Q. When would a sore throat, accompanied by a cough, be something to go to a doctor about?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
A sore throat accompanied by a cough can be an indication of several different illnesses, some of which require medical attention. It is important to know when it is time to see a doctor.
If the sore throat and cough are severe and persistent for more than 7-10 days, or if you experience other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw area, rash on the chest or face, night sweats/chills or weight loss - you may have an infection that requires medical treatment.
It can also be worthwhile to seek medical advice if your sore throat and cough persist with no other obvious cause such as colds or allergies. You should also consult with a doctor immediately if your sore throat is accompanied by excessive pain during swallowing or eating; difficulty breathing; hoarseness that persists beyond 2-3 weeks; yellowish discharge from nose/throat; bleeding from mouth/nose; earache/hearing problems; drooling saliva while sleeping; severe fatigue & weakness lasting more than two weeks.
Additionally, any sudden onset of one-sided facial paralysis could indicate Bell’s palsy which could be caused due to viral infections like herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). In this case you should absolutely seek professional help right away since prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for better outcomes.
In conclusion, whether it has been 7 days or 3 weeks since first experiencing your sore throat coupled with a cough - it's important to listen and respond accordingly to what your body needs in order to ensure proper and timely care from a healthcare provider who can accurately diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatments for faster recovery times!
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