Sore/Strep Throat

Understanding Sore/Strep Throat

At The Emergency Center, our facility sees a variety of sore throat symptoms, ranging from a common cold to a bacterial infection like strep throat. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure quick recovery.

Symptoms of Sore/Strep Throat

  • Scratchy Throat: often accompanied by swelling.
  • Red and Swollen Tonsils: Often with white patches or streaks of pus in strep throat.
  • Difficulty Swallowing: Pain or discomfort while swallowing.
  • Fever: Mild to high fever, more common with strep throat.
  • Headache and Body Aches: General discomfort and pain.
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes: Tender, swollen nodes in the neck.
Father and Child at the Doctor's Office

When to Go to the ER

Seek emergency care for a sore or strep throat if you experience:

  • Check Severe Symptoms: High fever, difficulty breathing, or inability to swallow.
  • Check Persistent Symptoms: Sore throat lasting more than 48 hours with no improvement.
  • Check Rash: Accompanying skin rash, which may indicate a more serious infection.
  • Check Drooling: Inability to swallow saliva, often indicating severe swelling or obstruction.
  • Check Compromised Immune System: If you have a weakened immune system and develop a sore throat.

Common Causes

  • Viral Infections: Such as the common cold or influenza.
  • Bacterial Infections: Most commonly strepto-coccus (strep throat).
  • Allergies: Reaction to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
  • Environmental Factors: Dry air, pollution, or smoke exposure.

Diagnostic Services

We provide comprehensive diagnostic services to identify the cause of your sore or strep throat, including:

  • Throat Swab: Rapid strep test and throat culture to detect bacterial infections.
  • Blood Tests: To identify infections and other underlying conditions.
  • Imaging: X-rays if complications are suspected, such as an abscess.
Man with Soar Throat Holding Warm Beverage

Why Choose The Emergency Center?

The Emergency Center offers immediate, specialized care for sore and strep throat, with a team of board-certified ER physicians and advanced diagnostic services. We are committed to providing prompt, effective treatment to ensure rapid recovery and prevent complications.

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What Our Patients are Saying About Us

My visit to the emergency center of San Antonio was amazing. I was seen right away for sciatica pain. Dr. Styskal was amazing. I was treated right away and sent home with my medication. I wish more facilities would practice this without you having to make an additional stop at a pharmacy for medication. I know five stars is the highest I can give but they deserve 100+ stars.

Lizette M. ★★★★★

I was skeptical about going to the Emergency room, because for me ER’s have a bad reputation. My experience here was one of the best experience I’ve ever had. Keith at the front desk was very nice and went above and beyond for me. I forget my insurance card and wanted to know how much my co pay would be. He looked me up with no issue, brought my a wheelchair to ease my pain, as well as started

Mecia T. ★★★★★

My first time coming here, was greeted immediately by Keith and Debbie and helped. When in the back, Nichole wasted no time getting my vitals, checking on how I was feeling, and was super friendly and comforting while doing so. Dr. Erdner was very nice, and informative. Johnny got my CT scan quickly and made the process easy, and fast. All together the staff made my visit a great experience.

Nicole D. ★★★★★