Heal · Care
The throat can hurt for many reasons. The treatment depends on which one.
Viruses cause most sore throats, but strep, reflux, allergies, and other conditions can look similar. We combine the examination with targeted testing when the result will change treatment.
The clinical question, made specific.
What this visit includes
- Throat, neck, ear, and respiratory examination
- Rapid strep and other testing when appropriate
- Hydration and symptom guidance
- Antibiotic treatment only when supported
Reasons to come in
- Painful swallowing
- Fever with throat pain
- Swollen glands or tonsils
- Persistent throat irritation
Three steps. No lost thread.
We review timing, exposures, fever, cough, reflux, and swallowing.
The examination determines whether a rapid test or additional evaluation is useful.
You receive treatment and clear signs for urgent reassessment.
What patients usually ask.
Does every sore throat need a strep test?
No. Testing is most useful when age, symptoms, exposure, and examination make strep plausible and the result would change treatment.
Can reflux cause a sore throat?
Yes. Reflux can cause recurrent irritation, hoarseness, throat clearing, or symptoms that are worse after meals or lying down.
When is throat pain urgent?
Difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, major neck swelling, a muffled voice, or rapid worsening needs urgent or emergency evaluation.
Where it happens
2 locations, one standard of care.
Guidance behind this page.
Care that sees the adjacent question.
Primary Care
Longitudinal primary care with time for the immediate problem and the health story around it.
healUrgent Care
Same-day urgent care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries at SmartClinic and Downtown Medical Group.
healAbdominal Pain
Prompt evaluation of abdominal pain, nausea, digestive symptoms, and related concerns.