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What Causes Persistent Sore Throat Despite Taking Amoxicillin?

Posted on Tue, 29 Dec 2015

Question: I was issued amoxicillian two days after having symptoms of strep and was never actually tested for it. So I've been on the antiB for almost 72 hours now and was wondering when the sore throat would clear up.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If sore throat not improving with amoxicillin then can be a viral flu

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please go through my observations below.

1. It is probable that you have a viral flu attack and a secondary bacterial infection in the throat for which your doctor has prescribed you amoxicillin which treats most bacterial infections. If the sore throat has improved then you had a bacterial infection and the antibiotic has helped. If there has been no significant improvement then probably there is viral infection.

2. Viral sore throat will stay for 3 to 5 days and slowly improve. Therefore if you are taking antibiotics and the pain is not improving then a viral flu must be kept in mind.

3. Please take precautions, do warm water gargle two times daily and eat soft diet which can be swallowed with minimum pain and discomfort.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (14 minutes later)

I've been sick since my first post mid November. I get sick with a flu and then get better for a week and on comes dome other kind of virus. Is there no way from keeping sick? I am constantly washing my hands, staying away from others (except my family which I have to school age toddlers).

I feel like my body doesn't have the will to hold up top any more illnesses.

Would wearing a mask work? I don't know what else to do.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Gargling and wearing mask will protect you and prevent illnesses

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. The flu leaves your immunity weak and vulnerable to bacteria. Therefore a secondary bacterial infection is common after a patient has recovered from a flu.

2. Sometimes different strains might attack a person and cause persistent symptoms with short periods of wellness in between.

3. Please try warm water gargle twice daily for two weeks to keep your throat clear and feel comfortable. Wearing a mask to avoid environmental pollution is a good precaution to avoid illnesses and recommended for you.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (40 minutes later)

So if the sore throat, which is mostly swollen glands, is a bacterial infection then the antiB's should work on it...but its not. So is there a flu that enlarges these glands and makes it hard to swallow without tremendous pain?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There can be one of the following probabilities

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. There can be any one of the following reasons for the antibiotics not giving desired relief from sore throat:

(i) The sore throat is from viral infection and antibiotics will not work and in this case the pain remains constant for 3 to 5 days.

(ii) The bacteria are resistant to Amoxicillin and therefore the infection is not under control. If this happens then the sore throat will keep on worsening.

(iii) The infection has progressed and therefore it is taking longer than 3 days to achieve control over bacterial multiplication.

Flu can cause significant neck lymph node enlargement and difficulty in swallowing.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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. Arnab Banerjee