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5 Reasons Why You Have A Sore Throat But No Fever
Sore throats are incredibly common, accounting for about 4% of visits to family practitioners.
The majority of sore throats are caused by viruses, which can raise your body temperature slightly, but usually not enough to cause a fever (100.4 °F or more).
Sore throat without fever can also be caused by allergies, reflux, STIs, behaviors like yelling or singing, and environmental irritants.
In most cases a sore throat with no fever is nothing to be worried about. "Generally a sore throat without fever is less of a concern than a sore throat with fever," says Hiten Patel, MD, a family medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Here are five common causes of a sore throat that don't typically cause fever.
1. Common coldOne of the most common causes of sore throat without fever is the common cold. If you have a cold, you might experience other symptoms including:
How to feel better: Common colds will resolve on their own in 7-10 days. Resting, drinking hot tea with honey, or taking ibuprofen for pain can help control symptoms, Patel says.
2. TonsillitisTonsillitis is the swelling of the tonsils, which are those lumps of tissue at the back of the throat. The inflammation, or swelling, is most commonly caused by a viral infection, but it can also be due to a bacterial infection.
Tonsillitis is most common in children under 2, although it can happen in adults as well. If you or your child have tonsillitis, you might notice these symptoms:
Fever with tonsillitis is possible, but unlikely, Patel says.
How to feel better: Viral tonsillitis resolves on its own within 3-5 days, says Patel. Use ibuprofen to control pain and eat soothing foods like popsicles or warm tea. If you or your child have difficulty swallowing or have repeated episodes of tonsillitis, see a doctor. If you have frequent episodes of severe tonsillitis that don't respond to treatment, a doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, or the removal of your tonsils — though this procedure is done less often today compared to years prior.
Quick Tip: Other viral or bacterial illnesses including strep throat, influenza, COVID, mononucleosis, and hand, foot and mouth disease can also cause sore throats, but if you have any of those illnesses you'll likely have a fever as well, Patel says.
3. AllergiesSeasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, can cause a sore throat with no fever. This happens because of postnasal drip, or mucus from the nose dropping down the throat and irritating it. Allergies can cause a sore throat without fever in kids or adults, says Patel.
If your sore throat is caused by allergies, you'll likely notice that it occurs after you're exposed to triggers like pollen or pet dander.
The other symptoms of allergies include:
How to feel better: The best way to control allergies is by avoiding your triggers where possible, by taking actions like keeping windows closed when allergy counts are high. If you still experience symptoms, use an antihistamine or steroid nasal spray to help control nasal symptoms, which will decrease post-nasal drip to your throat, Patel says.
4. Acid refluxIf you have a persistent sore throat without a fever, it could be caused by acid reflux, says Patel. Reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), happens when stomach contents come up through the esophagus into the throat and mouth. When this happens, it can irritate your throat.
Reflux can happen on occasion, or frequently. It's more common in adults, pregnant people, and overweight people, although anyone can experience reflux.
If you have a sore throat caused by reflux, you'll likely notice other symptoms, including:
These symptoms might get worse when you eat certain foods, like acidic or spicy foods, or when you lie down, says Patel.
How to feel better: Lifestyle changes like adjusting your diet and losing weight can help with chronic reflux. For mild or occasional bouts of reflux, antacids can help, but you shouldn't use them every day. If your reflux happens frequently, you should see a doctor, says Jim Keany, MD, co-director of the emergency department at Providence Mission Hospital.
5. STIsCertain STIs can also cause a sore throat, particularly if you've had an oral exposure to the virus.
"To many people's surprise, sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and herpes can also cause sore throat," says Keany.
A sore throat can also be one of the first symptoms of HIV infection, appearing weeks after exposure. If you have HIV, you may or may not experience a fever.
Oftentimes, STIs have no symptoms. However, you might notice symptoms including:
How to feel better: STIs often require treatment with antibiotics or other antiviral medication. If you suspect your sore throat is linked to an STI, talk with your doctor about testing. Regular STI screenings are part of routine care for all sexually-active people.
When to see a doctorUsually, a sore throat without fever will go away on its own, so Keany recommends waiting a few days before seeking medical care as long as your symptoms are mild.
However, you should seek immediate medical care if you have:
If your symptoms do not improve within a week or if you frequently experience sore throats with no fever, see your doctor, says Patel.
Insider's takeawayOccasionally, sore throat without fever can indicate an underlying health issue, like reflux, allergies, or post nasal drip. Other times, it can be from a more serious infection like an STI that requires medical treatment.
In most cases, a sore throat with no fever is due to an infection or other conditions that will resolve on their own and is not a medical concern, says Patel.
Using ibuprofen to manage pain and sipping warm water with honey can help relieve symptoms until your sore throat goes away, usually within a week.
"This is usually self-resolving and will improve without any treatment," Patel says.
Throat And Neck Pain May Be Due To Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a common condition that affects the tonsils, which are the two small glands located in the back of the throat. The condition is caused by an infection, typically viral or bacterial, and can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen glands in the neck.
"Tonsillitis is a condition that we often encounter at Granville Health System's ENT practice. Whether you're dealing with acute discomfort or chronic issues, seeking care from an ENT specialist can provide valuable insights and solutions. Remember, the expertise of a qualified specialist can make a significant difference in your comfort and overall well-being," said Dr. Richard Alexander, MD, PhD, MBA - Granville Health System
While tonsillitis can often be managed with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers, some cases require medical treatment from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Here's what you need to know about tonsillitis and the value of consulting with an ENT specialist for care.
Types of tonsillitis
Tonsillitis can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time, or chronic, which is when the condition lasts for an extended period of time or frequently recurs. Acute tonsillitis is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection and can be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and difficulty swallowing. Chronic tonsillitis, on the other hand, may not always present with such severe symptoms but can lead to frequent sore throats, tonsil stones, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment for tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection can often be treated with antibiotics. If a virus is the cause, antibiotics won't help, but pain relievers and rest can be beneficial in easing symptoms. In some cases, tonsillectomy, or surgical removal of the tonsils, may be recommended for recurrent or chronic tonsillitis. This procedure is typically done as an outpatient surgery and can provide long-term relief from symptoms.
The value of consulting with an ENT specialist for tonsillitis
While mild cases of tonsillitis can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, more severe or chronic cases may require medical intervention. An ENT specialist is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat conditions of the throat, including tonsillitis. ENT specialists have undergone extensive training and have specialized knowledge of the complex anatomy of the throat and related structures.
When you visit an ENT specialist for tonsillitis, they will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause and severity of your condition. They may also recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to get a closer look at the tonsils and surrounding structures.
In addition to providing medical treatment, an ENT specialist can also provide valuable advice on how to prevent tonsillitis from recurring in the future. This may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to irritants like pollution and secondhand smoke, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
If a tonsillectomy is recommended, an ENT specialist can perform the procedure using the latest techniques and technologies to ensure optimal outcomes and minimal discomfort. They can also provide guidance on post-operative care and pain management to help ensure a smooth recovery.
"The incredible advancements in treating issues related to the tonsils have significantly improved patient outcomes. If a tonsillectomy is recommended, rest assured that modern techniques and experienced physicians can ensure a smooth process with minimal discomfort, giving you peace of mind," said Dr. Richard Alexander, MD, PhD, MBA - Granville Health System.
About Granville Health System
For more than 100 years, Granville Health System (GHS) has been delivering quality health care and specialty services to the residents of Granville County, northern Wake County, and beyond. The GHS main campus is located at 1010 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina 27565 with its Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialty practice located at 102 Professional Park Drive, Oxford, North Carolina 27565. For more information about Granville Health System please visit www.GHShospital.Org.
When To Worry About A Sore Throat
Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable, or worse. In many cases, sore throats are caused by viral infections but an expert at Baylor College of Medicine says that although this may be the most common cause; multiple health conditions may play a role in having an itchy, irritated and painful throat.
"The most common reason for someone to develop a sore throat would be a virus, and this is often accompanied by a runny nose, cough or malaise," said Dr. Julina Ongkasuwan, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Baylor.
A severe sore throat may be an indication of possible strep throat, a bacterial infection. Individuals who develop strep throat often have high fevers or pus on the tonsils; however, Ongkasuwan said many other viral infections may be associated with high fevers so she recommends visiting your doctor for a throat swab.
"For most people experiencing a sore throat, I generally recommend rest and hydration. If you are highly concerned then you should get a strep swab, and you really shouldn't take antibiotics unless the strep swab is positive," she said.
Those who experience strep throat multiple times a year may be a candidate for tonsillectomy. "According to the Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, if an individual has documented strep throat seven times in one year, five times per year for two consecutive years, or three times per year for three consecutive years, they can consider having their tonsils removed," Ongkasuwan said.
Other health conditions that can cause sore throat are reflux, tonsil stones, muscle tension, and mononucleosis, also known as mono. Acid reflux can cause heartburn and if the acid reaches the throat it can also lead to throat discomfort. Tonsil stones refer to food debris that get stuck in the tonsils resulting in inflammation and irritation.
For throat pain that persists beyond three weeks and is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or weight loss, Ongkasuwan recommends visiting a doctor to rule out any severe health conditions.
There are ways to sooth a sore throat without having to take antibiotics, such as non-caffeinated warm tea or hot water with honey.
"Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor."
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