Headache And Throat Pain
Is my sore throat and headache due to a viral or a bacterial infection? – If you have both a headache and sore throat, it could be a viral or bacterial infection. They have similar symptoms. If you have a runny nose, cough and hoarse voice, you most likely have a viral rather than bacterial infection.
Contents
- 1 Can headaches make your throat hurt?
- 2 What sickness do I have if I have a sore throat headache?
- 3 Can strep throat cause severe headaches?
- 4 Should I get tested for coronavirus with headache and sore throat?
- 5 What are 4 mild COVID symptoms?
- 6 When should I go to the doctor for a sore throat and headache?
- 7 Can strep throat turn into meningitis?
- 8 Can tonsillitis give you a headache?
- 9 What is a COVID headache like?
- 10 Can neck pain cause sore throat?
Can headaches make your throat hurt?
Symptoms – Besides pressure and pain in the forehead, cheeks and behind the eyes, a sinus headache may worsen if you bend forward or lie down. Such headaches may also be associated with a sore throat, fever, cough, fatigue or other cold-like symptoms.
Several symptoms help distinguish a sinus headache from a migraine headache. A migraine usually worsens with noise or bright light, and a migraine is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Causes and Risk Factors Sinusitis, whether allergic, nonallergic or fungal, can cause changes in the pressure in the sinuses that can then cause headaches.
Allergies, a weak immune system, nasal growths (polyps) or asthma can increase the risk of sinus headaches and sinusitis.
What sickness do I have if I have a sore throat headache?
Cold – What is it? A cold is a respiratory illness caused by different types of viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common. Colds frequently circulate in winter and spring, but a person can become ill with a cold any time of the year. What are cold symptoms? Cold symptoms can be similar to flu symptoms, but they’re generally milder, and usually include the following:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Body aches
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- How long do cold symptoms last?
- Most people recover from a cold within seven to 10 days.
- When should you see a doctor about your cold symptoms?
- If you experience any of the following, you may want to consider calling a healthcare professional:
- A fever lasting longer than four days, or, in babies younger than three months, a fever that is 100.4 or higher
- Symptoms that lasts 10 days or more with no improvement
- Fever, cough or other symptoms that improve but then return or become more severe
- Dehydration
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Chronic health conditions that worsen
- Any other symptoms that cause you concern
Can strep throat cause severe headaches?
posted: Feb.14, 2020. It’s important to be able to spot the differences between a regular sore throat or viral infection and strep throat. Anyone can get strep throat, but it is most common in children and teenagers. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it’s important to see your pediatrician immediately to determine whether or not your child has strep throat. Throat Pain Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and throat pain. Severe pain in the throat is normally the first sign of strep throat. If you notice that your child’s sore throat isn’t going away easily, you may need to take your child to the pediatrician because it’s usually difficult to get rid of the discomfort completely without the use of prescription medication.
- White Patches Yellow or white patches on the tonsils or in the back of the throat are another symptom of strep throat.
- Instead of yellow or white patches, you may instead notice long streaks of pus coating your child’s tonsils.
- Difficulty Swallowing Pain during swallowing is another common symptoms of strep throat.
If it becomes difficult for your child to swallow and they experience pain when they attempt to swallow, they may have strep throat. Swollen Glands If you touch the glands in your child’s neck, you may be able to feel if their glands are swollen. The lymph nodes in your child’s neck will usually be tender to the touch and swollen if they have strep throat, because normal lymph nodes are generally not painful or tender.
Headaches Headaches are another common symptom of strep throat. They can range in severity from mild to extremely excruciating. If your child’s headache occurs frequently or worsens, be sure to consult a pediatrician immediately. Fever Another common symptom of strep throat in children is a fever over 100’F.
A lower fever may end up being a symptom of a viral infection and not strep throat, so be sure to take note of that. With a viral infection, most fevers should go away on their own within one or two days, and by the third day, other symptoms should start to disappear.
You should get a COVID-19 test if: You have new symptoms such as fatigue, headache, body/muscle aches, cough, fever, sore throat, and/or congestion. You have symptoms and are at high risk for severe illness because of other medical conditions, age, or have a compromised immune system.
Can stress cause sore throat and headache?
Chronic stress and high stress levels can cause illness or flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cold, nausea, and body aches. Managing stress may help resolve these symptoms. A person may speak with a doctor if the symptoms persist. Influenza, commonly called the flu, occurs when a person contracts the influenza virus.
It is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It typically causes mild symptoms such as fatigue, muscle ache, nausea, and headaches. However, in some cases, it can cause more severe symptoms, such as chest pain, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Chronic stress may cause symptoms similar to those seen in a person with the flu.
This article looks at how stress can cause flu-like symptoms, which flu-like symptoms it can cause, other signs of stress, and stress management. Mild or moderate stress is unlikely to cause certain flu-like symptoms like a sore throat and cough. However, chronic stress may result in symptoms such as headaches, fever, and stomach issues, which are also common in people with the flu.
- When stressed, a person’s brain may think their body is in danger and trigger the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
- The SNS is a network of nerves that activates the fight or flight response.
- The SNS also activates the adrenal gland hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline.
- A rush of adrenaline surging through the body can cause flu-like symptoms, such as weakness, nausea, and headaches.
A 2015 article also suggests a link between inflammation and stress, in which stress can lead to inflammation, disease, and the dysregulation of the immune system. This dysregulation can make it harder for a person’s body to defend against infections, which can increase their risk of the common cold and flu.
Headache is common in people with high stress levels. A 2022 review of studies suggests that emotional and occupational stressors can cause headaches. A 2019 article examines how stress can alter the connection between the brain and the gut, leading to functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), including irritable bowel disease.
This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, which are also flu symptoms. People experiencing stress may tense their muscles. This can result in body aches, which is a common symptom in people with influenza. Muscle tension can also further worsen existing back or shoulder pain.
What are 4 mild COVID symptoms?
Fever or chills. Cough. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Fatigue.
What does flu headache feel like?
Are there home remedies to help me? – Home remedies are often designed to make you feel more comfortable rather than to treat your condition. For a headache, reducing the pressure inside your head and clearing any nasal congestion helps to reduce pain.
- Some people find that a warm cloth on their face by their sinuses helps to loosen the mucus, thus reducing inflammation and congestion, relieving a little pressure around the face and eyes.
- Additionally, congestion can be cleared by inhaling steam with peppermint, or another menthol-based inhalation.
However, be careful not to scald yourself. Others, on the other hand, find that a cool cloth on the forehead or temples helps to reduce dilation of blood vessels in the head easing the pressure and pain. Lying down in a quiet room in which you can dim or turn off the lights often helps you to feel better.
When should I go to the doctor for a sore throat and headache?
Sore throat in children – Kids are prone to sore throats because strep and viruses spread more easily among children, especially when they spend time indoors. But it’s not always easy to spot the signs in younger children who can’t verbalize their discomfort. To spot a sore throat in a younger child, keep an eye out for:
Changes in food preference, such as only wanting soft foods Decreased appetite Excessive drooling, which may signal a swollen throat Touching or pointing to the neck Tugging at ears, since ear pain can accompany bacterial infections
“It’s true that viruses are the cause of sore throats in the majority of kids, but we’re also concerned about strep throat and other causes that might need specific treatment,” Dr. Lerner says. “It’s worth connecting with the child’s physician to see if further evaluation or other treatment is needed.” If you’re concerned your sore throat may not be viral or could be a sign of something more serious, reach out to your primary care physician.
Can strep throat turn into meningitis?
Etiology – Numerous Streptococcus bacteria can cause meningitis. The most significant one is Streptococcus pneumoniae, probably the leading etiologic agent of meningitis worldwide, both in adults and children. In the beta-hemolytic group, the most notable is group B Streptococcus (GBS) – the most common cause of meningitis in neonates and young infants.
Can tonsillitis give you a headache?
Other common symptoms of tonsillitis include: high temperature (fever) over 38C (100.4F) coughing. headache.
What is a COVID headache like?
Headaches and Covid-19 – Doctors and scientists have observed that headaches are common among people who have tested positive for the covid-19 virus, though how common isn’t entirely clear. One recent review of covid-19 research suggested that between 10% and 70% of covid-19 patients have a headache as part of their symptoms.
Moderate or severe pain Pain on both sides of the head A sense of pressure on the forehead, on the sides of the head, or around the eyes Symptoms that don’t respond well to over-the-counter pain medications
The symptoms of migraine-like headaches include:
Pain usually isolated to one side of the head A throbbing or pulsing sensation Sensitivity to environmental triggers such as light, sound, smell, or touch Nausea and vomiting
Some people have found that headaches from covid-19 are more painful than headaches they have had in the past. The headaches may also last longer and not respond as well to normal headache treatments. Simply having a headache that feels like a migraine or tension headache doesn’t necessarily indicate that you have covid-19.
Is headache a early symptom of Omicron?
Cedars-Sinai Researchers Find 56% Were Unaware They Were Infected With Virus That Causes COVID-19 – The majority of people who were likely infected with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, didn’t know they had the virus, according to a new study from Cedars-Sinai investigators. The findings are published in JAMA Network Open, “More than one in every two people who were infected with Omicron didn’t know they had it,” said Susan Cheng, MD, MPH, director of the Institute for Research on Healthy Aging in the Department of Cardiology at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai and corresponding author of the study.
Awareness will be key for allowing us to move beyond this pandemic.” Prior studies have estimated that at least 25% and possibly as many as 80% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 may not experience symptoms. Compared to other SARS-CoV-2 variants, the Omicron variant is associated with generally less severe symptoms that may include fatigue, cough, headache, sore throat or a runny nose.
“Our study findings add to evidence that undiagnosed infections can increase transmission of the virus,” said Sandy Y. Joung, MHDS, an investigator at Cedars-Sinai and first author of the study. “A low level of infection awareness has likely contributed to the fast spread of Omicron.” As part of research into the effects of COVID-19 and the impact of vaccines, the investigators began collecting blood samples from healthcare workers more than two years ago. Of the healthcare workers and patients who have participated in the research, investigators identified 2,479 people who had contributed blood samples just prior to or after the start of the Omicron surge. The investigators identified 210 people who likely were infected with the Omicron variant based on newly positive levels of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in their blood.
- Next, the investigators invited study participants to provide health status updates through surveys and interviews.
- Only 44% of study participants with newly positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies had awareness of being infected with the virus.
- The majority (56%) were unaware of any recent COVID-19 infection.
Of the study participants who were unaware, only 10% reported having any recent symptoms that they attributed to a common cold or other type of infection. More studies involving larger numbers of people from diverse ethnicities and communities are needed to learn what specific factors are associated with a lack of infection awareness, according to the investigators.
We hope people will read these findings and think, ‘I was just at a gathering where someone tested positive,’ or, ‘I just started to feel a little under the weather. Maybe I should get a quick test.’ The better we understand our own risks, the better we will be at protecting the health of the public as well as ourselves,” said Cheng, the Erika J.
Glazer Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Health and Population Science at Cedars-Sinai. Cheng and colleagues are also studying patterns and predictors of reinfections and their potential to offer long-lasting immunity to SARS-CoV-2. In addition to raising awareness, this information could help people manage their individual risk.
- Other Cedars-Sinai investigators who worked on this study include Joseph E.
- Ebinger, MD; Nancy Sun, MPS; Yunxian Liu, PhD; Min Wu, MPH, and Kimia Sobhani, PhD.
- Learn more about this ongoing COVID-19 study here.
- Funding: The study was funded by the Erika J.
- Glazer Family Foundation and Sapient Bioanalytics LLC.
Disclosures: Kimia Sobhani, PhD, has served as a consultant for Abbott Diagnostics and Sapient Bioanalytics, a company that supported the collection and processing of samples for this study. Read more: COVID-19 Can Trigger Self-Attacking Antibodies Follow Cedars-Sinai Academic Medicine on Twitter for more on the latest basic science and clinical research from Cedars-Sinai.
Can lack of sleep cause a sore throat?
3. Breathing-related Sleep Issues – Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are some common breathing-related sleep issues associated with a sore throat when you wake up. When you snore, you almost always engage in mouth breathing. Unsurprisingly, the constant airflow dries out your mouth, and you wake up feeling like your oral cavity and throat are dehydrated.
- Snoring also vibrates the tissues in the back of your throat.
- The irritated tissues then act up in the form of throat pain in the morning.
- Snoring is also linked to sleep apnea, a commonplace sleep disorder in which your breathing patterns repeatedly start and stop during sleep.
- Recent research shows a dry mouth is a clinical hallmark of OSA,
In fact, the sensitivity and specificity of using mouth dryness to diagnose sleep apnea are 81.70% and 42.10%, respectively. Mouth dryness is invariably linked to throat dryness when you wake up. On top of that, the common cold and sinusitis typically block the nasal passages, so you have difficulty breathing and find it more challenging to drift off to sleep.
What causes sore throat but no fever?
Summary – Many things can cause a sore throat, and not all of them are worrisome. Most sore throats are caused by viruses or bacteria, which often come with other signs of infection, such as a fever. Even so, there are other causes of a sore throat that may not present with a fever, including allergies, acid reflux, colds, STIs, environmental pollutants, or even cancer.
Can overthinking cause sore throat?
Other contributing factors – If you happen to have a condition that affects your throat, such as allergies, tonsillitis, the common cold, acid reflux, or GERD, anxiety can make your sore throat and other throat symptoms worse. In moments of high stress, there are steps you can take to calm your anxiety :
Focus on breathing slowly and deeply. Breathe in through your nose and allow your lungs to fill completely. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. You can do this anywhere at any time. If possible, it may help to find a quiet, comfortable place to sit and close your eyes while you breathe deeply. Take a walk. Get outside and take a walk, paying attention to your stride and your surroundings rather than the things that make you anxious. Listen to or play music. Let your favorite music or soundtrack take you away. Or spend a few minutes playing a musical instrument. Focus on a favorite activity. Distract yourself by playing a game, doing a puzzle, reading, watching something that makes you laugh, or indulging in your favorite hobby. Talk to a friend. Reach out to a friend or family member. If you can’t talk to them in person, call or message them. If too many things are coming at you at once, unplug. Carve out some quiet time by turning off your phone and other gadgets. Even 15 minutes of quiet time may be enough to help you destress and feel calmer. Journal your thoughts. During times of stress or anxiety, writing may help you sort through your emotions.
In the longer term, there are some lifestyle tweaks that may help you manage and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress :
Get regular exercise. This doesn’t mean training for a marathon or powerlifting at the gym. Even a brisk 10-minute walk, some simple stretches, or a short session of yoga can help calm your stressed nerves. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Try to avoid using food for comfort. Limit your intake of sugary, fatty foods, and focus on healthy foods that can fuel you with the nutrients your body needs. Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Drinking alcohol or smoking a cigarette may calm you at first, but your feelings of anxiety may return with a vengeance once the effect has worn off. Becoming dependent on alcohol or tobacco can add to your stress and anxiety. Cut back on caffeine. High doses of caffeine can increase your anxiety and even leave you feeling jittery. If you feel anxious after drinking coffee, tea, or energy drinks, consider cutting back or opting for decaffeinated beverages. Make sure you’re getting adequate sleep. A lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. Try to create a relaxing bedtime routine, switch off devices and electronics at least an hour before bed, and keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Learn to meditate. The goal of meditation is to replace chaotic thoughts in your mind with a sense of calm by focusing on the present moment. Research has shown that it’s a highly effective tool for stress reduction. Try breathing exercises. Doing specific breathing exercises can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with anxiety and stress. Visualize your happy place. Painting a picture in your mind of a place that makes you feel relaxed and happy may help calm your brain and body. Maintain social connections. Research has shown that having good social support can help get you through stressful times and lower your risk of anxiety.
It’ll likely take practice, but you may be able to stop a sore throat from developing. Here are some pointers to keep in mind at the first sign of anxiety:
Are you breathing through your mouth? Try to control your breathing by taking long, deep breaths in through your nose and out your mouth. Is your mouth dry? Have a cup of decaffeinated tea or a glass of water. Or try gargling with warm salt water. Are your muscles tight? Try deep-breathing exercises, stretches, meditation, or yoga to quiet your mind and calm your body. Do you have an anxious cough? Try a soothing cough drop or a spoonful of honey in a glass of warm water.
Occasional anxiety due to stress isn’t unusual and doesn’t require a visit to your doctor, especially if you don’t have other symptoms. However, do see your doctor if:
You frequently feel overly stressed or think you’re having anxiety attacks,Anxiety is interfering with your ability to function or go about your daily life.You have physical symptoms that concern you.
Remember, it’s possible to have anxiety and a sore throat that’s caused by something else. If you’re concerned about your sore throat and think it may be due to a condition other than anxiety, it’s worth getting a diagnosis so you can start any necessary treatment.
- Anxiety can cause many physical symptoms, including a sore throat.
- When you feel anxious, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol.
- Besides causing your heart rate and blood pressure to increase, these hormones can also cause you to take rapid, shallow breaths through your mouth.
- Your muscles can also tense up.
This can lead to a sore or tight throat. Your sore throat may not be anxiety-related if it continues to be sore once you feel calmer. Also, it may not be due to anxiety if you have other symptoms like nasal congestion, fever, a cough, body aches, or swollen tonsils.
Can you have a sore throat without fever and headache?
Summary – Many things can cause a sore throat, and not all of them are worrisome. Most sore throats are caused by viruses or bacteria, which often come with other signs of infection, such as a fever. Even so, there are other causes of a sore throat that may not present with a fever, including allergies, acid reflux, colds, STIs, environmental pollutants, or even cancer.
Can neck pain cause sore throat?
Tumors – Tumors are another cause of both sore throats and neck pain. Both benign and cancerous tumors in the neck or head can cause sore throats and neck pain. Common symptoms of tumors in the neck or head are:
A sore throat A headache Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck A lump anywhere on the head or neck Numbness in the neck or the face
It’s very rare to have a tumor, but if you’ve been experiencing a persistent sore throat or neck pain, check for any of these additional symptoms. Both benign and malignant tumors must be surgically removed.
Can dehydration cause sore throat and headache?
What is a dehydration headache? – A dehydration-related headache happens when your body doesn’t get enough fluids. Even mild dehydration can cause a headache. Usually, other symptoms of dehydration (such as fatigue, dizziness, extreme thirst and dry mouth) appear along with headache pain.