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What Causes Persistent Sore Throat While On Advil?
Question: I have had a sore throat for 2-3 days. It is very painful. I have tried advil, honey and gargling with salt water. Are there any over the counter medicines that make a difference? You can emai me at YYYY@YYYY . Thanks very much.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Sorry to hear about the sore throat.
If it is very painful, and if you have swollen lymph nodes in your neck, or a fever, I recommend going in to be seen for a throat swab to make sure this is not strep throat. I am generally very cautious about giving antibiotics if not needed (such as for a cold) but if it is strep, you will want to treat it because of the risk of complications.
If that is not the case, then back to the things you can use over the counter to treat it:
1. Some people like to use throat numbing medications such as Chloraseptic lozenges. Not everyone likes the feeling of having their throat numbed though.
2. If you have any history or symptoms of acid reflux, you may want to switch to Tylenol instead of Advil. I'm saying this because in some people, Advil or other NSAIDs can be irritating to the upper GI tract and cause reflux of acid which can contribute to or worsen a sore throat.
3. Next is trying to decrease the drainage down the throat from (I presume) a cold with post nasal drainage. I'm assuming that the sore throat is from excessive and irritating secretions draining from the sinuses. That is the most common reason, and acid coming up is high on the list too.
So here are suggestions for decreasing the drainage or making it less of a problem:
a) pseudoephedrine: this is a nasal/sinus decongestant. It will help dry things up. Don't use it if you have high blood pressure or insomnia though. It doesn't require a prescription, but you do have to ask the pharmacist for it as it is not sold directly from the shelves.
b) guaifenesin: this is a mucolytic. if you drink enough water with this, it helps thin secretions so that they pass more easily and less noticeably. It is a safe drug to take, not much in the way of side effects.
c) nasal steroid spray: this can help stabilize the mucus membranes of the sinuses/nose so that there is less drainage. Particularly helpful if there are allergies, but can be useful in a viral infection with a lot of nasal/sinus swelling and inflammation.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Sorry to hear about the sore throat.
If it is very painful, and if you have swollen lymph nodes in your neck, or a fever, I recommend going in to be seen for a throat swab to make sure this is not strep throat. I am generally very cautious about giving antibiotics if not needed (such as for a cold) but if it is strep, you will want to treat it because of the risk of complications.
If that is not the case, then back to the things you can use over the counter to treat it:
1. Some people like to use throat numbing medications such as Chloraseptic lozenges. Not everyone likes the feeling of having their throat numbed though.
2. If you have any history or symptoms of acid reflux, you may want to switch to Tylenol instead of Advil. I'm saying this because in some people, Advil or other NSAIDs can be irritating to the upper GI tract and cause reflux of acid which can contribute to or worsen a sore throat.
3. Next is trying to decrease the drainage down the throat from (I presume) a cold with post nasal drainage. I'm assuming that the sore throat is from excessive and irritating secretions draining from the sinuses. That is the most common reason, and acid coming up is high on the list too.
So here are suggestions for decreasing the drainage or making it less of a problem:
a) pseudoephedrine: this is a nasal/sinus decongestant. It will help dry things up. Don't use it if you have high blood pressure or insomnia though. It doesn't require a prescription, but you do have to ask the pharmacist for it as it is not sold directly from the shelves.
b) guaifenesin: this is a mucolytic. if you drink enough water with this, it helps thin secretions so that they pass more easily and less noticeably. It is a safe drug to take, not much in the way of side effects.
c) nasal steroid spray: this can help stabilize the mucus membranes of the sinuses/nose so that there is less drainage. Particularly helpful if there are allergies, but can be useful in a viral infection with a lot of nasal/sinus swelling and inflammation.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
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
Answered by
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