Tetanus: Symptoms, causes, and treatments
COVID-19 Symptoms: Is It A Sore Throat Or Strep?
U.S. Military/Wikimedia Commons Sore throat is often a symptom while strep throat is typically caused by a virus.
The longer the coronavirus pandemic stretches, the more health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are able to help the public distinguish between viral and bacterial illnesses as well as how COVID-19 symptoms and symptoms of other diseases can mimic each other.
With strep throat always a threat and sore throat being a symptom of coronavirus, it's important to be able to make the distinction.
A sore throat is in fact often a symptom of both COVID-19 and strep, but it's not caused by the same thing; one is caused by a bacteria and the other is caused by a virus. Simply put, you can have Strep throat without having coronavirus, but a sore throat might mean you do have coronavirus. It's also important to note that having COVID-19 does not preclude you from getting strep throat, so it's important to protect yourself from both.
The Centers for Disease and Control have also outlined some helpful tips to help people distinguish between strep throat and the sore throat of COVID-19. Her's what you need to know about the two irritating and very different throat issues.
Is Strep Throat A Symptom of COVID-19?Strep throat has not yet been identified as a symptom of COVID-19 by the CDC, World Health Organization or other medical facilities studying the disease. However, because the illness mimics a sore throat, people can very easily be confused.
In fact, strep throat is not caused by a virus, such as the coronavirus, but it is instead caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus, or group A strep, that infects the throat and tonsils, according to the CDC.
It's important to note that, unless you have had it before, it's best for a doctor to diagnose strep. And as mentioned earlier, if you have other symptoms that are not strep-related, your doctor may advise you to get tested for coronavirus since the two illnesses are not mutually exclusive.
Sore Throat vs Strep ThroatThe CDC outlined symptoms of a sore throat versus symptoms of strep throat.
The symptoms of a sore throat often include cough, runny nose, hoarseness and a sore throat is also sometimes accompanied by conjunctivitis or "pink eye." Sore throats are typically caused by viral illnesses, although they can sometimes be caused by a bacterial illness, such as strep.
The common symptoms of strep throat are that the sore throat comes on quickly rather than gradually, there is a fever and the tonsils can become red and swollen with white patches or "streaks of pus," the CDC reports. Other symptoms of strep include tiny red spots dotting the roof of the mouth, swollen lymph nodes at the front of the neck and sometimes it is accompanied by scarlet fever (or scarlatina). Other symptoms that typically occur in children can include headache, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting (for a list of COVID-19 symptoms in children and toddlers, click here).
Both, of course, can involve incredibly painful swallowing and, like the coronavirus, strep throat is also contagious and can also occur with no symptoms at all, Minnesota's Department of Health says.
The CDC advises that people go to a hospital if they have any of the following conditions which do not get better over time: difficulty breathing or swallowing, blood in the saliva or phlegm, excessive drooling in young children, dehydration, joint swelling and pain or a rash. Doctors will typically quiz you about your symptoms and sometimes swab your throat to check for the presence of the bacteria.
What If I Have A Sore Throat?A sore throat is definitely one of the symptoms of coronavirus and according to a July 3 CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, nearly one-third of people (31%) experienced a sore throat when they tested positive for the disease.
If you do have a sore throat, you should examine yourself for other symptoms including fatigue, fever or chills and muscle pain or body aches, as well as symptoms from either/both the respiratory (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, headache, a loss of taste or smell and nasal congestion or runny nose) and gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting or diarrhea) systems, according to the most recent CDC list of symptoms. Emergency warning signs include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, the inability to wake/remain awake, and bluish lips or face.
Remedies for a sore throat, according to the Mayo Clinic, can involve rest, drinking fluids, warm liquids such as broth or warm water, a saltwater gargle, using an air humidifier and taking cough lozenges. Alternative medicines include slippery elm, licorice root and marshmallow root.
Of course, the best remedy to alleviating a COVID-19 related sore threat is recovering from the disease and avoiding reinfection (by following the CDC precautions of frequent handwashing, social distancing and wearing a mask).
What If I Have Strep Throat?Strep throat??? In the middle of a pandemic?!?!?
— keeks (@Kiera_bella) July 14, 2020
Strep throat lives in the nose and throat and often pass on the infection to others via respiratory droplets spread from coughing or sneezing, the CDC reported. You can get infected by breathing in those droplets, touching infected surfaces, using the same dishes as someone with strep, touching sores on the skin caused by strep (impetigo) or eating food prepared by someone with strep; if any of these events sound recent and your symptoms match those listed earlier, you may have strep throat.
The best way to treat strep throat is with antibiotics that fight the bacteria and the CDC advises people with strep throat to "stay home from work, school, or daycare until they no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours." To protect yourself and avoid spreading the disease, the CDC encourages people to wash their hands often, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and quickly cleaning or disinfecting dishes and surfaces you have touched/avoid sharing plates and silverware if you are sick.
If you do believe you have strep throat, you can try using some of the home remedies for a sore throat. However, the CDC strongly advises people who believe they have strep to see a doctor and receive antibiotics. Complications of an untreated strep throat infection can take place if the bacteria spreads and can result in abscesses by the tonsils, swollen neck lymph nodes, sinus infections, ear infections, the heart disease rheumatic fever and the kidney disease post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
READ NEXT: COVID-19: Studies Say An Upset Stomach Could Mean Worse Outcomes
Why Is One Side Of My Throat Sore?
A sore throat is a common symptom of many conditions. However, some causes, such as swollen lymph nodes and direct injury, may only affect one side of the throat.
There are many possible reasons for one side of the throat feeling sore, and it may not always be clear what the root cause is.
In this article, we look at possible causes of a sore throat on one side. We also discuss when to see a doctor.
The body's lymph nodes act as filters, helping to identify and trap germs, such as viruses and bacteria before they can infect other areas. As they do this, the lymph nodes may swell up and become sore.
The lymph nodes closest to the throat are on either side of the neck. Sometimes only one node in the area is sore, which can cause a sore throat on one side.
Some conditions that may lead to swollen lymph nodes include:
Learn more about swollen lymph nodes here.
During nasal congestion, mucus and fluid drain down the back of the throat. This is known as postnasal drip. Continual drainage can irritate the throat, leading to a feeling of soreness or scratchiness.
This drainage may cause irritation and soreness in a specific part of throat and may feel like one side is raw and inflamed.
Tonsillitis describes inflammation of one or more tonsil. The tonsils are at the back of the throat, and a virus or bacterium usually causes the infection and inflammation.
An infection in just one tonsil can cause pain on one side. It may also cause a fever, trouble swallowing, and noisy breathing.
An abscess is a contained, pus-filled lump within the tissue. A bacterial infection usually causes it.
A peritonsillar abscess forms in the tissues near the tonsils. It may cause intense pain on one side of the throat. It may also cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and trouble swallowing.
A person with a peritonsillar abscess requires urgent medical care. In severe cases, it can interfere with breathing.
Many things can injure the back of the mouth or throat, including:
If one side of the throat is sore from scraping or burning, gargling with warm salt water may help to soothe symptoms.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes the stomach's contents, including stomach acid, to back up into the food pipe and throat.
GERD may be worse at night and when lying down. If stomach acid backs up when a person is lying on their side, it may lead to soreness on one side of the throat.
If GERD goes untreated for too long, it can damage the food pipe and throat.
Learn more about acid reflux at night here.
As the name implies, this viral illness usually causes sores to form on the hands, feet, and mouth. Sores can develop in the back of the mouth, near the sides of the throat, and one side may be more affected than the other.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually occurs in children under 5 years of age, but it can also spread to older children and adults.
Learn more about hand, foot, and mouth disease here.
In adults, other types of sores, such as aphthous ulcers, are more common and can often cause one-sided symptoms.
Overusing or misusing the voice can lead to lesions or nodules on the vocal cords. A lesion may form on one side, causing one area of the throat to be sore. However, not all people who damage the vocal folds will experience pain.
A person with a vocal cord lesion will usually notice a change in their voice, such as hoarseness.
These types of lesions are usually treatable. Resting the voice and vocal therapy are typically used to correct vocal cord lesions. In some cases, lesions will require surgery.
While they are among the least common causes of a sore throat, cancer can affect the throat and surrounding areas. They may be benign or cancerous.
A tumor can cause soreness on one side of the throat. It may occur on the tonsils, in the back of the throat or tongue or in the larynx, which is commonly known as the voice box.
Usually, a tumor will also lead to symptoms that do not occur with common infections and illnesses, such as blood in the saliva and unexplained weight loss.
Learn more aout throat cancer here.
If a throat is sore on one side, the cause is usually a minor viral infection, such as the common cold. However, it is important to see a doctor if the following symptoms also appear:
Below are frequently asked questions relating to soreness in one side of the throat.
Why is one tonsillar lymph node swollen?Swelling on one side of the throat can occur due to localized damage or injury, tumors, infection, and more. People can speak with a doctor if swelling does not go away or if other symptoms start to appear.
Can a person have a swollen tonsillar lymph node but not be sick?Swelling on one side of the throat may occur due to localized damage rather than an illness. People can speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
Why does my tonsillar lymph node hurt?There are several causes of soreness on one side of the throat, including:
Treatment for swelling on one side of the throat will depend on its cause. In cases of injury, painkillers and rest are often suitable, whereas bacterial infections may require antibiotics. However, other more severe causes may require medical interventions.
There are many reasons why a person may feel soreness in only one side of their throat. Direct injury to a specific area, localized infections, and swollen lymph nodes may all cause irritation and discomfort on one side of the throat but not the other.
Treatment for a sore throat will depend on the cause. It is important to seek medical assistance if throat pain becomes unbearable or persists for several days.
Read the article in Spanish
What Causes A Tickle In The Throat And How To Get Rid Of It
A tickle in the throat can have many causes including sinusitis, dehydration, and inflammation. Treatment will depend on the cause, but a doctor might recommend hot tea with lemon, throat lozenges, or getting more rest.
The key to getting rid of a tickle in the throat is understanding its cause and finding an appropriate treatment strategy.
This article explores the various causes of a tickle in the throat and treatments.
Everyone has experienced it at some point — a sensation in the throat, somewhere between a tickle and an itch, frequently accompanied by a dry cough.
The cough has a purpose: to get rid of mucus, an inhaled substance, or another irritant that is causing the tickle. Coughing may not always remove whatever is causing a tickle in the throat, though.
Indeed, the cough from a tickly throat can become chronic and linger.
Typically, a tickle in the throat is irritating and may be due to:
Also, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux can lead to a chronic cough and tickle in the throat.
About 75% of people with acid reflux may also have a cough with no other symptoms, such as heartburn.
In more serious cases, a painful and hoarse throat can point to laryngeal cancer.
After exerciseIf people frequently have a tickly or sore throat after exercise, they may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), or exercise-induced asthma.
EIB can happen when the airways lose heat, water, or both, during exercise when people breathe in air that is drier than the air inside the body.
Other symptoms of EIB can include:
People may notice symptoms a few minutes after beginning exercising, and symptoms may continue for 10-15 minutes after stopping exercising.
Irritants in the air can also trigger EIB during certain activities, such as:
A tickle in the throat can feel like a snag and an itchy or rough patch in the back of the mouth. People may also be hoarse and have difficulty speaking.
If the tickle is due to post-nasal drip, the throat can feel irritated and sore. Individuals may also feel as if they have a lump in their throats, which may be due to swelling of the tonsils.
Treatment for a tickle in the throat will aim to resolve one of the underlying causes.
Post-nasal dripThe best way to treat a tickle in the throat due to post-nasal drip is by finding out what is causing this increase in mucus production.
Common causes are allergies, GERD, and bacterial or viral infections.
In some cases, it is not possible to identify the cause of post-nasal drip, and general home remedies may help.
Sore throatA sore throat can be due to a bacterial or viral infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases of a sore throat are viral. People can treat viral sore throats with over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and home remedies.
The Streptococcus bacteria can cause strep throat, a type of sore throat, and requires treatment with antibiotics.
AllergiesTo get rid of a tickle in the throat due to an allergy, a person must identify what is causing the allergy and then try to avoid it. Working alongside an allergist can help to identify an allergen.
When it is not possible to avoid allergens, such as pollen in the air, medications that include antihistamines may help reduce the irritation.
Sinus infectionA sinus infection, otherwise known as sinusitis, is another common cause of a tickle in the throat.
If a cold lasts for more than 10-14 days or worsens after 7-10 days, it could be sinusitis.
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, and OTC pain relievers and nasal treatments help with viral infections.
DehydrationIncreasing saliva production may help reduce the symptoms of dehydration and eliminate the resulting tickle in the throat.
Popsicles and ice chips can also help calm a ticklish throat, as can the use of a humidifier to add moisture to the air a person is breathing.
DustEnvironmental irritants, such as dust, air pollution, and cigarette smoke, can all cause a tickle in the throat. One of the best ways to address this is by quitting smoking and limiting exposure to smoke or other irritants where possible.
GERDPeople can treat GERD with a mixture of medication and lifestyle changes, such as sleeping with the head elevated and modifying eating and drinking habits.
These steps can help people manage a tickle in the throat caused by acid reflux.
AsthmaAsthma is a chronic lung condition where the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe.
A tickle in the throat and a chronic cough are the main asthma symptoms for some people.
People with asthma need to work closely with their doctor to develop and follow a treatment plan to control their symptoms.
ACE inhibitorsUsing an ACE inhibitor, a type of medication that doctors prescribe to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, may cause a dry cough or tickle in the throat in up to 10% of users.
If someone experiences a dry cough or tickle in the throat due to using an ACE inhibitor, they should find that these symptoms resolve after stopping using the medication.
A tickle in the throat can be a common symptom and usually not due to serious health conditions, so many people may turn to home remedies for relief.
There is a wide variety of these to choose from, including:
People may be able to treat a tickle in the throat with home remedies. People can see their doctor about a tickle in the throat if they have:
People taking an ACE inhibitor who develop a tickly throat should discuss with a doctor whether this medication is the culprit.
A tickly throat accompanied by hoarseness, a change in voice, pain when swallowing, and weight loss is cause for concern and could point to laryngeal cancer. If a person has these symptoms, they should talk with a doctor.
Risk factors include exposure to known allergens and foods.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology identifies the following as common allergens:
Also, many people are allergic to the following foods:
Individuals with a tickle in the throat may choose to work with an allergist to determine whether or not allergies are causing their throat irritation. Similarly, they may want to learn to avoid triggers of an allergic response.
Below are some commonly asked questions about a tickly throat.
How do you get rid of a tickle in the throat?Home remedies for getting rid of a tickly throat include hot tea with lemon or honey, ginger tea, throat lozenges, avoiding caffeine, and using a humidifier.
What does a tickle in the throat indicate?A tickly throat can have many causes, including postnasal drip, allergies, sinusitis, dehydration, and asthma.
Is a tickle in the throat a symptom of COVID-19?An itchy throat has been reported in people with COVID-19, although its exact prevalence is unknown.
This could stem from an itchy throat often being categorized alongside other throat-related symptoms, like sore throat and dry throat, as in this 2022 study.
Why do I have a tickly cough in my throat?A tickly cough indicates a dry cough, meaning it does not produce mucus. There are many causes of a dry cough, including:
A tickle in the throat is very common and usually accompanies a dry cough, the purpose of which is to get rid of mucus.
Many different conditions and factors can cause a tickle in the throat and a dry cough. In more serious cases, a tickly throat may be caused by laryngeal cancer. Anyone concerned about a tickle in the throat or a cough that does not go away on its own in time should speak to a doctor.
Read the article in Spanish.
Comments
Post a Comment