A sore throat can make swallowing painful and leave you feeling miserable. While most sore throats are caused by viral infections and resolve on their own, strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications. UrgentDoc's English-speaking doctors can evaluate your symptoms, determine if you need antibiotics, and help you feel better faster.
Viral vs. Bacterial Throat Infections
Understanding the difference is crucial for proper treatment:
Viral Sore Throat (Most Common)
Usually accompanies a cold or flu. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, hoarseness, and gradually worsening then improving pain. Antibiotics don't help—treatment focuses on symptom relief.
Strep Throat (Bacterial)
Caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Characterized by sudden severe throat pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on tonsils—typically WITHOUT cough or runny nose. Requires antibiotics.
Common Symptoms
Our doctors can help if you're experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Throat pain – soreness, scratchiness, or pain that worsens when swallowing
- Difficulty swallowing – pain or discomfort when eating, drinking, or swallowing saliva
- Red, swollen tonsils – sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Swollen lymph nodes – tender, enlarged glands in the neck
- Fever – especially common with strep throat (often above 38°C / 101°F)
- Headache and body aches – general malaise accompanying throat symptoms
- Hoarse voice – changes in voice quality, particularly with viral infections
Signs That Suggest Strep Throat
While only a test can confirm strep, these signs increase the likelihood:
- Sudden onset of severe sore throat
- Fever of 38°C (101°F) or higher
- Red and swollen tonsils with white patches
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae)
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the front of the neck
- Absence of cough, runny nose, or hoarseness
- Recent exposure to someone with confirmed strep
How Our Consultation Works
Book Your Appointment
Select a convenient time and describe your throat symptoms. Having good lighting will help our doctor examine your throat during the video call.
Video Throat Examination
Our English-speaking doctor will ask you to show your throat on camera, discuss your symptoms, and use clinical criteria to assess whether strep throat is likely.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Receive a treatment plan tailored to your condition. If strep throat is suspected, antibiotics will be prescribed and sent to your local pharmacy in Spain.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial:
- For viral sore throats: Pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen), throat lozenges, warm salt water gargles, rest, and fluids
- For strep throat: Antibiotics (typically penicillin or amoxicillin) for 10 days, plus symptom relief
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain
- Throat sprays with numbing agents for temporary relief
- Honey and warm liquids to soothe irritation
- Guidance on rest and when you can return to normal activities
Why Treating Strep Throat Matters
While strep throat symptoms may improve on their own, untreated strep can lead to serious complications including rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart), kidney inflammation, and spread of infection to other parts of the body. Antibiotics not only speed recovery but prevent these complications and reduce how long you're contagious.
Home Remedies for Sore Throat Relief
While waiting for treatment to work, these remedies can help ease discomfort:
- Gargle with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water)
- Drink warm liquids like tea with honey, broth, or warm water with lemon
- Suck on ice chips or throat lozenges
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Rest your voice as much as possible
- Stay well hydrated with water and clear fluids
- Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke
When to Seek Immediate Care
Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or feeling like throat is closing
- Inability to swallow saliva or drooling
- Severe neck swelling or stiffness
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Muffled or "hot potato" voice
- High fever that doesn't respond to medication
- Signs of dehydration from inability to drink
These symptoms could indicate a peritonsillar abscess or other serious condition requiring emergency treatment.
Why Choose UrgentDoc for Throat Infections?
Fast Assessment
Same-day appointments to determine if you need antibiotics
Video Throat Exam
Our doctors can visually assess your throat via video call
English-Speaking Doctors
Describe your symptoms without language barriers
Prescription Antibiotics
Get strep throat treatment at any pharmacy in Spain
Struggling with a Sore Throat?
Find out if you need antibiotics. Book a consultation with one of our doctors today and start feeling better.
Book a Consultation