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Good Morning. I Am A 68 Yr White Woman -
Question: Good morning. I am a 68 yr white woman - 5'1" -- 130 lbs. I have been having problems with a sore throat for about 3 months. It started after having flu like symptoms (viral, I think) that lasted several weeks. Since then I have had pain when swallowing. I have been taking thyroid rx (Levothyroxine 25 mcg X daily) for 20+ years. Other than this throat issue I feel very healthy. I am very concerned about what to do. I am currently spending the winter in the Baja of Mexico. I am very concerned about this issue and need some advice as to what I should do. Thank you for your advice. Vera C
Brief Answer:
most persons- infection, trauma, allergies, reflux
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned re any long standing symptoms.
Sore throat can be due to different possible causes, the most common are:(1)secondary to infection- usually viral or bacterial
(2)secondary to allergies, post nasal drip of mucus (can actually be silent in 1/5 of persons)
(3)trauma
(4)severe reflux
(5)very rarely is it related to the presence of a mass/growth- least likely cause
If the symptoms started with a viral infection, it is possible that there is persisting inflammation of the throat especially if you have even minor post nasal drip.
If you have a history of reflux- this can be contributing
You can consider a course of anti inflammatory meds and anti histamine decongestants (decongestants stop post nasal drip- used even if there is no nasal congestion)
Eg of anti histamine/decongestant combinations are- zyrtec d, allegra d, claritine d, benadryl d
If you use one of these meds along with an anti inflammatory medication from 10 days to 2 weeks and there is no improvement or any worsening, then you can consider being seen by a doctor or ENT.
Anti inflammatory meds include- ibuprofen, naproxen, cataflam, celebrex
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
most persons- infection, trauma, allergies, reflux
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned re any long standing symptoms.
Sore throat can be due to different possible causes, the most common are:(1)secondary to infection- usually viral or bacterial
(2)secondary to allergies, post nasal drip of mucus (can actually be silent in 1/5 of persons)
(3)trauma
(4)severe reflux
(5)very rarely is it related to the presence of a mass/growth- least likely cause
If the symptoms started with a viral infection, it is possible that there is persisting inflammation of the throat especially if you have even minor post nasal drip.
If you have a history of reflux- this can be contributing
You can consider a course of anti inflammatory meds and anti histamine decongestants (decongestants stop post nasal drip- used even if there is no nasal congestion)
Eg of anti histamine/decongestant combinations are- zyrtec d, allegra d, claritine d, benadryl d
If you use one of these meds along with an anti inflammatory medication from 10 days to 2 weeks and there is no improvement or any worsening, then you can consider being seen by a doctor or ENT.
Anti inflammatory meds include- ibuprofen, naproxen, cataflam, celebrex
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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