SORE THROAT

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR SORE THROAT

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

Severe difficulty breathing (e.g. struggling for each breath, unable to speak)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You feel weak or very sick
Difficulty breathing, not from a blocked or stuffy nose
Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
Signs of dehydration (e.g. no urine in more than 12 hours, very dry mouth, lightheaded, etc.)
New drooling (can't swallow fluids) or having great difficulty swallowing
Unable to open mouth completely

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

You think you need to be seen
Sore throat pain is severe
Pus on the tonsils (back of throat) along with fever
Widespread rash (e.g. trunk and abdomen)
Earache or sinus pain/pressure
Sore throat is the main symptom and persists longer than 24 hours
Sore throat is mild and lasts longer than 4 days
Fever has lasted longer than 3 days
Exposure to Strep in the past 2 weeks
You have a history of having rheumatic fever
You have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home If

Mild sore throat and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

Colds
Cough

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