This is because your sore throat may be a symptom of a more serious condition. When there is a problem in your ears, nose, or throat (like an infection), the link between these parts means it's more likely you'll also have symptoms in more than one. This also is used in a rapid strep test. Copyright 2023 American Academy of Family Physicians. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. What foods are best to eat when you have a sore throat, and which should you avoid? While viruses are the most common cause of sore throat overall, strep throat is caused by bacteria: typically group A streptococcus (group A strep) and less often groups C or G streptococcus. The treatment for mono is rest and reduced exercise. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Cough drops can soothe the back of the throat, as can cold foods and fluids. 10 GERD Symptoms Not Recognized by Most Acid Reflux Sufferers. The virus is spread by contact with the saliva of someone who had the infection within the past few months. Another complication is an abscess (buildup of pus) near your tonsils. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. For example, TMJ, an infected tooth, and sinusitis could all potentially cause ear and throat pain on only one side. Serious complications from strep throat are uncommon. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux in adults. They usually have a white or yellow center and a red border and can be extremely painful. Natural Medicines. If your doctor thinks you may have mono, they will probably do a blood test. This content does not have an Arabic version. The authors of a 2012 Cochrane review found limited evidence to suggest that some Chinese herbal mixtures may help with throat pain. EBV is part of the herpes virus family. Frozen yogurt. Donowitz, J. R. (2019). There are various ways to soothe a sore throat depending on its cause. The clinician will perform a physical exam, including of your throat and glands. Click here for an email preview. You have signs of other illnesses including swollen lymph nodes all over your body. 2014;58:281. Learn more about Mayo Clinics use of data. Mononucleosis (mono) (for parents). Drink liquids to keep your throat from getting dry. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Mono is usually spread by close contact from one person to another, hence the name "kissing disease." Symptoms of mono vary. Mono is sometimes called "the kissing disease" because it is spread through bodily fluids. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. You can also use ice packs and OTC pain relievers. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/approach-to-the-patient-with-nasal-and-pharyngeal-symptoms/sore-throat. Mono is most common in older children, teenagers, and young adults. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Having a sore throat and ear pain at the same time is common because these parts of your body are connected by the Eustachian tube. They can confirm a mono diagnosis with blood tests including: Complications from mono can be serious. Not everyone who contracts EBV will get mono. Its unusual, but you can get mono from medical procedures such as blood transfusions and organ transplants, or through sexual contact. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019. A sore throat may feel worse when you swallow. A sore throat is a common symptom of several illnesses, including infectious mononucleosis (mono) and a streptococcus infection (strep throat). A 2016 study of 2,000 people seeking treatment for a sore throat found that just 160 (8%) needed antibiotics. Can You Treat Mono, and How Long Does It Last? Less often, bacterial infections cause sore throats. In addition to seeing bumps at the back of the throat, a person may have swelling at the back of the mouth or throat, often right behind the tonsils. Their liver and spleen might be tender and larger than normal. OTC pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) can help relieve your symptoms. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. What Causes Chronic Pharyngitis (Sore Throat)? Enlarged Spleen: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments, Soreness in your upper left belly because of an, You have mono symptoms for longer than 10 days or you have a severe sore throat for more than a day or two. Learn more about treatments and home remedies that reduce pain and swelling when the tonsils, Sore throats are not usually serious, but soreness on just one side can indicate an underlying illness. Other causes include smoking, mouth breathing at night while you sleep, pollution, and allergies to pets, pollens and molds. Some are OTC drugs and others require a prescription. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Central California Endoscopy Center. In this article, read more about the causes of bumps in the back of the throat, as well as home remedies and when to see a doctor. Acid reflux and allergies are possible culprits. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Fever of 100-103 F (37.8-39.4 C), which is usually worst during the first week and may worsen at night. Do not share bottles, cans, glasses, plates, or eating utensils. This article will go over the different causes of sore throat and ear pain, how the symptoms can be treated, and when to see a provider for them. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Sore throat. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018. People with mono usually have a sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and pus on their tonsils. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/pages/takingcare.aspx. If you have a persistent sore throat (one that lasts 3 to 4 weeks), you should see your GP who may refer you for further tests. What Are the Stages of Mono? How Long Do They Last? This may be due to heredity or to a shared factor in the environment, such as certain foods or allergens. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Kahrilas, PJ. Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. Other antibiotics can be given if there are allergies to the first-choice antibiotics. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Sometimes, fatigue can last several weeks after that. Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut. If you suspect you or your child has either mono or strep throat, it's important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and course of treatment. Both conditions are usually not serious, but both can have potentially serious complications, some of which are long-term. Most people are exposed to it at some point in their lives. New developments in rapid diagnostic testing for children. You should be seen by a doctor if your symptoms doesnt go away in a week; if you notice swollen lymph nodes on your neck; or if you discover pus or white patches on the back of the throat, blood in the spit or phlegm; or a rash. Most often, the cause is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a common virus thatby middle agemost people have had. The recovery process varies from person to person, so base your activities and check-ups on howyoufeel. Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. He or she might want to test you for other sicknesses that are like mono. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Most canker sores go away on their own in a week or two. The most important thing you can do when you have mono is get plenty of rest and drink enough liquids. Centers For Disease Control. These include fatigue, malaise, muscle aches, headache and fever especially with the flu or other viral infections. Aspirin may cause Reyes syndrome, which can be fatal. About Mono (Infectious Mononucleosis). Canker sores. If these tests do not find the cause of your pain, you might need to have a computed tomography (CT) scan to look at your sinuses, allergy testing, or an endoscopy (the use of a thin, hollow tube with a light and camera) to look down your throat. You can prevent allergy symptoms like a sore throat and ear pain by finding out what your triggers are and doing your best to avoid them. Your doctor might want you to have an ultrasound test before you go back to sports. Mononucleosis - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic information submitted for this request. Once you have had mono it is unlikely that you will ever get it again. Here Are the Best Foods to Eat When You Have Strep Throat 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. The results of a throat culture take between 24 and 48 hours. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019. But most people have a very mild infection that might be mistaken for the flu. Dry indoor air and chronic mouth breathing, especially in the winter, can lead to recurrent sore throat, particularly in the morning, after waking up. Infections like the common cold, strep throat, mono, sinus infections, Infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including: Take your child to a doctor if your child's sore throat doesn't go away with the first drink in the morning, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. But that doesnt always mean youll get mono. Canker sores. If you get mono, you should not play sports for at least four weeks. Other symptoms should start dissipating by the second or third day. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/canker-sores.html. Common causes of pharyngitis include viral or bacterial infections. In addition to a sore throat and ear pain, the symptoms of mono can also include: Mono cannot be treated with antibiotics because it's caused by a virus. Possible complications from a sore throat include ear and sinus infections. Things that may help you feel better include: Theres no vaccine to prevent mono. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Pharyngitis commonly known as sore throat is an inflammation of the pharynx, resulting in a sore throat. Accessed Feb. 15, 2015. Bacterial infections like tonsillitis and some sexually-transmitted infections can also cause a sore throat. For more serious conditions, surgical treatments might be necessary. You will probably feel most ill for the first two weeks of the infection. In addition, you need to take special care of yourself during recovery. Other symptoms of strep throat include: Strep throat needs to be treated with antibiotics. Be sure to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Sinusitis refers to any inflammation of the system of air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses). Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include: Many bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. Had Mono and Strep Throat Tonsillitis is when the tonsils get bigger than normal and are inflamed. A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus near one of your tonsils. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. They will look at the back of your throat. Chow AW, et al. Pharyngitis If you have acid reflux, you might find that the pain in your throat and ears is worse when you are lying down or right when you wake up in the morning. This happens to only about one in 1,000 people with mono. WebHerpes Simplex Virus Type 1 of this virus can cause sores inside your mouth (as well as along the lips) and pain when swallowing. Role of usage of antibiotics in pharyngitis: A prospective study. A full assessment in the clinic will guide treatment for other causes. This reduces the risk that your sore throat will return. Stoopler ET, et al. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Suck on an over-the-counter throat lozenge. Symptoms. Accessed Feb. 15, 2015. Viral infections cause 6090% of pharyngitis cases. Children and teenagers may have a higher risk of viral and bacterial throat infections, including those that cause bumps at the back of the throat. Mono also can affect your liver. Since these parts of your body are linked, you might have pain in your throat and your ear when you swallow if you have tonsillitis or an infection like mono or strep throat. How to treat mono and the best ways to relieve your Their liver and spleen might be tender and larger than normal. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. The precise cause of canker sores remains unclear, though researchers suspect that a combination of factors contributes to outbreaks, even in the same person. Avoid catching or spreading the viruses and bacteria that cause a sore throat. There is a problem with sore In other cases, symptoms may be severe enough to require hospitalization. If you have mono, you should not drink alcohol while you are sick. One possible symptom of mono is an enlarged spleen. There is no test available for exposure to mono. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 27, 2015. Some of the more serious causes of sore throat include tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis (mono). A sore throat means that your throat hurts. WebMost people start to recover from mononucleosis within 2 weeks, though some symptoms, such as fatigue, can take 3-4 weeks or even longer to go away. For example, acid reflux is more likely to cause pain that is worse in the morning and gets better later in the day. Medical Clinics of North American. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on AskMayoExpert. In some cases, it can take 6 months or longer for the symptoms to go away. If your sore throat is cause by the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine. Canker sores. To lower your chances of getting mono, wash your hands often and try not to share things like drinks, silverware, or toothbrushes with other people. GERD (Chronic Acid Reflux). swollen lymph glands in the neck Your provider might also have you try medications that help with specific conditions, like acid reflux, to see if it makes your symptoms better. Blood tests for mono measure antibodies to the virus and therefore testing is not usually positive until symptoms have been present for one week or more. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. However, some causes are more likely than others to lead to one-sided ear and throat pain. Husband's sex addiction shook Eliza's life like an 'earthquake' but In addition to a sore throat and ear pain, other symptoms of sinusitis include: Sinusitis treatment depends on what's causing it. If you've been exposed to someone with COVID or you have other COVID symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and a loss of taste or smell, take a test. If you have throat and ear pain, you'll probably be able to treat your symptoms at home. In some cases, botox or muscle relaxants can be prescribed to ease the symptoms of TMJ. Lemons (citrus, in general) are packed with vitamin C, a Its also called mono or the kissing disease. You can get the virus through kissing as well as things like sharing drinks or silverware. The common cold and flu usually take about a week to go away. Strep throat (bacterial): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for about a 10 day course of treatment, and must be taken for the full course, even when symptoms are gone. Most people only get mono once, but EBV stays in the system for life, and can reactivate from time to time. http://www.ada.org/en/Home-MouthHealthy/az-topics/c/canker-sores. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Swollen lymph glands can cause the cells under the skin to swell and look bumpy, which doctors call pharyngitis. Possible triggers for canker sores include: Canker sores may also occur because of certain conditions and diseases, such as: Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not associated with herpes virus infections. Sore Throat & Headache: Causes & Treatments, 4 Reasons You Can Get Strep Without Tonsils. Nationwide Children's. A milder form of mono can be caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), another common virus similar to EBV. A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/seven-tips-to-help-you-prevent-a-sore-throat/. When the body fights an infection or irritant, the lymph nodes and lymph tissue fill with fluid and become swollen. Shelov SP, et al. It usually goes away on its own without causing serious illness. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Heal without scarring in one to two weeks, Are larger and deeper than minor canker sores, Are usually round with defined borders, but may have irregular edges when very large, May take up to six weeks to heal and can leave extensive scarring, Often occur in clusters of 10 to 100 sores, but may merge into one large ulcer, Recurring sores, with new ones developing before old ones heal, or frequent outbreaks, Persistent sores, lasting two weeks or more, Sores that extend into the lips themselves (vermilion border), Pain that you can't control with self-care measures, A minor injury to your mouth from dental work, overzealous brushing, sports mishaps or an accidental cheek bite, Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate, Food sensitivities, particularly to chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, and spicy or acidic foods, A diet lacking in vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid) or iron, An allergic response to certain bacteria in your mouth, Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that cause peptic ulcers, Celiac disease, a serious intestinal disorder caused by a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in most grains, Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Behcet's disease, a rare disorder that causes inflammation throughout the body, including the mouth, A faulty immune system that attacks healthy cells in your mouth instead of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, HIV/AIDS, which suppresses the immune system. They form inside your mouth on or under your tongue, inside your cheeks or lips, at the base of your gums, or on your soft palate. Use a humidifier in your bedroom. Most people who have tonsillitis dont need surgery, however you might need surgery if you get severe tonsillitis often. View on a map Many people are exposed to EBV as kids. We avoid using tertiary references. However, the evidence was of poor quality, so they do not recommend any specific Chinese herbal remedies for treating throat pain. If you are a student, talk to your guidance counselor. Sore Throat and Runny Nose: Causes and Treatments, 5 Ways to Drain Fluid From the Middle Ear At Home, a cold or the flu can't be treated with antibiotics, Allergies are a common cause of throat pain, 10 GERD Symptoms Not Recognized by Most Acid Reflux Sufferers, How TMJ and Ear Pain are Related and Treated, Shooting pain that you feel in your neck, jawbone, or ear, Stiffness or pain in your face, jaw, or neck, Keeping your upper body elevated while you sleep, Drinking plenty of cold fluids and eating ice pops or ice cream. The ear and throat are connected by the auditory tube (Eustachian tube), which opens and closes when you swallow. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to chronic sore throat because of stomach acid reflux irritating the throat. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 1. Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat, Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking, Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow, A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week, Croup a common childhood illness characterized by a harsh, barking cough. Sugars and carbs Excessive sugar, carbs and refined foods are a strict Sore Throat and Cough: Causes and Treatments, Mononucleosis (mono): symptoms, treatment & diagnosis, Mononucleosis (infectious): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, Strep throat (bacterial): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, Touch something that the droplets have landed on, and then touch their nose or mouth, Share personal items such utensils, food, cups, or dishes with an infected person, Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, Petechiae (tiny, red or purple spots) on the roof of the mouth, Red and swollen tonsils (sometimes white patches or streaks of pus), Fever (may begin suddenly; often highest on the second day), Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck, General discomfort, uneasiness, or feeling ill, Red rash on the body that "feels like sandpaper", Ruptured spleen (may cause life-threatening internal bleeding; requires immediate emergency surgery), Liver involvement/mild liver damage, temporary jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes). throat: Causes, pictures, and treatment The best way to prevent both is to practice good hygiene: While both mono and strep throat both cause a sore throat, they are different conditions with different causes, treatments, and potential complications. Petechiae (pinpoint red or purple spots) on roof of mouth, Red and swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus), Nausea, stomach pain, and/or loss of appetite. Unlike cold sores, canker sores don't occur on the surface of your lips and they aren't contagious. Treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A literature review. Common symptoms include: Some people have no symptoms or ones that are so mild, they dont notice them. If your sore throat is caused by tonsillitis, you may need an operation. You can also apply heating pads or ice packs on your neck or near your affected ear. Cool and warm fluids such as broths, tea, and popsicles can also help ease throat pain. A person with a cold or another suspected virus who develops bumps at the back of their throat can safely try home treatment for a few days. These canker sores: See your dentist if you have sharp tooth surfaces or dental appliances that seem to trigger the sores. Antibiotics can be used to treat strep throat because the infection is caused by bacteria. Because mono is caused by a virus, antibiotics would not help you get better. If a baby or child has difficulty breathing, seek emergency care. Mono Other symptoms of an infected tooth include: If you think that you have an infected tooth, see a dentist as soon as possible. For example, if one of your tonsils is more irritated than the other, you might feel discomfort mostly on that side. See permissionsforcopyrightquestions and/or permission requests. Akintoye SO, et al. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. What are home remedies for throat and ear pain when swallowing? Journal of Clinical Experimental Dentistry. Prompt antibiotic therapy is needed for strep throat because untreated, it can sometimes cause kidney problems and rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves. Your doctor might want you to have blood tests. Do not give children younger than 18 aspirin. Published on May 11, 2021 Medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD Table of Contents Causes Symptoms Complications Treatment A sore throat is a common symptom of several illnesses, including infectious mononucleosis (mono) and a streptococcus infection (strep throat) . Sore throat It still feels really new and really raw," she said. The convalescent phase occurs when a person starts to Taking care of your voice. It feels irritated or scratchy. Read on to learn about causes and other, A sore throat is a common effect of a viral or bacterial infection. Hard candy works, too. Because mono symptoms are similar to those of other infections, the clinician will try to determine whether your symptoms are those of mono, strep throat or another viral infection. Antibiotics and antivirals dont work on EBV. Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, is an inflammation of the pharynx that can cause discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Mono can cause different symptoms in different people. This handout provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. KidsHealth. It can be caused by an, Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria. Mono WebMD Mononucleosis (infectious): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Untreated strep throat is more likely to spread when the symptoms are most severe, but can still infect others for up to three weeks. Mononucleosis (mono): symptoms, treatment & diagnosis. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Like the common cold, mono is a viral infection with no cure. When pharyngitis is chronic, it is usually because something continuously irritates the throat, rather than because a person has an infection. About mono (infectious mononucleosis). It is called strep because the bacteria that causes the infection, For Parents: What to Expect When Your Child Goes Through Puberty. Check with your doctor or dentist if you have unusually large or painful canker sores or canker sores that don't seem to heal. Cleveland Clinic. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1050 Most people feel better after 2 to 4 weeks, but they may be tired for several weeks after that. Infectious mononucleosis. You may feel mild discomfort or a burning pain. Read our. What does a throat cancer lump feel like? Could monthly vitamin D supplements help prevent heart attacks? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, someone who is HIV-positive might have a chronic or recurring sore throat due to a fungal infection called oral thrush or due to a viral infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can be serious in people with compromised immune systems. Add about to teaspoon of table salt to warm water and stir to There are a few ways to soothe a sore throat: National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Pharyngitis sore throat, This article was contributed by: familydoctor.org editorial staff, Copyright American Academy of Family Physicians. Sore throats are sometimes caused by irritants like allergies, dry air, or cigarette smoke. This makes it easier to break open, causing pain and bleeding inside your body that could require emergency surgery.