[18F] Experiencing sore throat, sniffling, and tiredness

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female is presenting with a sore throat that started yesterday, causing pain when swallowing and talking. The pain is somewhat alleviated by Advil and water, and was worse at night. She also has red bumps on the back of her tongue and a little redness in her throat. The patient has been feeling unusually tired for almost a week, with a severity rated at 6 out of 10, and has missed school due to this fatigue. She reports chills but no fever, and difficulty swallowing but no breathing difficulties. She works at a daycare where a child was recently sent home with a fever. The patient's medical history is unremarkable with no known allergies or chronic illnesses. She takes Advil 2-3 times a month and Allertec for year-round seasonal allergies as symptoms arise.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are a few possible conditions:

  • Common Cold: This is a viral infection that primarily affects your nose and throat. It's usually harmless and symptoms improve within a week to ten days. Symptoms can include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, body aches, and a mild headache.

  • Influenza (Flu): This is a more severe viral infection that can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.

  • Mononucleosis: This is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms can include fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits, swollen tonsils, headache, and skin rash.

  • Strep Throat: This is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore, scratchy throat, difficulty swallowing, tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, and swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to provide an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

Here are some general recommendations that may help alleviate your symptoms:

  1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids. This can help your body recover faster.

  2. Over-the-counter medication: Continue taking Advil as needed for pain relief. You can also consider over-the-counter cold remedies to help with symptoms like a runny nose and congestion.

  3. Gargle with warm salt water: This can help soothe a sore throat.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms such as a high fever, severe headache, chest pain or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, you should also consult a healthcare professional.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different approaches. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of mononucleosis and how is it diagnosed?

Mononucleosis, often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, typically presents with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes a rash. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through a blood test called the Monospot test or by checking for specific antibodies.


How can I differentiate between a common cold and the flu?

The common cold and the flu can have overlapping symptoms, but the flu generally comes on more suddenly and is more severe, with symptoms like high fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue. The cold is usually milder, with symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat.


What are the signs that a sore throat might be caused by strep throat?

Strep throat is characterized by a sudden, severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus, and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. A rapid strep test or throat culture is needed for diagnosis.


What home remedies can help alleviate a sore throat?

Home remedies for a sore throat include gargling with warm salt water, staying hydrated, using a humidifier, drinking warm liquids like tea with honey, and sucking on throat lozenges. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage the pain.


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