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What Causes Dull Headaches And Sore Throat?
Question: I have a dull headache, sore throat, my eye feels watery and stings and my teeth hurt. How do I know if its sinus or teeth? I also have a swollen and burning ankle. (Coincidence?)
My throat is also swollen and it is on just one side.
My throat is also swollen and it is on just one side.
Brief Answer:
It is most likely a viral infection- advises given below
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HealthcareMagic,
I read your question carefully and understand your concern.
A headache, sore throat, watery eye, and face pain (over the teeth) can all be caused at the same time by some viral upper respiratory infection. This is a self-limiting infection that heals in a few days with paracetamol, ibuprofen, drinking plenty of fluids and rest. Sinusitis can also be caused by viral infection and in that case, no need for antibiotics but adding some nasal saline solution irrigation of the nose few times a day might help with symptoms of nose and sinuses.
In some rare cases if no improvement within 4-5 days or symptoms last longer than a week that it might be a chance that this viral infection can get complicated with bacterial infections. The antibiotic that covers well all possible bacterial complications of the upper respiratory infections in these cases (including teeth infection also) is Co-Amoxiclav (eg. Augmentin) 1gm twice a day for a week. If you are allergic to augmentin then Azithromycin 500 mg, 1tab a day for 5 days is the best choice (you may need to obtain a prescription from your local physician for this).
If you have throat swelling on one side and also fever then you will need to see a doctor soon to rule out a very rare but important complication of tonsillitis called peritonsillar abscess (a pocked of puss around the tonsils) in which case you would not only need to take antibiotics but also drain the abscess(depending on the clinical findings).
Ankle pain might be a coincidence or might have been caused if for any reason you might have used aspirin. This can cause what we call gout. Viral infection can also cause joint problems also. In both these cases, Ibuprofen and ice can help with symptoms. If no improvement in a few days or soon if any worsening you will need to see a doctor to rule out infection and other more rare causes of joint swelling.
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question but please feel free to write if any more clarification is needed on this.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
It is most likely a viral infection- advises given below
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HealthcareMagic,
I read your question carefully and understand your concern.
A headache, sore throat, watery eye, and face pain (over the teeth) can all be caused at the same time by some viral upper respiratory infection. This is a self-limiting infection that heals in a few days with paracetamol, ibuprofen, drinking plenty of fluids and rest. Sinusitis can also be caused by viral infection and in that case, no need for antibiotics but adding some nasal saline solution irrigation of the nose few times a day might help with symptoms of nose and sinuses.
In some rare cases if no improvement within 4-5 days or symptoms last longer than a week that it might be a chance that this viral infection can get complicated with bacterial infections. The antibiotic that covers well all possible bacterial complications of the upper respiratory infections in these cases (including teeth infection also) is Co-Amoxiclav (eg. Augmentin) 1gm twice a day for a week. If you are allergic to augmentin then Azithromycin 500 mg, 1tab a day for 5 days is the best choice (you may need to obtain a prescription from your local physician for this).
If you have throat swelling on one side and also fever then you will need to see a doctor soon to rule out a very rare but important complication of tonsillitis called peritonsillar abscess (a pocked of puss around the tonsils) in which case you would not only need to take antibiotics but also drain the abscess(depending on the clinical findings).
Ankle pain might be a coincidence or might have been caused if for any reason you might have used aspirin. This can cause what we call gout. Viral infection can also cause joint problems also. In both these cases, Ibuprofen and ice can help with symptoms. If no improvement in a few days or soon if any worsening you will need to see a doctor to rule out infection and other more rare causes of joint swelling.
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question but please feel free to write if any more clarification is needed on this.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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