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What Causes Sore Throat, Malaise And Ear Ache?
Question: I've been sick in bed with a sore throat, headache and general malaise for 2 days. This morning I spit up some lumpy flem with traces of some blood. I've also been sweating a lot. My body is damp when I wake up from sleeping. I've also had problems with an earache. Several weeks ago I had stabbing pains in my left ear. I feel there is some connection between the ear problem and my sore throat. Can you advise please? Thank you!
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Brief Answer:
URTI, ear infection or referred pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. If the sore throat, headache, malaise, sweating has been there only since two days, with one episode of blood stained phlegm, this is unlikely to be any more than an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI).
2. Routine examination and medication will settle this. The blood stained phlegm usually arises from the delicate, inflamed lymphoid tissue normally present throughout the throat. These symptoms, however, suggest a severe infection and hence it is necessary that you seek medical attention.
3. The ears should be examined as the pain can be due to this infection reaching the ear (AOM - Acute Otitis Media), or (if the ear is normal) due to Referred pain (as the ears share nerve supply with the throat and many other areas in the head, neck, chest and upper abdomen).
4. Sputum (phlegm) examination (including acid fast bacteria for 3 days), routine blood investigations, a coagulogram should be done. This is important is medication does not bring about improvement in 48-72 hours after starting the medication.
5. In addition to Aleve, you need antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, mucolytic medication including medicated gargles. Rest, adequate fluids and a bland diet should be taken.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
URTI, ear infection or referred pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. If the sore throat, headache, malaise, sweating has been there only since two days, with one episode of blood stained phlegm, this is unlikely to be any more than an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI).
2. Routine examination and medication will settle this. The blood stained phlegm usually arises from the delicate, inflamed lymphoid tissue normally present throughout the throat. These symptoms, however, suggest a severe infection and hence it is necessary that you seek medical attention.
3. The ears should be examined as the pain can be due to this infection reaching the ear (AOM - Acute Otitis Media), or (if the ear is normal) due to Referred pain (as the ears share nerve supply with the throat and many other areas in the head, neck, chest and upper abdomen).
4. Sputum (phlegm) examination (including acid fast bacteria for 3 days), routine blood investigations, a coagulogram should be done. This is important is medication does not bring about improvement in 48-72 hours after starting the medication.
5. In addition to Aleve, you need antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, mucolytic medication including medicated gargles. Rest, adequate fluids and a bland diet should be taken.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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