Skip to main content
212-518-1785 Book Online Pay Bill

Sore Throat Specialist

Downtown ENT: B. Thuy Le, MD Our Services Sore Throat

Downtown ENT: B. Thuy Le, MD

Otolaryngologist located in New York, NY

Having a sore throat is never fun, but when it happens, there are things you can do to alleviate the discomfort. If you live in New York City, schedule an appointment with B. Thuy Le, MD, to rule out other routine ailments, such as the flu or common cold, and get to the heart of the matter. Dr Le can diagnose and treat your symptoms to offer you much-needed relief. Call the office in Soho, Manhattan, or request an appointment using the online booking tool.

Sore Throat Q&A

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat (pharyngitis) is pain or irritation in your throat that feels worse when swallowing food or liquids. This condition is usually associated with common viral infections, such as a cold or flu, or it can occur on its own.

What are the causes of a sore throat?

If your sore throat is not caused by a cold or flu, there could be other factors at stake. These conditions are less common, but may include:

  • Strep throat
  • Mono (mononucleosis)
  • Canker sore
  • Sinus problems
  • Acid reflux

Allergies, irritants, dryness, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and throat muscle strain or overuse may also factor into a sore throat.

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

Symptoms of a sore throat may include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pain with speaking and swallowing
  • Pain or a scratchy feeling in the throat
  • A muffled or hoarse voice
  • Sore, swollen glands in the jaw or neck
  • Red, swollen tonsils
  • White patches or pus on the tonsils

If you have an infection, you may also experience other symptoms, such as fever, body and headaches, coughing, runny nose or sneezing, nausea, or vomiting.

How do you treat a sore throat?

When caused by a viral infection, as are most cases connected to a cold or the flu, a sore throat will eventually go away on its own, usually within a week. Over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can lessen pain and inflammation. Drinking plenty of fluids, sipping on warm liquids like hot tea or broth, and using throat lozenges can also alleviate discomfort.

When caused by a bacterial infection like strep throat, your condition is treated with antibiotics to fight the infection and prevent further health complications.

Dr. Le performs a thorough history and asks questions about your symptoms to accurately diagnose which type of sore throat you’re suffering from. She conducts a complete throat and head and neck examination.  Some causes of sore throats might require more complex diagnostics and remedies.

Dr. Le is very experienced at diagnosing and treating sore throat. Call Downtown ENT today or request an appointment online.