Sore Throat & Pink Eye Together: Meaning, Causes & What to Do

Dealing with both a sore throat and pink eye at the same time can be uncomfortable and leave you questioning whether the two are connected. In many cases, the symptoms are linked and are commonly caused by underlying infections like viruses or bacteria. Allergies or environmental irritants may also be contributing factors.

While these symptoms are typically mild and resolve on their own, understanding their potential causes and when to seek medical attention is crucial. Recognizing how they might be connected can guide your treatment and recovery. We’ll cover the most common causes for both symptoms and when consulting a doctor is important.

Common causes of a sore throat and pink eye

When these symptoms occur together, they are most often linked to viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or environmental irritants.

Viral infections

Viruses like adenovirus and COVID-19 can cause both sore throat and pink eye. These infections often affect both the respiratory system and the eyes, leading to a combination of symptoms.

Along with throat irritation, you might experience a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, or cough. In cases of COVID-19, additional symptoms such as loss of taste and smell may occur, and it's important to get tested if you suspect this virus may be the cause.

Bacterial infections

Bacteria that cause strep throat can sometimes lead to pink eye. You may experience a sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and thick discharge from your eyes. In these cases, antibiotics are typically required to clear up the infection.

Allergies

Allergies to things like pollen, dust, or pet dander can irritate both your throat and eyes. Itchy, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat are common symptoms. Allergies often happen during certain seasons or when exposed to allergens. Allergy medication can help alleviate these symptoms.

Environmental irritants

Exposure to smoke, pollution, or harsh chemicals can also cause discomfort in your eyes and throat. Secondhand smoke, cleaning products, or other fumes could be the cause. Avoiding these irritants typically improves symptoms.

Identifying the causes of a sore throat and pink eye

Understanding the cause of your symptoms is key to finding the right treatment. Here’s how to differentiate between the most common causes.

Viral infections

Viral infections are one of the most common causes of both sore throat and pink eye. These infections often affect both the respiratory system and the eyes.

This can lead to a range of symptoms, such as:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Mild fever
• Throat pain
• Itchy, watery eyes

Viral infections usually come with cold-like symptoms that resolve within a week. Rest and plenty of fluids can aid recovery.

Bacterial infections

In some cases, bacterial infections like strep throat can also lead to pink eye. Bacterial infections tend to cause more severe symptoms that develop quickly.

Symptoms include:

• Severe sore throat
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• White patches on the tonsils
• Discharge from the eyes

If symptoms are severe and develop quickly, a bacterial infection may be the cause. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.

Allergies

Allergic reactions to environmental triggers, such as pollen or pet dander, can cause inflammation in both the throat and eyes. These symptoms often worsen during allergy seasons or after exposure to allergens.

Symptoms include:

• Itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Scratchy throat that worsens in certain places or seasons

If your symptoms flare up during pollen season or when around pets, allergies are the likely cause. Over-the-counter medications can provide relief.

Environmental irritants

Exposure to irritants like smoke, pollution, or chemicals can also lead to discomfort in both the throat and eyes.

Exposure to substances like smoke or chemicals can irritate the throat and eyes without typical cold or allergy symptoms. Reducing contact with these irritants should help alleviate discomfort.

Common treatment options for sore throat and pink eye

The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms. Here are some common options.

Home remedies

When symptoms are mild, home remedies can be an effective way to relieve discomfort and promote healing.

Consider the following options:

• Rest and fluids: Make sure you get enough sleep and drink plenty of water.
• Salt water gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat.
• Cool compress: Applying a cool cloth to your eyes can reduce discomfort.
• Over-the-counter medicine: Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help ease throat pain.

Allergy medications

If allergies are causing your sore throat and pink eye, allergy medications can help alleviate symptoms.

In addition to avoidance of exposure to allergens, these treatments can offer relief:

• Antihistamines: These medications can reduce symptoms caused by allergies.
• Intranasal Steroids: Intranasal steroid spray (such as Flonase) used consistently can also help reduce symptoms caused by allergies.
• Eye drops: Eye drops for allergies can relieve itchy, red eyes.

Antibiotics for bacterial infections

For bacterial infections like strep throat that may also cause pink eye, antibiotics are typically prescribed.

These steps are crucial:

• Prescription medicine: If bacteria are causing your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
• Finish the course: Make sure to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.

Avoiding irritants

If environmental irritants are behind your symptoms, minimizing exposure is key. Consider these strategies:

• Improve air quality: Use an air purifier to improve the air at home.
• Protective gear: Wearing masks or goggles can help if you’re exposed to irritants.
• Ventilation: Keeping rooms well-ventilated can reduce your exposure to irritants.

When to seek medical attention for a sore throat and pink eye

Sometimes, home remedies aren’t enough and it may be time to see a healthcare provider. Seek medical attention in these cases below.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your symptoms last more than a week without getting better.
• You have a high fever or intense throat pain.
• There’s thick or colored discharge from your eyes.
• You have trouble swallowing or swollen neck glands.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You have trouble breathing or severe swelling in your throat.
• You experience sudden vision changes or severe eye pain.
• Swelling develops around your eyes or face.

Frequently asked questions: sore throat and pink eye

Here are answers to common questions about experiencing a sore throat and pink eye together:

Is a sore throat and pink eye a sign of COVID?

Yes, these symptoms can be related to COVID-19, especially if you also have a cough, fever, or loss of taste and smell. If you’re worried, it’s best to get tested.

Is it ever a sign of a sextually transmitted infection (STI)?

In rare cases, sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause both symptoms. If you’re concerned, a healthcare provider can help you get tested.

Are there any risks involved with having a sore throat and pink eye?

For most people, these symptoms are often caused by a viral infection, like the common cold. While they typically improve on their own with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications, untreated bacterial infections could lead to more serious complications. Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or don't improve after a few days.

What if I’m experiencing a sore throat, cough, and pink eye?

These symptoms often point to a viral infection, like a cold. Resting, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications should help.

What if I’m experiencing a sore throat, pink eye, and a fever?

Having a fever could mean a more serious infection like strep throat. It's a good idea to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Takeaways on sore throat and pink eye

Dealing with a sore throat and pink eye together can be frustrating, but knowing the likely causes can help you find the right way to treat them. If your symptoms are severe or last longer than a week, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.

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. Poushali Bhattacharjee, MD.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index.html.

Mitchell MB, Workman AD, Rathi VK, Bhattacharyya N. Smell and Taste Loss Associated with COVID-19 Infection. Laryngoscope. 2023 Sep;133(9):2357-2361. doi: 10.1002/lary.30802. Epub 2023 Jun 2. PMID: 37265267. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.30802

MedlinePlus. "Allergic conjunctivitis." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2023, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001031.htm.