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Have Had Sore Throat And Inflamed Soft Palette. Took Lozenge. Is It Allergy Or Rhinitis?

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Posted on Tue, 5 Nov 2013
Question: I have had a sore throat and inflamed soft palette and uvula for 10 days now. I have been to a cvs minute clinic after 3 days(given flonase at the time) but didn't need it till last night), doctor after a week who said all should be fine, and urgent care yesterday morning. A rapid swab was done to rule out strep (negative). I was told its viral and to gargle with salt water and use a zinc lozenge ( I have been doing tat for a week already with slight improvement) . Added to that, last 2 nights, my nasal sinuses started majorly clogging up too. Claritin and Flonase are the 2 medications I started taking claritin day before yesterday and flonase yesterday. It seems like some sort of allergy is triggering the rhinitis.
I also did a sinus rinse with saline yesterday when the sinuses were not totally clogged. (felt better for a short while)
My questions are:
How long should this sore throat and inflammation last?
Is there anything I should or should not be eating/ drinking to help alleviate symptoms?
I sthere anything that I should be taking other than what I have tried so far....explained below.
I have another appointment with a doctor who I hope will refer me to an allergist on Monday. In the meantime,
I took benadryl a couple of times in the night a few nights ago but I don't like how that makes me feel.
I took claritin yesterday at 9am and 9pm and a nasal shot of flonase at 11pm. It is now 8:20 am here can I do another dose? The claritin is 5mg and flonase 50mg. I do experience a little nausea from the claritin and a little thirst too.
Are these the right medications?
To boot, I also get anxious which I know doesn't help. I have not taken allopathic medication for years. I'm 44, male, and know that I am allergic to dust, mold, alcohol and caffeine, and possibly penicillin and aspirin. I am living in San XXXXXXX with my family and 2 small dogs (last 2 years) and this is the first reaction. Any ideas on what may have triggered it? Could my immune system be down due to the infection making my allergy acute?
What would you suggest?



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Follow up: Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (12 hours later)
The nasal sinuses are worse at night. How long does flonase take to relieve tension?
doctor
Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Upper respiratory tract infection.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Gusgoose,
Gone through your story. According to my understanding you are suffering from Upper Respratory Tract Infection which may be secondary to some allergic manifestation or direct infection with mild immuno suppression.
One thing I will suggest you that to rule out allergic phenomenon you should yourself be vigilant to observe is there any thing which aggrevates your problem or when the problem does occur try to remember what were you doing at that time.
The medicines you are consuming , it seems you are not tolerant to these.Stop these medications and continue with saline gargles as have been already prescribed to you. Have decongestant nasal drops and oral Ascorbic acid tablets of (Vit. C) in consultation with your doctor. Continue this for a period of 1 to 2 weeks and I hope the problem should go. If it still persists after 1 week to 10 days a trial of low dose corticosteroid in the form of solmedrol in consultation with your doctor may be considered.
Dear Gusgoose my understanding lets me know that within couple of weeks you should be fine.
Truly,
Dr. J. Ticku
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (54 minutes later)
Thank you for your response.
I am coming up on 2 weeks with this now. Started with just the uvulitis and sore throat, then the rhinitis and sinusitis and oral pharyngitis????.

Isn't that a lot of stuff going on all at once....

How long do you think the uvula will take to go back to normal?
-it seems that at night due to the blocked nasal passages and possible dryness and snoring that in the morning it is inflamed again


So you are suggesting 1-2 more weeks?

I will continue with saline nasal rinses and gargles. I am also trying a product called natural DHIST and using XXXXXXX cider vinegar and honey as a solution to drink.

Which nasal decongestant drops would you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
URTI

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for quick response.
As I told you that blocked nasal passage forces you to have mouth breathing leading to uveitis and other problems.
Act as I advised you in my earlier reply.
Regarding the decongestant drops it depends upon the availability at your place, Better discuss with your doctor and also think of using slow release corticosteroids if not feeling better within 1 to 2 weeks and as advised rule out allergic phenomenon.
Truly,
Dr. J. Ticku
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku

Oncologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 489 Questions

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Have Had Sore Throat And Inflamed Soft Palette. Took Lozenge. Is It Allergy Or Rhinitis?

The nasal sinuses are worse at night. How long does flonase take to relieve tension?