: Signs of more serious conditions.
- High Fever or Rash: Could indicate a bacterial infection or another serious issue.
- Blood in Saliva or Phlegm: Indicates a need for immediate medical attention.
Addressing the root cause is key to effective treatment, and while many sore throats can be managed at home, symptoms that persist or worsen should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
For tailored treatment options and expert advice, you can start a virtual consultation with an online doctor through DrHouse, a trusted and convenient platform for online medical care.
Our doctors can diagnose your sore throat and provide personalized treatment plans to help you feel better and stay healthy. Don’t suffer through the discomfort of a sore throat alone – seek professional care and get back to feeling your best!
Medication for a sore throat
When dealing with a sore throat, various medications can be used to relieve symptoms:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce throat pain and fever.
- Throat lozenges and sprays: These often contain local anesthetics like benzocaine or menthol to numb throat pain temporarily.
- Antibiotics: Required only if the sore throat is due to a bacterial infection such as strep throat. Common antibiotics include penicillin or amoxicillin.
- Antihistamines or decongestants: Useful if allergies or nasal congestion are causing postnasal drip that irritates the throat.
How DrHouse can help you with a sore throat?
DrHouse provides convenient telehealth services that can be especially beneficial for treating sore throats from the comfort of your home:
- Quick access to medical professionals: Connect with healthcare providers online without the need for a physical visit. This is particularly useful if you’re feeling too unwell to travel.
- Immediate consultations: Receive prompt medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Whether it’s identifying if your sore throat is due to a virus or bacteria, or something more serious.
- Prescription services: If necessary, receive prescriptions directly through the platform and have them sent to your local pharmacy for easy pick-up or delivery.
- Follow-up and ongoing care: Easily schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your sore throat is improving or to address any ongoing health concerns.
By leveraging DrHouse for your sore throat, you get timely, effective care that is both convenient and comprehensive, reducing the need for in-person visits while still addressing your medical needs efficiently.
So don’t let a sore throat keep you down – download our telehealth app today and start feeling better!
Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.
Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.
If you are experiencing high fever (>103F/39.4C), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, abnormal bruising, abnormal bleeding, extreme fatigue, dizziness, new weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech, confusion, extreme pain in any body part, or inability to remain hydrated or keep down fluids or feel you may have any other life-threatening condition, please go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
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What Types of Medical Services Are Provided By DrHouse?
DrHouse offers a wide array of telehealth services tailored to meet diverse patient needs.
Our primary services include urgent care and primary care consultations, which cover immediate medical assistance for non-life-threatening conditions as well as comprehensive healthcare for chronic and ongoing medical concerns.
We also provide specialized condition-based services, including dermatology appointments, men’s health, and women’s health visits.
Our team of licensed physicians has expertise in various medical fields to ensure that we can address a wide range of patient needs effectively and efficiently.
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How Does DrHouse Work?
DrHouse operates on the principles of convenience, accessibility, and quality healthcare. Our telehealth platform is designed to provide on-demand doctors’ visits for urgent care needs, sparing you the hassle of prolonged waiting periods and ensuring timely medical assistance.
Using DrHouse is a straightforward process. All you need to do is follow a few easy steps:
- Download the DrHouse telehealth app on your mobile device.
- Create an account by providing basic information and medical history.
- Start an on-demand virtual video consultation with one of our licensed physicians.
- Discuss your medical needs and concerns with one of our physicians.
- A doctor will review your medical history, symptoms, and current medications (if any) to create a personalized treatment plan.
- If necessary, a doctor will electronically send a prescription to your chosen pharmacy.
For more information visit our “How DrHouse Works” page.
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What Does an Appointment Look Like?
During your virtual consultation with a DrHouse physician, you will have the opportunity to discuss your medical needs and concerns.
The consultation will consist of a video call where the physician will assess your medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms and any other relevant information. This is to ensure that the physician has all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
The physician may also request additional information or diagnostic tests, such as blood work or imaging if needed.
You can also ask any questions or clarify any doubts you may have about your condition or medication. Our physicians are happy to address any concerns you may have.
Once the physician has assessed your needs, they will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescribing medication or recommending further medical care.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Treatment With DrHouse?
At DrHouse, we understand the value of your time and health, which is why our on-demand urgent care service is designed to work quickly and efficiently. From the moment you request a consultation, it takes only up to 15 minutes to see a doctor.
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Can DrHouse's Virtual Doctors Prescribe Medication?
Yes, physicians at DrHouse can prescribe almost any medication, including refills, that is not classified as a controlled substance. DrHouse physicians also will not prescribe Gabapentin, medical marijuana, muscle relaxants, or HRT medications. It’s crucial to note that the prescription of any medication is purely at the discretion of our healthcare professionals.
They will assess your medical history, symptoms, and current medications to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you. If your physician believes that a certain medication is necessary for your well-being, it will be prescribed.
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Are DrHouse Telehealth Services Safe?
Absolutely, it is safe to use DrHouse. We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and privacy.
All our providers are highly qualified US-based physicians and often affiliated with major hospitals. They are board-certified and from the top U.S. medical schools with an average of 20 years of experience.
We strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations, ensuring your personal and medical information is kept secure and confidential. Also, we comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to telehealth and the prescribing and refilling of medications.
Therefore, you can rest assured knowing that your safety and privacy are our top priorities when you use DrHouse’s services.
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How Much Does DrHouse Cost?
DrHouse strives to provide accessible and affordable telehealth services. DrHouse urgent care, primary care, and specialist visits are $129 or your copay. This includes everything from your initial consultation through to the prescription of your medication.
The cost of a doctor’s visit may be covered fully by your insurance. A typical copay is around $25. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand the extent of your coverage for telehealth services.
To learn more about how much DrHouse costs, visit our pricing page.
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Does DrHouse Accept Insurance?
Yes, DrHouse accepts most major insurances, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Medicare. The extent of coverage may vary depending on your individual plan.
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