Chapter 4: Warning Signs #4 and #5 — Rapid Swelling and Severe Deterioration
A fourth warning sign is rapidly increasing swelling around the throat, neck, or tonsils.
Some infections can spread beyond the surface of the throat into surrounding tissues. In certain cases, an abscess can develop and create localized swelling.
A noticeable difference between the two sides of the throat or neck can be significant, especially when accompanied by severe pain or difficulty swallowing.
A peritonsillar abscess, for example, can produce severe pain on one side, swelling near one tonsil, changes in the voice, and difficulty opening the mouth.
Another important warning sign is simply becoming significantly or rapidly more ill.
A person with a sore throat who develops persistent high fever, severe weakness, confusion, fainting, unusual drowsiness, or other major changes in their condition should seek medical evaluation.
Severe infection can sometimes trigger a systemic response known as sepsis, in which the body's response to infection begins damaging its own tissues and organs.
Sepsis is a medical emergency.
Possible warning signs can include confusion, very fast breathing, a rapid heart rate, extreme weakness, pale or clammy skin, and feeling dramatically worse than expected.
Not every person with a fever and sore throat has sepsis. Most do not. But an individual who appears seriously ill should not rely on home treatment alone.
Another situation requiring urgent attention is a sore throat that improves and then suddenly becomes much worse. A change in the pattern of illness can sometimes indicate a complication or a secondary infection.
This is why doctors consider more than simply whether someone has a sore throat. They consider the severity, duration, associated symptoms, medical history, age, and how quickly the condition is changing.
If symptoms are severe enough to interfere with breathing, swallowing, consciousness, or basic hydration, medical care should take priority over trying additional home remedies.