Sore Throat Specialist
Norman J. Chan, MD
Otolaryngologist located in Chinatown, New York, NY
Sore throats account for more than 13 million visits to doctors' offices every year. A severe case of sore throat can make it difficult to talk, eat, and breathe, and it can disrupt your daily life. Norman J Chan, MD provides specialized diagnosis and treatments to patients suffering from sore throats in Chinatown, New York. To learn more about your various treatment options, call the office, or use the online scheduling tool to make an appointment.
Sore Throat Q & A
What is a sore throat?
A sore throat is when your throat feels scratchy or irritated, usually as a result of inflammation in your throat. Sore throats have many underlying causes that include:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Allergies
- Dry air
- Smoke and other chemicals
- Injury
- Acid reflux
- Tumors
Along with a sore throat, this condition is usually accompanied by other symptoms that are a result of the sore throat itself. Some of these symptoms include:
- Swollen glands
- Dry, raw throat
- Painful swallowing
- Fever
- Bloody saliva or phlegm
Sore throats are uncomfortable and usually get worse when you swallow. If you’re experiencing symptoms that are severe or last for longer than two weeks, get medical attention at Norman J Chan MD.
What are the treatments for sore throat?
Norman J Chan MD begins with an exam to assess your condition and the underlying cause of your symptoms. During the exam, Dr. Chan asks about your medical history and physically examines the back of your throat for signs of irritation. He also checks for swollen glands on the sides of your neck.
If necessary, the practice also provides laryngoscopy exams, in which Dr. Chan uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and fiber optic light to examine the inside of your throat and assess your condition.
If you have a mild case of sore throat, Dr. Chan may suggest increasing your liquid intake and using over-the-counter medication for pain relief.
If your case is more severe and if Dr. Chan suspects strep throat, he may do a throat culture to diagnose it. Dr. Chan swabs the back of your throat to get a sample of mucus to test for strep bacteria.
Patients with a sore throat that is a result of frequent tonsillitis may benefit from a tonsillectomy to remove their tonsils.
If your sore throat is the result of allergies, Dr. Chan may suggest medication to treat your allergy symptoms or immunotherapy to help you develop a resistance to your allergen.
If you’re suffering from a sore throat and accompanying symptoms, call the office, or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment and receive treatment today.