Sore throat
Sore throat means pain felt in the throat and neck area, and it may appear as burning, stinging or pain when swallowing. The symptom is often also associated with hoarseness, cough, runny nose or fever. The throat is in a busy area for breathing and swallowing, so the causes of sore throat can be varied. The most common causes in Finland are viral infections, such as the common cold, and less often bacterial infections. Irritation caused by dry air or smoking can also be a cause.
Sore throat is usually mild and resolves on its own within a few days. Sometimes, however, sore throat can be a sign of a more serious condition. Concerning signs include, for example, very severe one-sided sore throat, difficulty swallowing, high fever, breathing difficulties or general malaise. In these cases, it is important to seek prompt assessment by a healthcare professional. Long-lasting or recurrent sore throat also requires more detailed examination.
Source: Terveyskirjasto / Duodecim
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Practitioners – Sore throat
Aapo Laiho
General practitioner
Aapo Ounaslehto
General practitioner
Aapo Pikkujämsä
General practitioner
Aapo Tähtinen
General practitioner
Aarno Niemi
General practitioner
Aaro Alila
General practitioner
Aaro Heinonen
General practitioner
Aaro Kaartunen
General practitioner
Aaro Tarvainen
General practitioner
Aatu Hautamäki
General practitioner
Frequently asked questions
When should I worry about a sore throat?
If the sore throat is very severe, one-sided, or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a high fever, you should seek an appointment with a professional promptly.
Can you have a sore throat without a cold?
Yes, sore throat can also be caused by dry air, allergies or irritation. If the symptom continues for a long time or worsens, a professional assessment is needed.
Do home remedies help with a sore throat?
For a mild sore throat, you can try rest, fluids and mild pain relief. If the symptoms do not improve within a few days, seek assessment by a professional.
Can a sore throat be a sign of something more serious?
Rarely, a sore throat can be related to a serious infection or a throat abscess. If you feel rapidly worse or swallowing becomes difficult, seek a healthcare professional immediately.
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