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Have Sore Throat, Feeling Tired, Headache And Dizziness. How To Get Rid Of This?

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Posted on Tue, 26 Mar 2013
Question: My 16 year old son, have been tired , with a headace, dizziness, lack of energy and says he has a sour throat. He has no fever. Eating well and drinking also.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (11 minutes later)
Hello XXXXXXX
Thank you for your query.

What you describe sounds very much like a pharyngitis ( sore throat due to infection). The causes are numerous and I would elaborate them below.

The common cold, the most common type of viral infection can cause a sore throat and symptoms as you described.
Infection of the voice box (laryngitis), Mononucleosis (mono, "the kissing disease"), other viral infections, such as mumps, herpangina, or influenza may also be responsible.

A bacterial infection may also cause a sore throat. This can occur from:

Streptococcal throat, which usually does not occur with congestion or a cough.
An inflammation or infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis) and sometimes the adenoids (adenoiditis).
Inflammation of the epiglottis (epiglottitis).
Inflammation of the uvula (uvulitis).
In rare cases, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. If you suspect your son might be engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, consider whether gonorrhea or chlamydia may be present.

A sore throat that lasts longer than a week is often caused by irritants or an injuries, such as:
Throat irritation from low humidity, smoking, air pollution, yelling, or nasal drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drip ).
Breathing through the mouth when you have allergies or a stuffy nose.
Stomach acid that backs up into the throat, which may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although GERD often occurs with heartburn, an acid taste in the mouth, or a cough, sometimes a sore throat is the only symptom.
An injury to the back of the throat, such as a cut or puncture from falling with a pointed object in the mouth.

Because viral illnesses are the most common cause of a sore throat, it is important not to use antibiotics to treat them. Antibiotics do not alter the course of viral infections. Unnecessary use of an antibiotic exposes you to the risks of an allergic reaction and antibiotic side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and yeast infections. However resistant bacterial infections need antibiotic coverage.

If this illness has persisted beyond a few days, please consult your Physician. Necessary blood tests and a throat swab will clinch the diagnosis.
Home remedies for sore throat include saltwater gargles, sprays, lozenges and humidifiers.
Vitamin C supplements help to boost the immunity.
Staying at home, taking adequate rest, avoiding pollution, moderate exercise and warm soups will of course provide relief.

Take care, and feel free to discuss further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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Have Sore Throat, Feeling Tired, Headache And Dizziness. How To Get Rid Of This?

Hello XXXXXXX
Thank you for your query.

What you describe sounds very much like a pharyngitis ( sore throat due to infection). The causes are numerous and I would elaborate them below.

The common cold, the most common type of viral infection can cause a sore throat and symptoms as you described.
Infection of the voice box (laryngitis), Mononucleosis (mono, "the kissing disease"), other viral infections, such as mumps, herpangina, or influenza may also be responsible.

A bacterial infection may also cause a sore throat. This can occur from:

Streptococcal throat, which usually does not occur with congestion or a cough.
An inflammation or infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis) and sometimes the adenoids (adenoiditis).
Inflammation of the epiglottis (epiglottitis).
Inflammation of the uvula (uvulitis).
In rare cases, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. If you suspect your son might be engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, consider whether gonorrhea or chlamydia may be present.

A sore throat that lasts longer than a week is often caused by irritants or an injuries, such as:
Throat irritation from low humidity, smoking, air pollution, yelling, or nasal drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drip ).
Breathing through the mouth when you have allergies or a stuffy nose.
Stomach acid that backs up into the throat, which may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although GERD often occurs with heartburn, an acid taste in the mouth, or a cough, sometimes a sore throat is the only symptom.
An injury to the back of the throat, such as a cut or puncture from falling with a pointed object in the mouth.

Because viral illnesses are the most common cause of a sore throat, it is important not to use antibiotics to treat them. Antibiotics do not alter the course of viral infections. Unnecessary use of an antibiotic exposes you to the risks of an allergic reaction and antibiotic side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and yeast infections. However resistant bacterial infections need antibiotic coverage.

If this illness has persisted beyond a few days, please consult your Physician. Necessary blood tests and a throat swab will clinch the diagnosis.
Home remedies for sore throat include saltwater gargles, sprays, lozenges and humidifiers.
Vitamin C supplements help to boost the immunity.
Staying at home, taking adequate rest, avoiding pollution, moderate exercise and warm soups will of course provide relief.

Take care, and feel free to discuss further.