What Causes Sore Throat And Cold While On Azithromycin?

Posted on Tue, 5 Sep 2017

Question: A couple weeks ago I had a sore throat that lasted about 5 days. I never got a stuffy nose or congestion, like I usually do with a cold (I was tested for strep and was negative). After the sore throat felt better I couldn't stop coughing so the urgent care doctor gave me a 5 day course of Azithromycin. I got better and thought I was back to normal. About 5 or 6 days after I finished the antibiotic the sore throat returned, lasted for a few days and now the cough is starting again - its the exact same illness! Can you tell me what kind of sickness this could be? I get colds 2 or 3 times a year with a stuffy nose but nothing like this before. I almost never get sick in the summer either. Is it possible I re-infected myself or the antibiotics weren't strong enough? If I have a virus, how would I have gotten sick with the same thing twice within a couple weeks?

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Sore throat

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query.
Recurrent sore throat is usually due to either nasal infection or or any cause in the throat like tonsillitis.
As you have said that you have very frequent nasal congestion it is probable that in your case the cause for sore throat is the nasal infection.You might be having the nasal septal deviation leading to post nasal drip and hence throat infection.
You should get a xray paranasal sinuses done and send me.
Along with antibiotics a symptomatic treatment is also required to avoid a frequent recurrence of the diseas.
Please follow up with the X-ray report and pictures of your throat so that I can suggest you better.
Take care
Thanks and 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. Yogesh D