[37F] With sore throat, white patches, and fever

Patient Description

A 37-year-old female presents with a sore throat that began suddenly four days ago. The patient reports a white tongue, white patches in the throat, and red dots on the tongue. She has experienced fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, along with difficulty swallowing. The patient denies any changes in taste, headaches, body aches, cough, runny nose, nausea, or vomiting. She has not taken any antibiotics recently and has no history of strep throat or recent exposure to individuals with similar symptoms. The patient has no known allergies, pre-existing conditions, or current medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possible explanations:

  • Strep Throat: This is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches in the throat. It often requires antibiotics for treatment. A rapid strep test or throat culture can confirm this diagnosis.

  • Oral Thrush: This is a fungal infection that can cause white patches on the tongue and throat. It can occur if the balance of bacteria in your mouth is disrupted, often due to antibiotics or a weakened immune system. Antifungal medications are typically used for treatment.

  • Viral Pharyngitis: This is a viral infection that can cause a sore throat and fever. Unlike strep throat, it usually resolves on its own without antibiotics. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist and help reduce irritation.
  2. Gargle Salt Water: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat.
  3. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help ease throat discomfort.
  4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider using pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and fever.
  5. Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest to help your body fight off the infection.
  6. Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share this information with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • A high fever that doesn't improve with medication
  • Symptoms that persist or worsen over time
  • Any new or concerning symptoms

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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1 mo ago

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People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of strep throat?

Common symptoms of strep throat include a sudden sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, white patches in the throat, and red spots on the tongue. It often requires a rapid strep test or throat culture for diagnosis.

How can I differentiate between strep throat and viral pharyngitis?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that typically requires antibiotics, while viral pharyngitis is caused by a virus and usually resolves on its own. Strep throat often presents with more severe symptoms like high fever and white patches in the throat, whereas viral pharyngitis may include symptoms like a runny nose or cough.

What is oral thrush and how is it treated?

Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast in the mouth, leading to white patches on the tongue and throat. It is treated with antifungal medications and can occur due to a disrupted balance of bacteria, often from antibiotics or a weakened immune system.

When should I seek medical attention for a sore throat?

You should seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever that doesn't improve with medication, symptoms that persist or worsen over time, or any new or concerning symptoms.

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