Sore Throat
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have a sore throat without other symptoms?
See significance of a sore throat without other symptoms if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had a severe sore throat for longer than 12 hours despite home treatment?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had a mild to moderate sore throat for 48 hours or longer?
Yes Has a new sore throat (even if mild) continued longer than 1 week?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have an ongoing (chronic) sore throat that has not been checked by a doctor?
Yes Do you have an ongoing (chronic) sore throat that has changed since being checked by a doctor?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 25, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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