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Suggest Treatment For Sore Throat, Post Nasal Drip And Cough

Posted on Tue, 18 Aug 2015

Question: Hi doctor. Im a healthy 47 yo male, nom smoker. Ove had a sore throat fornabout a week that has also developed some post nasal drip and cough. No real chest congestion, no nose congestion. No fever, no stomach issued. Had rapid strep test at cvs clinic 3 days ago, was negative. Most of my cold do not proceed this way . Usually sore throat first for couple day then turns into congestion etc.. Are there regular cold viruses that can give u a sore throat for a week? Again, mine usually dont. Do u think i should get a follow up strep test? Thx!!

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Viral sore throat can last for 1 week.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Viral sore throat can last for 1 week. If it is lasting more or increasing pain then strep should be done again. Initial infection could be viral. Secondary streptococcal infection is possible. Viruses like coxsackie, infectious mononucleosis or herpangina can cause increased pain and duration.

Herpengina is associated with presence of sores on throat and roof of mouth . In case of infectious mononucleosis there will be considerable swollen glands. Blood routine will be helpful to give signs also.

Take warm fluids like warm chicken soup with pepper and lemon tea. Chewable vitamin c is helpful also.

Let me know if any thing not clear. I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (14 minutes later)

Ok thanks . I just looked again and there definitely are some white discharge looking areas. One is kind if behind my right tonsil and on just on the back of throat. Although I dont have any substantial nasal congestion, my right ear has become clogged and the cough sensation has increased. I do not have sores on roof of mouth and i did have mono about 24 years ago. No fever atcall throughout the whole sickness.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Streptococcal cause is possible in such case.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.

Thank you for your follow up query.

Bacterial infection like streptococcus is possible in such case. Antibiotic therapy will be needed. In such case i usually advise antibiotics like Co-amoxiclav or Azithromycin. Viral infection usually associated with considerable nasal congestion.

Nasal decongestants will be helpful in opening clogged ear. NSAIDs like ibuprofen will be helpful in relieving pain and discomfort also.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

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