A toothache is pain or discomfort in or around a tooth, gum, or jaw. It may feel sharp, throbbing, dull, constant, or triggered by chewing, temperature, sweets, or pressure. Tooth pain can come from the tooth itself, the gums, the jaw, the sinuses, or nearby nerves. Some toothaches are mild and temporary, but others may signal infection, dental injury, abscess, or another condition that needs prompt dental or medical evaluation. What is a toothache? A toothache is pain involv

Sore Throat A sore throat is a common symptom that can happen from viruses, allergies, acid reflux, dry air, irritation, postnasal drip, or bacterial infections such as strep throat. Many sore throats improve with supportive care, but some need testing or treatment. It is important not to assume every sore throat needs antibiotics. Many sore throats are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Common causes of sore throat A sore throat may be caused b

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is inflammation or irritation of the thin clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. It can cause redness, watering, itching, drainage, crusting, burning, or a gritty feeling in the eye. Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, irritants, or contact lens problems. Some cases are contagious, while others are not. Common symptoms of pink eye Pink eye symptoms may

Oral Yeast Infection (Thrush) Oral yeast, commonly called oral thrush or oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection in the mouth. It happens when a type of yeast called Candida grows more than usual. Candida can normally live in the mouth, throat, skin, and digestive tract without causing problems, but certain conditions can allow it to overgrow. Oral thrush can affect the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tonsils, or throat. It is more common in infants, older adul

Oral Herpes (Cold Sore) Cold sores are small, painful blisters that usually appear on or around the lips. They are also called fever blisters or oral herpes. Cold sores are most often caused by the herpes simplex virus, commonly HSV-1. Once someone has the virus, it can stay in the body and reactivate later, causing repeat outbreaks. Cold sores often develop on the lip or around the mouth and are caused by HSV. Cold sores are common, but they can be uncomfortable, embarrassin

Influenza (Flu) Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can range from mild to severe and may lead to complications, especially in older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with certain chronic medical conditions. The flu is different from a common cold. Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and can make you feel much more tired, achy, and feverish. Common flu symptoms Flu symptoms may include: Fever

Ear Pain and Earache Ear pain, also called an earache, can happen for many reasons. It may come from the ear itself, or it may be “referred pain” from nearby areas such as the throat, sinuses, jaw, teeth, or neck. Some ear pain improves with supportive care, but other cases need medical evaluation, especially if symptoms are severe, worsening, or associated with fever, drainage, hearing loss, dizziness, or swelling around the ear. Common causes of ear pain Ear pain may be cau

COVID-19 COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For some people, COVID-19 feels like a mild cold. For others, it can cause more serious illness, especially in older adults, people who are pregnant, and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Because COVID-19 symptoms can overlap with the common cold, flu, allergies, sinus infections, asthma flares, and pneumonia, it is important to know when home care is reasonable and whe

Chalazion or Stye A bump on the eyelid can be uncomfortable, irritating, and concerning. Two common causes are a chalazion and a stye, also called a hordeolum. These conditions can look similar, but they are not exactly the same. A stye is usually a painful, red bump near the eyelid edge, often caused by infection of an oil gland or eyelash follicle. A chalazion is usually a slower-growing bump caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid and is often less painful than a stye.

Blepharitis is a common eyelid condition that causes inflammation along the edges of the eyelids. It can make the eyelids feel itchy, irritated, crusty, greasy, swollen, or gritty. Some people notice flakes around the eyelashes, burning, watery eyes, or sensitivity to light. Blepharitis is usually not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable and persistent. It can also come and go over time. Because eyelid irritation can look similar to pink eye, allergies, dry eye, styes, chal

Common Cold Common Cold: Symptoms, Home Care, Antibiotics, and When to Get Medical Care The common cold is a viral infection of the nose, throat, and upper airways. It can cause congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, fatigue, and mild body aches. Most colds are mild and improve with time, rest, fluids, and supportive care. Even though colds are common, symptoms can overlap with COVID, flu, allergies, sinus infections, bronchitis, asthma flares, pneumonia, and o

Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) Sinusitis, often called a sinus infection, happens when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed or swollen. This can lead to mucus buildup, pressure, congestion, facial discomfort, and drainage. Sinus symptoms often happen after a cold, allergies, or another upper respiratory infection. Most sinus infections are caused by viruses and improve without antibiotics. However, some sinus infections can become bacterial or more severe, and medical care