Mouth pain and Acute Pharyngitis

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have been having a raaw feeling on roof of mouth, i have had a sinus infection for the last two weeks, no fever, no sore throat, some jaw pain with intermittent left ear pain. i have only been taking ibu to help with the pain can you tell me what is causing this

Dear Natalie: This could most probably be due to acute pharyngitis caused by either a viral of bacterial infection. Viral infections are usually milder than bacterial ones which are commonly accompanied by fever, sputum production, pain while swallowing and pus could be present in the tonsils. There is no specific treatment for viral pharyngitis. You can relieve symptoms by gargling with warm salt water (one half-teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day and taking anti-inflammatory drugs or medications, such as acetaminophen, to control fever or anti-inflammatory medication. If symptoms worsen, antibiotics may be indicated in the presence of bacterial infection. I hope this helps, take care.