Sore Throat

Everyone experiences a sore throat from time to time — most often as part of a cold or flu that resolves within a week. But when a sore throat is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it may indicate a more serious condition that requires expert ENT evaluation.

At The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness, Dr. David C. Brodner evaluates and treats the full spectrum of throat conditions — from acute strep throat and tonsillitis to laryngitis and chronic throat irritation — for patients throughout Boynton Beach, FL and South Florida.

Call (561) 735-8750 to schedule your appointment today.

While most sore throats are caused by viral infections and resolve on their own within a week, certain presentations require prompt medical evaluation:

• Sore throat lasting longer than one week without improvement
• Severe throat pain that makes swallowing extremely difficult
• Sore throat accompanied by high fever (above 101°F)
• Visible white or yellow patches on the tonsils
• A muffled or “hot potato” voice suggesting a peritonsillar abscess
• Drooling or inability to swallow saliva
• A persistent sore throat lasting more than three to four weeks, particularly with hoarseness, ear pain, or a neck mass — which may indicate a more serious condition including head or neck cancer

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in Boynton Beach, FL, call (561) 735-8750 immediately or go to the emergency room if symptoms are severe.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus that affects the throat and tonsils. It is highly contagious and typically develops two to five days after exposure. Classic signs include sudden, severe sore throat, painful swallowing, fever above 101°F, swollen tonsils and cervical lymph nodes, and white or yellow patches on a reddened throat.

Strep throat is diagnosed through a throat culture or rapid strep test. Treatment with antibiotics — typically amoxicillin or penicillin — resolves symptoms within three to seven days and prevents serious complications including rheumatic fever. Early treatment is also important for limiting spread to others.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils — the lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat — caused by bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial tonsillitis is most commonly caused by strep. Viral tonsillitis may be caused by adenovirus, influenza, or Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis).

Symptoms include severe sore throat, painful swallowing, swollen and red tonsils often with white or yellow coating, swollen cervical lymph nodes, fever, and sometimes a rash. Bacterial tonsillitis is treated with antibiotics; viral tonsillitis resolves with supportive care. Recurrent or severe tonsillitis — typically defined as seven or more episodes per year, or five or more per year for two consecutive years — may warrant surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy).

Dr. Brodner evaluates and manages recurrent tonsillitis at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box) that causes hoarseness, a raspy or weak voice, and sometimes complete loss of voice. It is most commonly caused by viral infection, but can also result from acid reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux), vocal overuse, or chronic irritation from smoke or chemical exposure.

Most acute viral laryngitis resolves within two weeks with rest, hydration, and voice rest. Hoarseness persisting beyond three weeks warrants ENT evaluation to rule out structural lesions or malignancy affecting the vocal cords. Dr. Brodner performs laryngoscopy to directly visualize the vocal cords and laryngeal structures when indicated.

Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx — the tissue behind the mouth that serves as a passage for both air and food. Painful swallowing is the primary symptom. Pharyngitis frequently coexists with laryngitis and typically resolves on its own with fluids, rest, and throat lozenges. However, bacterial pharyngitis caused by strep should be treated with antibiotics to prevent complications.

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis — the flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue that prevents food from entering the windpipe. When the epiglottis swells significantly, it can block the airway and become a life-threatening medical emergency.

Symptoms include a sudden severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and stridor (a high-pitched breathing sound). Epiglottitis in adults is most commonly caused by bacterial infection, trauma, or chemical injury. Any patient with a sore throat accompanied by difficulty breathing or stridor requires immediate emergency evaluation.

How do I know if my sore throat is strep or a viral infection?

Strep throat typically presents with sudden, severe throat pain, high fever (above 101°F), swollen tonsils with white or yellow patches, and swollen neck lymph nodes — usually without significant cough or runny nose. Viral sore throats are more likely to accompany cold or flu symptoms including runny nose, cough, and hoarseness.

A rapid strep test or throat culture at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness can confirm the diagnosis definitively. Call (561) 735-8750 for a same-day evaluation.

When should a sore throat be evaluated by an ENT rather than a primary care doctor?

Seek ENT evaluation for a sore throat that persists more than three to four weeks without explanation, is accompanied by hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, is associated with a neck mass, causes difficulty breathing, recurs frequently despite antibiotic treatment, or is severe enough to interfere significantly with swallowing and hydration.

Dr. Brodner at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness performs comprehensive laryngoscopic evaluation to assess the throat and larynx for structural causes and rule out serious conditions including head and neck cancer .

What is peritonsillar abscess and how is it treated?

A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms between the tonsil and the surrounding tissue — typically as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated tonsillitis. It causes severe unilateral throat pain, muffled or “hot potato” voice, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), drooling, and high fever.

Treatment requires drainage of the abscess — typically through needle aspiration or incision and drainage — performed by an ENT physician, followed by antibiotics. If you develop these symptoms in Boynton Beach, FL, call (561) 735-8750 immediately or go to the emergency room.

Can post-nasal drip cause a chronic sore throat?

Yes. Chronic post-nasal drip is one of the most common causes of persistent throat irritation, soreness, and the need for frequent throat clearing. When excess mucus from the nose or sinuses drips continuously down the back of the throat, it irritates the pharyngeal mucosa and can cause a raw, scratchy sensation that mimics a recurrent sore throat.

Treating the underlying cause of post-nasal drip — whether allergies, sinusitis, or non-allergic rhinitis — at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness typically resolves this secondary throat symptom.

How many sore throats per year should prompt a tonsillectomy evaluation?

Clinical guidelines generally recommend tonsillectomy evaluation for patients who experience seven or more documented episodes of tonsillitis per year, five or more per year for two consecutive years, or three or more per year for three consecutive years — provided each episode is adequately documented and meets clinical criteria for tonsillitis.

Dr. Brodner evaluates each patient individually, taking into account the frequency, severity, antibiotic response, and impact on quality of life before recommending tonsillectomy as a solution.

Can acid reflux cause a sore throat?

Yes. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) — sometimes called silent reflux — occurs when stomach acid reaches the throat and larynx, causing chronic irritation, hoarseness, throat clearing, coughing, and a persistent sensation of something in the throat. Unlike typical GERD, LPR often occurs without noticeable heartburn, making it difficult to recognize without expert evaluation.

Dr. Brodner evaluates LPR as a potential contributing cause in patients with chronic sore throat or hoarseness at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness.

Does The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness offer same-day appointments for sore throat?

Yes. The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness offers same-day and next-day appointments for patients in Boynton Beach, FL with acute or concerning sore throat symptoms. Call (561) 735-8750 today — our team will work to get you evaluated promptly.

Whether you have an acute throat infection or a persistent issue that has not resolved, The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness provides thorough, expert evaluation and effective treatment for the full range of throat conditions. Call (561) 735-8750 or call the practice — same-day and next-day availability for patients throughout Boynton Beach, FL and Palm Beach County.