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What Causes Intermittent Sore Throat?

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Posted on Tue, 29 Sep 2015
Question: Persistent sore throat.
Feeling low energy.. Sore throat does go away.. but comes back
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
post nasal drip and/or reflux

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The most common causes of intermittent sore throat are: (1) recurrent infection
(2) post nasal drip due to sinusitis
(3)severe reflux
(4)lesion in the throat- this would normally cause severe discomfort

Recurrent infection would normally be associated with other symptoms such as fever and possibly other cough and cold symptoms.

If the pain is not severe then the most likely causes are post nasal drip and/or reflux.
Any chronic illness, can be associated with fatigue.

Post nasal drip is sometimes not noticeable. It is most commonly in response to allergens and is treated with nasal sprays and anti histamines.

Eg of sprays are nasonex, nasocort, flonase, rhinocort etc

A prescription may be needed for one of these.
The anti histamines would be over the counter.

It can sometimes take a few weeks for a response to occur.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
So I do have a cough associated with the persistent sore throat.. sometimes I bring up clear phlegm.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
pretty much confirms post nasal drip

Detailed Answer:
HI

This would also push the diagnosis towards post nasal drip.

As mentioned , avoiding the allergen, the nasal sprays and oral anti histamines may help.

The antihistamines may be drowsy or non drowsy but should all would be over the counter.

If anything else unclear , feel free to ask
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
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Intermittent Sore Throat?

Brief Answer: post nasal drip and/or reflux Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The most common causes of intermittent sore throat are: (1) recurrent infection (2) post nasal drip due to sinusitis (3)severe reflux (4)lesion in the throat- this would normally cause severe discomfort Recurrent infection would normally be associated with other symptoms such as fever and possibly other cough and cold symptoms. If the pain is not severe then the most likely causes are post nasal drip and/or reflux. Any chronic illness, can be associated with fatigue. Post nasal drip is sometimes not noticeable. It is most commonly in response to allergens and is treated with nasal sprays and anti histamines. Eg of sprays are nasonex, nasocort, flonase, rhinocort etc A prescription may be needed for one of these. The anti histamines would be over the counter. It can sometimes take a few weeks for a response to occur. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions