Sore throat for months... why?

[blueski]

Hi all,

Just surfing the forums and wondering if you guys could shed some light on this. Basically, I've had a sore throat since around Christmas time, accompanied with mild headaches, the occasional sneeze and runny nose.

Most of the symptoms of a cold, except they don't clear up. I've been prescribed a course of antibiotics, which have had absolutely no effect, and also antihistamines (sp?) in case it's an allergy - again, no change.

It doesn't seem to be getting any better, so wondering what it can be? I have a blood test scheduled for next week, but sceptical it'll show anything up.

Have thought about perhaps Glandular Fever, but my glands aren't swollen - so what can it be?

Any ideas (or thoughts about where to research) much appreciated. I'm 23/m and otherwise fit and in good shape.

Thanks!

>> Edited by blueski on Saturday 21st May 15:50

[968]

blueski said:

Hi all, Just surfing the forums and wondering if you guys could shed some light on this. Basically, I've had a sore throat since around Christmas time, accompanied with mild headaches, the occasional sneeze and runny nose. Most of the symptoms of a cold, except they don't clear up. I've been prescribed a course of antibiotics, which have had absolutely no effect, and also antihistamines (sp?) in case it's an allergy - again, no change. It doesn't seem to be getting any better, so wondering what it can be? I have a blood test scheduled for next week, but sceptical it'll show anything up. Have thought about perhaps Glandular Fever, but my glands aren't swollen - so what can it be? Any ideas (or thoughts about where to research) much appreciated. I'm 23/m and otherwise fit and in good shape. Thanks! >> Edited by blueski on Saturday 21st May 15:50

Interesting.

A bit out of my speciality, i must admit that allergy would be my first differential, as common things are common, but then again, one must consider rather more off beat things like pharyngeal pouches etc.

My advice is to seek referral to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgeon, who can look down your throat with a scope to make sure there's no inflammation there.

[funkihamsta]

Smoking/drinking? Stop both for two weeks.

[princeperch]

My medical knowledge is infamous for being crap, but id get it checked out if I was you. arnt minor aliments like a contant headache/sore throat sometimes the signs of meningitus or something serious like that?

Better to be safe than sorry

[blueski]

funkihamsta said:

Smoking/drinking? Stop both for two weeks.

I don't smoke and drink (mostly) in moderation... definitely no change in last few months. But may be worth a try I guess - does tend to be worse after a night out.

968 said:

A bit out of my speciality, i must admit that allergy would be my first differential, as common things are common, but then again, one must consider rather more off beat things like pharyngeal pouches etc. My advice is to seek referral to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgeon, who can look down your throat with a scope to make sure there's no inflammation there.

Thanks. Am sceptical it's an allergy as its just developed in the last few months, without any change in my environment... but, yep, might be worth looking into.

It's quite often accompanied by a low level headache, which makes me think it's not just a throat infection.


>> Edited by blueski on Saturday 21st May 16:47

[968]

blueski said:

Thanks. Am sceptical it's an allergy as its just developed in the last few months, without any change in my environment... but, yep, might be worth looking into. It's quite often accompanied by a low level headache, which makes me think it's not just a throat infection. >> Edited by blueski on Saturday 21st May 16:47

Where is the headache and when does it affect you? Any nausea or vomiting? Any problem with swallowing food? Has your voice become hoarse? Any problems with breathing? Any visual problems? Any numbness, tingling anywhere else in your body?

[blueski]

968 said:

Where is the headache and when does it affect you? Any nausea or vomiting? Any problem with swallowing food? Has your voice become hoarse? Any problems with breathing? Any visual problems? Any numbness, tingling anywhere else in your body?

Headache I guess top middle of my head... more of a low intensity dull ache than anything particularly intense. It's been there (with the sore throat) off and on for months, and can ignore most of the time.

No nausea, vomiting or problems swallowing food. My voice is slightly hoarse when my sore throat is bad, but most of the time it's ok. No problems with sight, breathing, numbness or tingling.

I've had the same symptoms (sore throat, occasional mild headache, sneezing and sometimes running nose) for months. This isn't a short-term problem... more of a long-running irritation which doesn't seem to be improving.

Many thanks for your advice and concern.

>> Edited by blueski on Saturday 21st May 17:06

[968]

blueski said:

968 said: Where is the headache and when does it affect you? Any nausea or vomiting? Any problem with swallowing food? Has your voice become hoarse? Any problems with breathing? Any visual problems? Any numbness, tingling anywhere else in your body? Headache I guess top middle of my head... more of a low intensity dull ache than anything particularly intense. It's been there (with the sore throat) off and on for months, and can ignore most of the time. No nausea, vomiting or problems swallowing food. My voice is slightly hoarse when my sore throat is bad, but most of the time it's ok. No problems with sight, breathing, numbness or tingling. I've had the same symptoms (sore throat, occasional mild headache, sneezing and sometimes running nose) for months. This isn't a short-term problem... more of a long-running irritation which doesn't seem to be improving. Many thanks for your advice and concern. >> Edited by blueski on Saturday 21st May 17:06

Aha

I think it might be a chronic sinusitis. This would give you a low level headache, and would give you a sore throat from the post nasal drip, from the chronically infected sinuses. Still you need an ENT opinion though, and I would urge your GP to refer you ASAP.

[parrot of doom]

You need to stop moonlighting around Kings Cross tbh.

[5MUG]

Hi
yes me too! I have had a sore thoat every night for so long I cannot remember. The doc does not seem very interested and I thought maybe it was an allergy to grass seed or rape (husband is a farmer!, bummer). My sore throat is only at night tho'.

To 968 - What is post nasal drip? Would that get worse when lying down?
Sarah

[Pigeon]

"Post nasal drip" is the posh medical term for snot from your nasal cavities dribbling down the back of your throat.

[Mrs Fish]

5MUG said:

Hi yes me too! I have had a sore thoat every night for so long I cannot remember. The doc does not seem very interested and I thought maybe it was an allergy to grass seed or rape (husband is a farmer!, bummer). My sore throat is only at night tho'.

De-hydrated???

[blueski]

Hmm... my nose has a constant very thin, watery drip. It's definitely not blocked.

Thanks for the sinusitis thoughts - though I don't have the "pressure behind the eyes" feeling or strong headaches that often come with blocked sinuses during a heavy cold.

Will suggest it to my doctor next week.

>> Edited by blueski on Saturday 21st May 18:35