It’s important to know when it’s time to call our physicians about a sore throat.

Anyone who has ever experienced a sore throat knows how painful it can be. Luckily, there are home remedies such as teas and gargling with saltwater that can provide some relief until the problem goes away. However, there are situations in which a sore throat may require treatment from our Valdosta, GA, ENT doctors Dr. Ronald Allen, Dr. Thomas Phillips, and Dr. Theodore Kanne.

What could be causing my sore throat?

Sore throats are incredibly common. In fact, sore throats are the second most common acute infection seen by doctors. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections like the cold or flu. Other causes include:

• Strep throat (a bacterial infection)
• Tonsillitis
• Laryngitis
• Glandular fever
• Smoke and other irritants
• Allergies
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (can cause recurring sore throats)

Can sore throats be contagious?

Yes, if your sore throat is due to a viral or bacterial infection such as strep throat then you could easily spread the infection. It’s important that you avoid being around others, that you practice handwashing and good hygiene, and you don’t share food items with others until you’ve fully recovered.

When do I need to see a doctor?

You should turn to our Valdosta, GA, ENT doctors for your sore throat if:

• Your symptoms don’t get better within a few days
• Your symptoms are severe or getting worse
• You develop joint pain
• Your sore throat keeps returning
• You develop a rash
• You have a weakened immune system
• You develop a fever over 101 degrees F that lasts more than 24 hours
• You have trouble eating or drinking because of swelling in the back of the throat

These are often signs of a bacterial infection such as strep throat, so it’s important that you are properly evaluated by a medical professional so that you can get the antibiotics you need to get rid of the infection.

Are you dealing with severe or persistent sore throats in Valdosta, GA? If so, the otolaryngologists at ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia, Dr. Allen, Dr. Phillips, and Dr. Kanne, can help you get the treatment you need to ease symptoms. To schedule an appointment with us, call (229) 244-2562 today.

Hearing loss can happen gradually. Know the warning signs.

Your once favorite radio show now seems muffled and hard to understand. You may miss commentary that others hear around you. Are people laughing at something that you didn’t hear? These moments can be upsetting and isolating. After all, we are social creatures, but it’s hard to be social if you’re experiencing hearing loss. Our Valdosta, GA, ENT doctors can easily detect hearing loss and provide you with the treatment you need to improve your hearing quickly.

Could you be dealing with hearing loss? Here are some of the most common complaints our Valdosta, GA, ENT doctors, and audiologists get from patients dealing with hearing loss.

Loud Environments Make Conversations More Challenging

Do you feel isolated from friends and family because you can’t seem to hear them over the clang of plates and cutlery and other ambient noises at a restaurant? One of the most common issues for people dealing with hearing loss is that bustling and busy environments can make it more challenging to stay attuned to what others are saying. If you find yourself having trouble following conversations in restaurants or at work, a hearing problem could be to blame.

High-Pitched Sounds Go Unnoticed

Do others hear the doorbell or the phone ringing when you don’t? Do you not hear the stove alarm going off? These could be signs of hearing loss. If you start to notice that other family members are turning off the kitchen timer, picking up the phone, or answering the door because you don’t hear these sounds, it may be time to have your hearing assessed by a qualified doctor.

The Volume Needs to be Blasted

Do your family members complain that the TV is too loud? Do you have to turn the volume on max when you’re on the phone? Do you still have issues hearing what’s happening on the radio, TV, or on the phone despite increasing the volume? This is a telltale sign of hearing loss.

You Find Yourself Reading Lips

How often do you find yourself staring at people’s lips to try and make out what they are saying? When your hearing is sound, you shouldn’t have to look at someone’s lips. However, when hearing loss occurs you may find yourself doing this without even noticing. If you have to look at someone’s face in order to understand what they are saying, this could be another sign of hearing loss.

Don’t wait to find out if you’re dealing with hearing loss. The sooner hearing loss is treated the better. To schedule a hearing evaluation with our Valdosta, GA, otolaryngologists, simply call ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia at (229) 244-2562 today.