Hi Dr. , I Have A Sore Throat , The

Posted on Sun, 21 Oct 2018

Question: Hi Dr. , I have a sore throat, the roof of my mouth is swollen & sore. My sinuses were full & draining. I thought I was fighting a sinus infection, so I was taking Mucinex for phlegm and Loratadine 10 mg. for runny nose and any allergies due to the pollen, mold, etc. I also made a mixture of honey, lemon and brandy for my sore throat. Now I have a rash over a large part of my body, not hives, and I was wondering if it could be candida, because of all the sugar I consumed via the honey. The sore throat & congestion started 3 days, and the rash started yesterday, but has increased a lot today. I have now stopped all meds today, and have gargled with warm salt water. Please tell me what I can do. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Arnold Zedd (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
respiratory infection and skin rash

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Jonbeth and welcome to Ask a Doctor. I have read your query and here is my advice.
It is possible that your rash is a reaction to one of the medicines you are taking. Does the rash itch?
Rashes that occur on an allergic basis are usually itchy.
Signs of a sinus infection include:
-fever
-pain over the parts of the face that are right next to the nose and under the eyes
-a chronic runny nose
-persistent cough that is worse at night

A cold can be treated with the two medicines that you have selected as it involves the nose and throat. Sinus infection may start out as a cold and then worsen becoming sinusitis. Sinusitis is treated with antibiotics.
You could have sinusitis. You describe yourself as being ill enough that it would be best to be evaluated by your physician, sooner rather than later. Your doctor will also get a good look at your rash.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.
I shall be here should you have more questions.
Arnold Zedd, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Arnold Zedd (10 hours later)

My rash does not itch, just very red and hot. It is not hives. Should I resume taking any cold meds, so my congestion doesn't get worse, since it is Sunday and our clinic is closed?

Answered by Dr. Arnold Zedd (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
follow up

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, Jonbeth. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Do you have fever?
The Loratadine will help your runny nose only if your nasal symptoms are due to allergy but not if they are because a viral cold.
A rash from candida that is spreading over your body would only occur if you had low immunity.

Suggestion: boil tap water and when not too hot, slowly inhale the steam to open your nasal passages.
I will give you time to reply.
Arnold Zedd, MD

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad