There are a lot of health conditions that represent similar symptoms and because of this, diagnosis becomes challenging. Two of the most common symptoms that may be present in almost every health diseases are sore throat and fever. These two could be representing different kinds of conditions or could also stand alone as just a throat irritation and fever. So how do you know when these symptoms are just symptoms of a deeper health state? Let us find out the different and most common health conditions that have both of these symptoms.
Sore Throat and Fever in Scarlet Fever
The hallmark sign for a scarlet fever is the scarlet-colored rash that can be found on the person’s skin. This is brought about by the toxin that is produced by group A streptococcus bacteria when it infects the body. Most of the time, people with strep throat are the ones who are likely to develop scarlet fever. However, having strep throat does not always mean that you will develop the fever. Though the scarlet-colored rashes are the most striking characteristic of scarlet fever, an inflamed sore throat and fever are also two of the most common symptoms that can be observed on people with the said condition.
Legionellosis
Still caused by bacteria, Legionellosis is a form of infection that is usually rooting from air-conditioning ducts where the mist becomes the thriving place for the said bacteria. It can be so infectious that it is able to infect a whole building. There are two forms of Legionellosis; a fatal and a milder one. Legionnaire’s disease is that which is considered to be more fatal. It can have symptoms that signify pneumonia such as sore throat and fever. Pontiac fever on the other hand is the less severe form which is self-limiting. Its symptoms also include the two that are common Legionnaire’s.
Sore Throat And Fever in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Caused by the Rickettsia rickettsii bacterium, RMSF is an infection that can be spread by tick bites on humans. This is the very reason why there is a high rate of this condition in places where ticks are likely to thrive and during the summer season when the ticks are more active. This condition is not only common in Rocky Mountains but in almost every part of US as well. One week after exposure, symptoms of RMSF can be rashes, headache, body malaise, sore throat and fever. The rashes can go as mild as not almost visible but can also worsen to the point that they develop to become gangrenes. There can also be confusion, upset stomach and vomiting.
Cat Scratch Disease
If you have pet cats, then you should watchout for cat scratch disease (CSD). CSD is an infection caused by Bartonella henselae and most of the time, people who develop this infection are those who own pet cats and have been scratched or bitten by their pet at some time. The infection actually starts at the point of injury and the symptoms can go from swollen lymph nodes, body malaise, headache, sore throat and fever. Not all cats can be carriers of the said bacteria, however 40% of them are likely to carry it at one point of their lifetime.
The bad thing about this infection is that cats that have Bartonella henselae in them do not manifest any sign of infection so you would not really know which cats are carriers. The best way to manage this is to make sure that you avoid getting scratched or bitten by your cat or to immediately treat any injury that resulted from a cat scratch or bite.
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is a life-threatening condition that can however be prevented with proper management. This specific type of fever is actually a complication of a strep throat, which means that people who are suffering from strep throat that has gone too severe and were not treated are likely the ones to develop this condition. Caused by the body’s reaction to certain types of group A streptococcus bacteria, rheumatic fever is one of the most fatal complications of strep throat infection. Symptoms usually include fever, joint and muscle pains, and lattice-like rashes.
The pain on the joints and muscles are likely caused by the spread of the infection to the said areas thus causing inflammation and discomfort. The biggest danger with this condition is the spread of the infection to the vital organ of the body which is the heart. The points of attack of the bacteria are the valves of the heart which makes the pumping of blood to the body difficult. When left unmanaged, this condition can develop into something more serious and fatal which is the rheumatic heart disease and could eventually lead to heart failure and cause death.
Never Neglect Symptoms Of Sore Throat And Fever
Most if not all of us are usually hesitant to go and see a doctor whenever we feel something wrong with our body. It could be because we are afraid to find out our health condition. Also, we tend to neglect the common symptoms thinking that they can’t be something too serious since they are two symptoms that do not really ring that much alarm. However, if you will try to assess and see it, there are actually a lot of health conditions that have these two symptoms which urgently need for a trip to the doctor.
Getting yourself checked and taking in the right medications or doing the necessary treatment can be significant actions so you do not put yourself at risk by thinking that sore throat and fever are symptoms you should not worry about.
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