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What Causes Persistent Headache, Sore Throat And General Malaise In A Teenager?
Question: Hi, my 15 year old son, who is a hockey player and extremely fit has been suffering for the last 5 months with sore throat, general malaise and headaches. It is always worse in the morning and gets better. His adenoids are very swollen. No strep, been tested for mono three times (negative). Took him to a nutritionalist and that has helped the adenoid swelling but all other symptoms are still there. He took 10 days off and yesterday worked out and skated. This morning he is miserable. We thought after 10 days off he was better. The malaise didn't hit him though until this morning.
Brief Answer:
Gurgling with lukewarm water should provide relief.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Most often sore throat occurs due to certain viral infections. Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is an infection caused by Epstein Barr Virus. However, sore throat can also be caused by other viruses. Streptococcus is a bacteria that sometimes causes it. So, being negative for Strep or mono speaks about the possibility of some other virus being the cause. The malaise is a direct association with such infections.
Irrespective of the cause you need to make him gurgle with lukewarm water. That is the mainstay of treatment. He can take some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily. Prescription medicines like Montek LC (monteleukast + levocetirizine) can also be taken if advised by the doctor. Paracetamol or acetaminophen can be taken to relieve the malaise or in case there is rise in temperature.
Unless the adenoids are enlarged enough to cause respiratory obstruction, you need not get concerned about the size of the adenoids.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Gurgling with lukewarm water should provide relief.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Most often sore throat occurs due to certain viral infections. Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is an infection caused by Epstein Barr Virus. However, sore throat can also be caused by other viruses. Streptococcus is a bacteria that sometimes causes it. So, being negative for Strep or mono speaks about the possibility of some other virus being the cause. The malaise is a direct association with such infections.
Irrespective of the cause you need to make him gurgle with lukewarm water. That is the mainstay of treatment. He can take some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily. Prescription medicines like Montek LC (monteleukast + levocetirizine) can also be taken if advised by the doctor. Paracetamol or acetaminophen can be taken to relieve the malaise or in case there is rise in temperature.
Unless the adenoids are enlarged enough to cause respiratory obstruction, you need not get concerned about the size of the adenoids.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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