Sore throat and headache
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Sore Throat and Headache: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Common Causes of Sore Throat and Headache
Viral Infections
Viral infections are a frequent cause of sore throat and headache. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, often presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle pain, and headache, while sore throat is less common 17. Similarly, influenza and the common cold can cause sore throat and headache, with influenza showing a higher prevalence of these symptoms compared to COVID-19 .
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections, such as streptococcal pharyngitis, are another common cause of sore throat and headache. These infections often require antibiotic treatment to prevent complications and reduce symptom duration 456. Antibiotics have been shown to reduce the incidence of complications like acute otitis media, sinusitis, and quinsy, and to alleviate symptoms such as headache and sore throat 456.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
COVID-19 Symptoms
In COVID-19 patients, headache is a notable symptom, reported in 11% to 34% of cases. These headaches are typically new-onset, moderate to severe, bilateral, and may have a pulsating or pressing quality. They often respond poorly to common analgesics and may relapse during the active phase of the infection . Sore throat, while less common, can still occur in COVID-19 patients 17.
Pharyngitis and Upper Respiratory Infections
Pharyngitis, an inflammation of the pharynx, can cause a sore throat and is often accompanied by headache, fever, and fatigue. In a case study, a patient with pharyngitis experienced persistent sore throat and later developed a headache and high-grade fever, which required multiple antibiotic treatments . Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) can also cause sore throat and headache, with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) shown to be effective in reducing these symptoms .
Treatment Options
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for bacterial sore throat to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Studies have shown that antibiotics can halve the duration of symptoms like headache, sore throat, and fever, with the greatest effect observed around three and a half days after treatment begins 456. However, the absolute benefits are modest, and overuse of antibiotics is a concern due to potential antimicrobial resistance .
Pain Relief
For symptomatic relief, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been found effective in reducing sore throat pain, headache, and muscle aches associated with URTIs. ASA was superior to placebo in reducing pain intensity over a 2-hour period and provided continued relief over 4 and 6 hours .
Non-Pharmacological Interventions
In cases where antibiotics are not indicated, non-pharmacological interventions such as rest, hydration, and throat lozenges can help alleviate symptoms. For persistent headaches, treatments like intravenous metoclopramide, dihydroergotamine, and valproate have been effective in resolving symptoms .
Conclusion
Sore throat and headache are common symptoms associated with various viral and bacterial infections. While antibiotics are effective for bacterial causes, their benefits are modest and should be weighed against the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Pain relief medications like ASA can provide significant symptomatic relief for viral infections. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for appropriate treatment and management of these symptoms.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic