Contrary to popular belief, however, antibiotics are not the panacea many people think they are. If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, I will prescribe antibiotics only after I take a recent health history, do a physical exam, and conduct a few lab tests, including a throat culture and blood tests. Even with the antibiotics, you’ll still have to rest, drink lots of liquids, and complete the entire course of medication. Otherwise the infection can return in a form even more severe than the first time around.

If you have a sore throat that’s making it difficult for you to swallow, I’ll look for a swelling behind the throat, or a tonsillar abscess, which is typically caused by a bacterial infection. If this is left untreated, the throat may actually begin to close up. If this occurs, the airway may become blocked, creating a life-or-death situation, which is why it’s important to see your doctor in the early stages of a sore throat.

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