What Causes Sore Throat & Diarrhea? Treatment & What to Do

Key takeaways:

• If you have a sore throat and diarrhea at the same time, you may have a viral infection.
• Most cases of sore throat and diarrhea improve with hydration and at-home treatment.
• If your sore throat and diarrhea are accompanied by other symptoms or worsen despite home remedies, you may need to see your doctor.

A sore throat and diarrhea at the same time could indicate various underlying causes. A sore throat is characterized by scratchiness, burning, pain, or difficulty swallowing. These symptoms can indicate irritation or infection. Diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose stools per day, lasting no longer than 14 days. If it lasts longer, it's considered chronic, and medical advice should be sought.

If you have both diarrhea and a sore throat, the cause is more likely to be a viral rather than a bacterial infection. In such cases, antibiotics are usually not necessary. It's essential to drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest so that you can help your body heal.

Are diarrhea and a sore throat often linked?

Experiencing diarrhea and a sore throat together is not uncommon. Diarrhea and a sore throat can impact your health as either separate issues or as symptoms of other conditions, and understanding the potential causes can help ease any concerns.

Common causes of a sore throat and diarrhea together

When diarrhea and a sore throat occur together, the most likely cause is a viral infection.

Viral infection

The most common viruses, such as rhinovirus or parainfluenza viruses, cause the common cold or flu. These illnesses may result in a sore throat and diarrhea. Other viruses, such as rotavirus or norovirus, can also cause gastroenteritis, a common condition characterized by diarrhea and a sore throat.

A sore throat and diarrhea that persist for a few days typically improve without needing to see a healthcare provider. If these symptoms last longer, you should seek medical attention for further evaluation and treatment.

Allergy

Allergies can be categorized into environmental and food causes. Environmental allergies can lead to inflammation, where your immune system overreacts to dust, mold, or chemicals. This often results in symptoms like a sore throat and postnasal drip. Sometimes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also be present.

Food allergies can cause a different reaction right after consuming food or drink. These reactions may include a rash, difficulty breathing, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Toxins or reaction to medicines

Contracting food poisoning is an example of ingesting a toxin. Other toxins that may cause sore throat and diarrhea include:

• Taking too many vitamins, such as vitamin C, niacin, or vitamin B3
• Ingesting copper, tin, zinc-contaminated water, or contaminated food
• Ingesting certain plants such as hyacinths, daffodils, azalea, mistletoe, or Amanita species mushrooms

Medicines that may cause sore throat and diarrhea include:

• Antibiotics
• Laxatives
• Antacids that contain magnesium

Bacterial or parasite infection

The most common bacterial infection that causes a sore throat and possible diarrhea is strep (group A streptococci). Other possible bacterial causes include:

• Campylobacter
• Salmonella
• E. Coli
• Shigella
• Vibrio (shellfish)

Parasites that may cause sore throat and diarrhea include drinking contaminated water with the following:

• Cryptosporidium
• Giardia (commonly found in streams and rivers)

Other symptoms associated with sore throat and diarrhea

Symptoms other than a sore throat and diarrhea can provide valuable clues about the underlying cause. Treatment may need to address these additional symptoms. The most effective approach to treatment may involve prevention, such as avoiding exposure to potential sources of infection or irritation.

Diarrhea, sore throat, and a fever

Fevers caused by viruses are usually self-limited, meaning they go away without needing medical attention. If you have a viral infection that causes symptoms like diarrhea, sore throat, and fever, it's essential to drink more fluids to help your body recover.

If the cause of the fever is a bacterial infection, you may need to see a doctor and be prescribed an antibiotic. Whether the cause is viral or bacterial, fever can be treated with fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.

Diarrhea, sore throat, and no fever

A virus or irritation, such as allergies, toxins, or a reaction to medications, often causes sore throat and diarrhea without fever. The best treatment often involves avoiding the irritant. Medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol are only sometimes helpful. Diarrhea and sore throat typically need to run their natural course in this case.

Diarrhea, sore throat, and a cough

Experiencing coughing, diarrhea, and a sore throat could be due to numerous conditions. You may have a viral infection like the flu, COVID-19, or a common cold. In children, it could be caused by rotavirus. Additionally, coughing could also be a symptom of food intolerance, breathing problems, or intestinal issues. Seek emergency medical care if you are having trouble breathing.

Diarrhea, sore throat, and a headache

Headaches can vary in intensity and may involve throbbing, pulsating, or localized pain. If a sore throat and diarrhea accompany headaches, it could indicate a viral illness, strep throat, an allergic reaction, a sinus infection, dehydration, or exhaustion.

Diarrhea, sore throat, and vomiting

Vomiting often comes along with nausea and has numerous potential causes. If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, and a sore throat, it could indicate a viral stomach flu or gastroenteritis, which may be contagious. It's important to wash your hands and avoid sharing utensils or dishes. Allergies can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a sore throat.

Diarrhea, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and chills

Fatigue and chills can be symptoms of various illnesses, especially viral infections that result in diarrhea and a sore throat. Chills may accompany a fever, so it's essential to monitor your temperature if you're experiencing them. Your discomfort could be due to a common cold, the flu, or COVID-19.

Diarrhea, sore throat, and ear pain

Various ailments, including viral infections, can cause ear pain. Another common cause of ear pain is pressure changes behind your eardrum, which can be related to allergies or changes in the weather.

Additionally, a sore throat alone can cause ear pain due to something called referred pain. This means there is nothing wrong with your ears, but you feel the pain in your ears from your throat. Ibuprofen and Tylenol often help with referred pain.

Diarrhea and symptoms of viral infections

Sore throat and diarrhea can be associated with many additional symptoms of viral infections, including:

• Body aches
• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Rashes, sores, and blisters

Diagnosing a sore throat and diarrhea

If you're feeling unwell and home remedies aren't helping, or your condition worsens, it's important to see your healthcare provider. Testing may include bacterial and viral cultures, as well as blood samples, to assess your response to potential infections. In some cases, you may need X-rays or other tests for your heart, lungs, and abdomen.

Common treatment options for a sore throat and diarrhea

Each person experiences infections and illnesses differently. If you're sick due to an infection, you may not need an antibiotic. It might indicate that you or those around you need a vaccine to prevent further illness. Your doctor can direct the best course of treatment.

The best course of treatment may be self-care. This can include:

• Rest
• Avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
• Temporary fasting
• Eating only bland foods
• Sucking on ice chips
• Trying clear soda or hot, clear soup

Fluids

Experiencing a sore throat and diarrhea could lead to dehydration. It's important to stay hydrated by drinking fluids and replacing any fluids you lose due to diarrhea. The best options are usually water, juices, and sports drinks with electrolytes and sugar. In rare situations, you may need IV (intravenous) hydration.

Diet

If you have a sore throat, swallowing may be difficult or painful. It is best to stick to consuming fluids or soft foods. Avoid acidic juices like orange, grapefruit, and lemon, along with spicy foods. You may have success with the BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

Medicines or supplements

Medications can be prescribed to address sore throat and diarrhea. Some may be available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a healthcare provider.

These include:

• Fever and pain
  • Ibuprofen
  • Tylenol
  • Naproxen
• Nausea and vomiting
  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
  • Promethazine (Phenergan)
  • Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
  • Ginger
• Anti-diarrheal
  • Loperamide (Imodium A-D)
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
• Antibiotics
• Anti-parasitic drugs
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl)
  • Nitazoxanide (Alinia)
• Probiotics

When you should see a doctor for sore throat and diarrhea

Most cases of sore throat and diarrhea will improve without seeing a healthcare provider, especially with rest, fluids, and dietary adjustments. If the symptoms last longer than a few days or worsen, you should seek medical attention. The chances of dehydration, high fever, and other medical problems increase if you don’t. If you’re not sure whether you need to see a doctor, call and ask.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your fever is persisting or worsening
• Your sore throat and diarrhea are getting worse
• You are having difficulty keeping any food or drink down
• You are having bloody diarrhea

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You are having trouble breathing or severe abdominal or chest pain
• You are drooling or having trouble swallowing saliva
• You are experiencing signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dark or foul-smelling urine, decreased urine output, and dry mouth.

Questions to ask your doctor about a sore throat and diarrhea

• What do you think is causing my sore throat and diarrhea?
• Are there any tests that can be done to see what is wrong?
• What medicines should I take?
• What should I be doing at home to ease my symptoms?

Frequently asked questions: diarrhea and a sore throat at the same time

If you don’t see your question answered below, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

What if you’re experiencing a sore throat and diarrhea while pregnant?

If you are pregnant, it's important to let your obstetrician and gynecologist know about any sore throat and diarrhea. Even if you receive reassurance and home care instructions, it's crucial for your healthcare provider to be aware of your illness in case home remedies are not effective. If you are breastfeeding, it's generally safe to continue feeding your child as usual, but it's always a good idea to inform your doctor.

Are diarrhea and a sore throat a sign of COVID or the flu?

Sometimes, but not always. Start by ensuring you stay hydrated, eat a soft diet, and get plenty of rest to see if your symptoms improve. Use over-the-counter medicines with caution, and never take too much medicine or take it more frequently than what is listed on the package.

If your symptoms don't improve, call your doctor. If you experience high fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or persistent diarrhea, you should go to the emergency room.

Summary

Most cases of sore throat and diarrhea can be treated with home remedies without needing to see a healthcare provider. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, you might have an infection, and you should contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Having difficulty breathing, a high fever, or showing signs of severe dehydration should be followed with immediate medical care.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

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Shane AL; Mody RK; Crump JA; Tarr PI; Steiner TS; Kotloff K; Langley JM; Wanke C; Warren CA; Cheng AC; Cantey J; Pickering LK; (n.d.). 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29053792/

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