Do I need to go to the doctor for a bad sore throat / lost voice?

starlancerii

So yesterday I was feeling a bit sick, had a sore throat, but I just took some cough drops and thought nothing of it. I woke up today feeling a lot better, except that my sore throat seems completely blocked up, talking is painful. I did a quick google search, but can't seem to find a consensus for if this merits a doctor's visit, or if I just need to get some rest and have plenty of fluids.

Scrublet

If it persists for more than a few days, go. If you feel like your throat is swelling to the point that you are going to have difficulty breathing, go. If it just hurts I'd tough it out and do what you're doing.

onceling

Doctors visit would be warranted by a very high fever, recurrent wheezing that isn't getting better, or difficulty breathing, dark brown or bloody phlegm.

You are probably going to be alright, just keep an eye on things. If your throat is inflamed you could try an ibuprofen like Advil.

Note: Not a doctor

Retox

If it stays bad you might think about the doctor. It could be strep, and the best way to solve that is antibiotics.

brandotheninjamaster

starlancerii wrote: »

So yesterday I was feeling a bit sick, had a sore throat, but I just took some cough drops and thought nothing of it. I woke up today feeling a lot better, except that my sore throat seems completely blocked up, talking is painful. I did a quick google search, but can't seem to find a consensus for if this merits a doctor's visit, or if I just need to get some rest and have plenty of fluids.

Had the same thing last week. I went to the Doctor (which is totally out of character for me) and was told I had bronchitis (spelled that right on the first try lol). Then I had to put on antibiotics (Z-Pack). You should go, you don't want that to turn into pneumonia (spelled that wrong on my first try ). BTW its been over a week and I'm still hacking my lungs out, I don't even want to imagine what I would be like if I didn't take any antibiotics...

brandotheninjamaster

onceling wrote: »

Doctors visit would be warranted by a very high fever, recurrent wheezing that isn't getting better, or difficulty breathing, dark brown or bloody phlegm.

I didn't have a fever so when the doc told me I had bronchitis. I was quite surprised. She told me also that bronchitis is also associated with a low-grade fever (my temp was 97.1), so don't always be on the lookout for fevers, go by how you feel.

onceling

brandotheninjamaster wrote: »

onceling wrote: »

Doctors visit would be warranted by a very high fever, recurrent wheezing that isn't getting better, or difficulty breathing, dark brown or bloody phlegm.

I didn't have a fever so when the doc told me I had bronchitis. I was quite surprised. She told me also that bronchitis is also associated with a low-grade fever (my temp was 97.1), so don't always be on the lookout for fevers, go by how you feel.

Bronchitis usually causes wheezing, trouble with breathing, dark phlegm and continued coughing. Most of which I mentioned above.

Everyone should always trust their instinct and seek medical help when they feel something is seriously wrong. But life sucks, sometimes we feel terrible and its just the flu. I have the flu right now and I want to stab the person that gave it to me. :x

Wootloops

Untreated strep throat can lead to long term permanent issues. Chances are you don't have strep, so I'd wait a day or two - eat some Ginger and honey, then see if it still bothers you. If so, head to a Doc and see what's up.

starlancerii

Cool, thanks for the advice. I don't have any of those symptoms (just a slight fever), so I'm just relaxing today and drinking lots of water (aloe water!)

Wootloops

I wouldn't drink anything with Aloe in it unless you're looking to cleanse your system. And by cleanse, I mean bring on a serious case of the shits. Aloe, while awesome for treating burns and injuries of all kinds...is a pretty strong laxative hahaha.

Stick to honey'd tea, in my opinion. Y'know, unless you're looking for that kinda result in which case...stay close to the shitter!

urahonky

I just got over what you've got. It was NOT fun. Just relax and try not to do anything to make it worse (going outside if it's cold, working too hard, etc) and you'll be fine. Hopefully within a week. It took about 1.5 weeks till I got better.

Hahnsoo1

Sounds like good ol' fashioned laryngitis, rather than strep throat. Strep Throat is normally associated with swollen lymph nodes, white patches on the tonsils on examination, fever (sometimes low-grade), and a headache, with nausea/vomiting in younger children.