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Suggest Treatment For Sinus Infection, Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion And Cough

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Posted on Fri, 7 Aug 2015
Question: I got a cold two months ago that went away and then came back as a sinus infection starting with a sore throat 6 weeks later. I took a z pack which didn't help and another doctor switched it to Augmentin. That seemed to work and clear up the nasal congestion and cough. Two days after stopping the Augmentin the sore throat came back, not as bad, but it is back. I am concerned as to what this could be. The doctor did prescribe allergy medications which I have not taken. I just don't understand why the sore throat would come back and not all of the other symptoms?
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Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
suggestive of either allergic Pharyngitis or recurrent URTI

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Thanks for your query.

Considering the case history as mentioned in your post, the symptoms can be suggestive of either allergic Pharyngitis or recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI):

A. Allergic Pharyngitis: seems to be the probable cause. There was a superimposed infection previously, which has subsided due to intake of antibiotics (Augmentin). However, the allergic reaction will keep on recurring on exposure to cold, dryness of throat, dust or any other allergen.

Management will consist of:
1. Antihistamine preparation like Cetrizine or Allegra. You can use it during an acute attack.
2. Montelukast preparations- used as a maintenance therapy.
3. Anti-tussive preparations for symptomatic relief from cough
4. Symptoms aggravating in the presence of a superimposed respiratory tract infection needs to be managed with antibiotics.
5. Also make sure that you are well protected from exposure to cold, dust & other allergens.
6. Maintaining adequate hydration & avoiding cold food and drinks. Steam inhalation therapy will also be helpful.
7. Adequate voice rest & deep breathing exercise
8. Avoid smoking, taking cold food & drinks, maintain adequate hydration & take soft, non-spicy foods.

B. Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI): If the symptom causing agent is not susceptible to the antibiotics prescribed, or if there is any hidden focus of infection in the nose/ throat/ ear, then also the symptoms will recur.
Under such circumstances, a proper clinical examination of the Ear, Nose and Throat needs to be performed to detect any hidden focus of infection and an antibiotic to be prescribed based on culture & sensitivity reports.

So. kindly consult your treating Doctor and discuss regarding the same.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Polash Sannigrahi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3353 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Sinus Infection, Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion And Cough

Brief Answer: suggestive of either allergic Pharyngitis or recurrent URTI Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, Thanks for your query. Considering the case history as mentioned in your post, the symptoms can be suggestive of either allergic Pharyngitis or recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI): A. Allergic Pharyngitis: seems to be the probable cause. There was a superimposed infection previously, which has subsided due to intake of antibiotics (Augmentin). However, the allergic reaction will keep on recurring on exposure to cold, dryness of throat, dust or any other allergen. Management will consist of: 1. Antihistamine preparation like Cetrizine or Allegra. You can use it during an acute attack. 2. Montelukast preparations- used as a maintenance therapy. 3. Anti-tussive preparations for symptomatic relief from cough 4. Symptoms aggravating in the presence of a superimposed respiratory tract infection needs to be managed with antibiotics. 5. Also make sure that you are well protected from exposure to cold, dust & other allergens. 6. Maintaining adequate hydration & avoiding cold food and drinks. Steam inhalation therapy will also be helpful. 7. Adequate voice rest & deep breathing exercise 8. Avoid smoking, taking cold food & drinks, maintain adequate hydration & take soft, non-spicy foods. B. Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI): If the symptom causing agent is not susceptible to the antibiotics prescribed, or if there is any hidden focus of infection in the nose/ throat/ ear, then also the symptoms will recur. Under such circumstances, a proper clinical examination of the Ear, Nose and Throat needs to be performed to detect any hidden focus of infection and an antibiotic to be prescribed based on culture & sensitivity reports. So. kindly consult your treating Doctor and discuss regarding the same. Wishing you a good health. Take care.