Scratchiness and pain that worsens when you swallow is the typical sensation of a sore throat. A sore throat is a common symptom of different illnesses that range from harmless to serious. The most often cause of a sore throat is a simple virus infection. Normally, the sore throat symptom will go away on its own if it is caused by a virus. Throat discomfort not caused by a virus may be due to small food particles catching in the small pits in your tonsils. These become tonsilloliths or tonsil stones. Other causes of a sore throat may be from the bacteria streptococcal which may cause your tonsils to swell and make it difficult to swallow. Children are not immune to sore throats and can develop Croup. If a child has a barking cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing, an evaluation should be performed. Essentially, if you or your child has a sore throat that has not cleared up in a reasonable amount of time, make an appointment with Dr. Venu Divi.
How Our Throat Doctor & Specialist Diagnoses Your Problem
During your first visit to the San Pedro Clinic in Los Angeles, Dr. Divi will ask questions about your medical history. These include listing past throat issues or treatments, and an account of your daily routine to determine if something environmental may be causing your symptoms. After your history check, Dr. Divi will complete a thorough examination. Dr. Divi will use a small scope to gently view otherwise obstructed sections of your throat. Strep and other bacterial infections will require a throat culture swab. Other throat issues may need additional testing like imaging studies or a swallowing test.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR YOUR THROAT PROBLEM
Many variables are considered when figuring out the best treatment plan for your particular throat problem. Your age, the severity of your symptoms, the source of your symptoms, and medication effectiveness are all taken into account. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Tonsils located at the back of your throat are often the reason behind sore throats. If your tonsils are to blame for your issues, Dr. Divi will discuss with you whether a tonsillectomy would improve your health long-term. If lesions in your throat are causing your ill health, Dr. Divi can remove smaller benign lesions at the San Pedro Clinic under local anesthetic. A nearby operating room is available for more invasive surgery to remove larger lesions.