Most sore throats come and go within a few days, often caused by a common cold or strep throat. But what if the discomfort lingers longer than expected?
At Emerald Coast Urgent Care, we regularly see patients with persistent sore throats. While strep throat is a common cause, it’s far from the only one.
If you’ve been asking, “Why won’t my sore throat go away?” this guide is for you. Continue reading to learn more and see how we can help.
How Long Should a Sore Throat Last?
A typical sore throat from a virus or strep infection may last three to seven days.
If your symptoms extend beyond this timeframe or worsen instead of improving, it may point to another issue.
Some sore throats improve only to return days later. Others are accompanied by ongoing symptoms like coughing, hoarseness, fatigue, or postnasal drip. In these cases, it’s important to explore potential causes.
Possible Causes of a Lingering Sore Throat
If you’ve ruled out strep and your throat is still sore, here are several other possibilities:
- Viral Infections: Many viruses can cause a sore throat that lasts more than a week, especially if it is followed by a lingering cough or congestion.
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies can cause throat irritation. You may also experience sneezing, itchy eyes, or nasal congestion.
- Acid Reflux (GERD): Stomach acid backing up into the throat can lead to persistent soreness, especially in the morning. You might also notice heartburn, a bitter taste, or hoarseness.
- Environmental Irritants: Smoke, dry air, and chemical fumes can cause or worsen throat irritation over time.
- Chronic Sinus Drainage: Postnasal drip from chronic sinus infections can cause ongoing throat discomfort and coughing.
- Mononucleosis (Mono): Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, mono can lead to a severe sore throat that may last several weeks, along with fatigue, swollen glands, and fever.
- Tonsillitis or Peritonsillar Abscess: Inflammation or infection of the tonsils, or an abscess near the tonsil, can result in significant throat pain, often on one side.
When to Visit Urgent Care for a Sore Throat
You should visit Emerald Coast Urgent Care if:
- Your sore throat lasts longer than a week.
- You have a fever, swollen glands, or white patches in the throat.
- You experience hoarseness or voice changes lasting over two weeks.
- Swallowing becomes difficult or painful.
- You feel fatigued, weak, or generally unwell.
- You’ve already been treated for strep, but symptoms returned or persisted.
Our medical team can assess your symptoms, perform a rapid strep test, and provide further diagnostics or treatment based on the cause of your sore throat.
We proudly offer care at three convenient locations in Destin, Panama City Beach, and Inlet Beach.
How to Relieve a Sore Throat at Home
While waiting to be seen or recovering from an illness, you can try the following at-home remedies:
- Stay well-hydrated with warm fluids.
- Use throat lozenges or sprays for temporary relief.
- Gargle with warm salt water.
- Run a humidifier in dry rooms.
- Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Walk-In for Sore Throat Relief at Emerald Coast Urgent Care
Don’t wait and wonder if your sore throat won’t go away.
Visit an Emerald Coast Urgent Care clinic near you for fast, reliable care and answers. We’ll help you feel better and identify what’s causing the issue.
We’re open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with no appointment needed.
Call us or visit any of our locations in Destin, Panama City Beach, or Inlet Beach.
With a full range of urgent care services, we’re here to help you feel like yourself again.
