Sore throat: which doctor should I see?
A sore throat most often comes with a cold and passes within a few days. Sometimes, however, it keeps coming back, lasts long, or makes swallowing and breathing difficult. Here you will learn what may be behind it, when it is urgent and which specialist to see.
Book a specialistWhen it is urgent
- You have difficulty breathing, a high-pitched sound when breathing, drooling, or you cannot swallow even your saliva.
- You cannot open your mouth, or your voice sounds muffled, as if you are talking with your mouth full.
- There is marked swelling on one side of the neck or under the jaw.
- Your symptoms are severe and getting worse quickly.
With these signs, seek emergency help — call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Call 112What it may mean
- A viral infection — a sore throat, runny nose and cough that usually pass on their own.
- Bacterial tonsillitis — severe pain on swallowing, fever and swollen tonsils.
- Throat irritation — from dry air, tobacco smoke or talking a lot.
- Stomach contents coming back up (reflux) — soreness and hoarseness, especially in the morning.
- Allergy — a scratchy throat, sneezing and watery eyes.
Which specialist
- ENT (Otorhinolaryngologist) in Sofia — 14 doctors and servicesENT (Otorhinolaryngologist) — all doctors
ENT (Otorhinolaryngologist) in Sofia
How to prepare for the visit
Note how long your throat has been sore, whether you have a fever and how many times a year it comes back. Bring earlier test results, and a list of the medicines you take.
Frequently asked questions
When is a sore throat a reason for a visit?
When it does not pass within a week or keeps coming back. Book a visit without delay if you have a high fever, a weakened immune system — for example from chemotherapy or diabetes — or you pass much less urine than usual.
Do I need an antibiotic?
Only when the doctor judges the infection to be bacterial. Most sore throats are viral.
When should I see an ENT doctor?
With frequent tonsillitis, a long-lasting sore throat, hoarseness that does not pass or difficulty swallowing.
This information does not replace a visit to a doctor.