Sore Throat Causes and Symptoms

Sore throat is mostly caused by viruses (70-80%), often with cold-like symptoms (fever, headache, etc.). Less often, it's caused by bacteria (e.g., Strep throat) or other conditions.

Viral sore throats often include a fever, headache, hoarse voice, cough, nasal congestion, and sometimes a rash.

A sore throat caused by bacteria, like Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat).

Sore throats usually resolve in 3-7 days, whether viral or bacterial.

Less common causes include airway obstructions, deep neck infections, Epstein-Barr virus (glandular fever), or oral herpes.

An opportunistic fungal infection of the mouth and throat, caused by Candida albicans.

Risk factors for oral thrush include denture wear, old age, being immunocompromised, diabetes, dry mouth, and inhaled corticosteroids.

White/creamy patches in the mouth that can be wiped off. It can cause discomfort and may spread to the throat.

Sore throats lasting more than 3 weeks or that don't get better with over-the-counter treatments, especially in immunocompromised patients, should be medically reviewed.

Sore throat management often involves miconazole gel (first-line) for 7–14 days or nystatin (second-line) for the same time period.

Rest, hydration, and good oral hygiene help with sore throats.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce fever or pain.

Talk to patients using open-ended questions and active listening skills. Use clear language appropriate for their understanding.

Asking the patient to repeat instructions about their care, like how to take medication.

Using body language and facial expressions to communicate effectively.

Obstacles to effective communication, such as language differences, hearing impairment, or low health literacy.

Issues that require careful handling, building rapport, and respect for privacy.

Body temperature above 38°C.

Usually infections (viral, bacterial), but other factors like inflammatory conditions, drug reactions, or malignancies can also cause fever.

Persistent fever (>3 days), lethargy, rash, stiff neck, seizures (in children), suspected systemic infection, dehydration, inability to keep fluids down are warning signs needing referral.

Rest, hydration, cool compresses (if tolerated).

First-line medication to reduce fever and discomfort.

Alternative or adjunct fever reducer, good for inflammation.

Sudden, sharp pain, typically temporary.

Pain lasting more than 3-6 months, often associated with conditions like arthritis or neuropathy.

Pain felt in a different part of the body than where the actual problem is.

A method for assessing pain, using factors like provoking/relieving factors (P), quality (Q), region/radiation (R), severity (S), and timing (T).

Paracetamol is often the first-line treatment for minor pain.

NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen are used for moderate pain.

Prescription pain relievers, such as opioids, are used for severe pain under medical supervision.

Inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane

Triggered by an immune response to allergens (seasonal or perennial).

Severe, sudden, worsening pain; pain with systemic symptoms; suspected fractures; nerve involvement; or chest pain require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal itch, and congestion, often triggered by allergens.

Nasal congestion occurs 4-12 hours after allergen exposure, a part of the allergic response.

Repeated exposure to allergens lowers the amount needed to trigger symptoms, worsening the allergy.

Inflammation of sinuses, often following a cold, with symptoms like pain and discharge.

Symptoms lasting for 3 days, or symptoms worsening after initial improvement or for over 7 days.

Persistent symptoms over 10 days.

High Fever (over 39°C)

Facial Swelling/Eye Swelling

Avoiding triggers is a primary treatment for allergies.

Intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective anti-inflammatory treatment.

Sharp pain in the eye, often accompanied by redness and headache.

Reduced clarity of vision, with rings of light around objects, often a sign of increasing eye pressure.

Itchy, watery eyes with redness, often seasonal or year-round, caused by an allergic reaction to allergens like pollen.

A red spot on the white part of the eye, caused by broken blood vessels, often due to coughing or trauma, usually not painful.

Severe symptoms like pain, vision loss, or persistent redness; especially if light sensitivity, white spots, or a history of trauma/surgery is involved.

Sudden increase in eye pressure, causing severe pain, blurred vision, and nausea; an ophthalmic emergency requiring immediate referral.

Eye problems caused by contact lenses and their use, possibly resulting in redness, discomfort, or infection.

A condition where the eyes don't produce enough tears, often leading to eye discomfort.

Drugs that reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), often used to treat acute glaucoma.

The ear naturally removes earwax by moving it out of the ear canal.

Symptoms include gradual hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Young children, older adults, hearing aid users, and those with cognitive impairments are at higher risk.

Cerumenolytic agents like olive oil, docusate, or carbamide peroxide soften earwax, while saline can disperse it.

A medical procedure to remove earwax, performed by a healthcare professional using gentle pressure.

ENT specialists might use microsuction or manual tools for earwax removal.

Pre-existing ear issues, ear surgery history, perforated eardrums or grommets, infections, trauma, or foreign objects require referral.

Avoid cotton swabs or electronic ear cleaning devices to prevent further damage, as over 30% of impacted ears clear naturally within 5 days.

Inflammation of the ear canal, often following water exposure; causes pain, itchiness, and hearing loss.

Gently remove water from the ear after swimming, use over-the-counter ear drops to prevent water retention and bacterial growth.

Prolonged water exposure and abrasive cleaning methods like cotton swabs should be avoided.

Suspected infection, unrelieved by simple pain relievers, or a history of ear surgery or perforation, require referral.

An infection of the middle ear, typically following a respiratory illness; often leads to fluid build up and tympanic membrane inflammation.

Viral infections can spread to the middle ear via the Eustachian tube, leading to fluid/pus build-up and tympanic membrane inflammation.