When To Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if a severe sore throat (pain being an 8 or 9 on a scale of 1 to 10) occurs along with the following symptoms, especially in a small child:

• Drooling
• Difficulty breathing
• Head pushed forward to breathe

Call your doctor today if you have:

• A severe sore throat and fever over 101°F (38.3°C) that lasts longer than 1 to 2 days.
• A severe sore throat 2 to 5 days after you know you have been exposed to someone with strep.
• A sore throat that is not part of a cold that lasts longer than 2 to 3 days despite home treatment.
• A red rash that feels like sandpaper. This may indicate scarlet fever.
• Difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids.

Call a doctor if the following symptoms develop 1 to 2 weeks or longer after a strep throat infection. These symptoms may indicate rheumatic fever.

• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Joint pain
• Raised red rash or lumps under the skin
• Uncontrolled, jerking movements of the arms or legs

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is appropriate if your sore throat occurs with symptoms like those of a cold such as sneezing, coughing, and a runny or stuffy nose. In general, the more coldlike symptoms you have, the less likely it is that your sore throat is caused by a strep infection. You can try home treatment if your sore throat is not severe and you have other symptoms of a cold.

Call a doctor if:

• Sore throat is the main symptom and you have no improvement after 2 to 3 days.
• Signs of strep throat are present.

Who To See

The following health professionals can evaluate a sore throat, do quick tests or throat cultures, and prescribe antibiotic treatment if needed:

• Pediatrician
• Family doctor
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Internist
• Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist)

If surgery to remove chronically enlarged or infected tonsils or adenoids is suggested, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.