Why does my eye hurt and my throat? Understanding the connection

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, viral infections like the common cold are the most frequent cause of sore throats. When you find yourself asking, "Why does my eye hurt and my throat?", it's often a sign that your body is reacting to a common respiratory ailment, though other factors can also be at play.

This article explores the various conditions that can cause this combination of symptoms, from common viruses to less obvious culprits like allergies or acid reflux, and provides guidance on when to seek medical attention.

Quick Summary

Eye and throat pain can indicate a systemic issue like a viral or bacterial infection, allergies, or sinusitis, as these conditions trigger inflammation and discomfort in connected areas of the body. The specific cause is determined by identifying additional symptoms, severity, and medical history.

Key Points

Viruses are the leading cause: The most common reason for simultaneous eye and throat pain is a viral illness, such as a cold, flu, or adenovirus, which causes widespread inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Allergies trigger related symptoms: Allergic reactions to substances like pollen or pet dander can cause both itchy, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) and a sore, scratchy throat from postnasal drip.
Bacterial infections are less common but possible: While rarer, a bacterial infection like strep throat can sometimes occur with a related eye infection, though viral origins are more typical for this symptom combination.
Consider other systemic issues: Conditions such as sinusitis, acid reflux, or mononucleosis can also cause both eye and throat discomfort, depending on the accompanying symptoms.
Know when to seek medical help: See a doctor if symptoms are severe, include a high fever, impact your vision, or persist for more than a week or two, as this may indicate a more serious condition.

Common causes of simultaneous eye and throat pain

Experiencing a painful or scratchy throat and eye irritation simultaneously can be concerning. However, this symptom combination often points to a single underlying condition, as the body’s respiratory system, sinuses, and tear ducts are interconnected. Viral infections, allergies, and bacterial illnesses are the most frequent culprits. Understanding the specific symptoms associated with each can help narrow down the cause and inform your next steps.

Viral infections

The most common cause of a sore throat and eye issues is a viral infection, such as the common cold, flu, or adenovirus. These viruses are highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets. When a virus infects your upper respiratory tract, it can cause a range of symptoms beyond just a sore throat.

Pharyngoconjunctival Fever: Caused by adenovirus, this condition is known to create a classic triad of symptoms: sore throat, fever, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).
General Inflammation: A systemic viral infection can cause widespread inflammation that affects the mucous membranes lining the throat, eyes, and nose. This can result in a scratchy throat, watery eyes, and an overall feeling of being unwell.

Allergies

Allergic reactions are another very common reason for experiencing both eye and throat irritation, particularly during seasonal changes. When the body encounters an allergen like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, it releases histamines, which trigger an inflammatory response.

Postnasal Drip: Allergies often cause the body to produce excess mucus. This mucus can drip down the back of the throat (postnasal drip), leading to a persistent tickle, scratchiness, or soreness.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: The same allergens that trigger postnasal drip can cause allergic conjunctivitis, or eye allergies. This results in itchy, watery, and red eyes.
Mouth Breathing: Chronic nasal congestion from allergies can force you to breathe through your mouth, especially while sleeping. This dries out the throat and causes soreness.

Bacterial infections

While less common than viral infections for this specific combination of symptoms, some bacterial infections can also be the cause. In these cases, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat the underlying cause.

Strep Throat with Conjunctivitis: Although less frequent, strep throat can sometimes occur alongside bacterial conjunctivitis, though it's important to note that most cases of pink eye with a sore throat are viral. A key difference is that bacterial infections typically result in thicker, stickier eye discharge.

Other possible causes

Beyond infections and allergies, several other conditions can manifest with both eye and throat pain, though they may have distinct accompanying symptoms.

Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause pressure and pain that radiates to the eyes and head. Postnasal drip from sinus issues can also irritate the throat.
Acid Reflux (GERD): Chronic acid reflux can lead to a sore throat due to stomach acid traveling up the esophagus. In some cases, it can cause eye irritation or burning.
Mononucleosis (Mono): This viral infection, commonly known as the "kissing disease," causes severe throat pain, fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, it can also lead to swollen or painful eyes.
COVID-19: Certain strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have presented with both sore throat and pink eye, among other symptoms.

Viral vs. allergic symptoms: A comparison table


Symptom	Viral Infection (e.g., Cold, Flu, Adenovirus)	Allergic Reaction (e.g., Hay Fever)
Onset	Gradual, building over a few days	Sudden, immediately following allergen exposure
Fever	Common, especially with flu or adenovirus	Rare, not a typical allergy symptom
Body Aches	Frequent, part of systemic illness	Not typical, main symptoms are localized inflammation
Sore Throat	Painful, scratchy, and may worsen with swallowing	Often itchy, scratchy, or dry from postnasal drip
Eye Symptoms	Red, watery eyes; potentially pink eye (conjunctivitis)	Itchy, watery eyes; allergic conjunctivitis
Nasal Discharge	Thick, colored mucus common as illness progresses	Thin, clear, watery mucus (runny nose)

Home care and when to see a doctor

For most mild cases of viral infections or allergies, at-home care can provide significant relief. Remedies include staying hydrated, resting, using warm compresses for eye comfort, and gargling with warm salt water for throat relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers, antihistamines, or decongestants may also be helpful, depending on the cause.

However, there are specific warning signs that necessitate a medical consultation:

Persistent or Worsening Symptoms: If symptoms don't improve after a week or two.
High Fever: A persistent high fever may indicate a bacterial infection like strep throat.
Vision Changes or Severe Eye Pain: These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: Seek emergency care for these severe symptoms.
Newborn with Pink Eye: Infants with any signs of conjunctivitis need to be seen by a doctor immediately.

For more detailed guidance on eye health, you can refer to the American Academy of Ophthalmology's website: https://www.aao.org.

Conclusion: Your body’s interconnected warning system

Pain in both the eye and throat is a clear sign that your body is fighting off an irritant or infection. Because the respiratory and ocular systems are so closely linked, inflammation in one area can easily affect the other. While common culprits like viruses and seasonal allergies are often to blame and can be managed with home care, paying attention to the specific constellation of symptoms is key. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by vision changes or difficulty breathing, a healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. By understanding the possible causes, you can take appropriate action for relief and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a common cold is a very frequent cause. The viruses that cause colds trigger an inflammatory response that affects the mucous membranes lining your respiratory tract, including your throat and the tear ducts connected to your sinuses, leading to pain in both areas.

Allergy symptoms often appear suddenly after exposure to an allergen and typically include very itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. Viral infections tend to develop gradually and are more likely to include a fever, body aches, and fatigue. Observing other symptoms can help you distinguish between the two.

Acid reflux, or GERD, can cause a sore throat due to stomach acid irritating the esophagus. In some cases, chronic reflux can be associated with eye irritation, though it's a less direct link than with respiratory infections. Other symptoms like heartburn would likely also be present.

You should see a doctor if your symptoms are severe, don't improve after a week or two of home care, or are accompanied by a high fever, blurred vision, or significant difficulty breathing or swallowing. These could indicate a more serious infection or complication.

Yes, they can be related. Both viral and bacterial infections can cause conjunctivitis and a sore throat at the same time. The most common cause is a viral infection like adenovirus, which is known to cause pharyngoconjunctival fever, featuring all three symptoms.

For home relief, you can try gargling with warm salt water for your throat, using warm compresses on your eyes, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Staying hydrated is also crucial. For allergy-related issues, antihistamines can be helpful.

Yes, sinusitis (a sinus infection) can cause pain that radiates to the eyes and a sore throat. The pressure from inflamed sinuses can cause pain behind the eyes, while the postnasal drip from the infection irritates the throat, causing soreness.