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What Causes Sore Throat, Neck Pain, Fever And Weight Loss?
Question: For several weeks I have had a sore throat, neck pain, running a fever, and losing weight. I was prescribed anti-biotics and steroids for 7 days. At the end of the 7 days the symptoms returned. I lost 10 lbs during this time period. I was again prescribed antibiotics and steroids for 21 days. I am in in the 10th days and the sore throat is coming back along with the neck pain. They did blood work on me and the doctor say I have a serious infection somewhere in my body and significant inflammation. He doesn't know why, where, and says to finish the medication and see what happens. I am already feeling that the steroids and antibiotics are not working.
Brief Answer:
Expert advise & self care would help.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXX,
Thanks for the query under health care magic platform.I have read it carefully & understand your concern.
You have recurrent throat soreness, fever over last several weeks. fever 7 weight loss also make you concerned.
In my view when your doctor says there is some strong infection in body. & that is affecting your health issue recurrent... also without cure after two full courses of antibiotics & steroids from your blood work .... I feel
Blood signs do indicate serious infection.. but then it aught to show some bodily symptoms too. You don't have any other complaint/ symptoms in body except for repeated & non resolving sore throat... In this scenario, possibilities are-
- The infection is non responding, possibly because the bacteria are not responding to antibiotics given ( they are resistant ). In such condition culture & sensitivity test of sputum / throat swab would throw light on causative organisms & the suitable antibiotics for their control.
May be it follows chronic tonsillitis/ tooth infection/ sinusitis. These need to be excluded.
- Associated diabetes when uncontrolled can hamper recovery. In such condition blood sugar testing to exclude/ to assess sugar control with treatment given is done& necessary change in medicines is done to achieve good sugar control.
- in case the root cause is allergy.. which is unrecognized .. it may continue to restart the problem.In such case allergen needs to be recognized by allergy screen test & exposure to allergen is avoided.
Anti allergic drug given to restrain the symptoms till you get sufficient resistance after returning to normal general condition.
- Few conditions lowering resistance like Tuberculosis/ HIV affection too needs to be excluded.
* In this context I would advise to consult an ENT specialist for an expert advise. He may refer you to a dentist/ diabetologist/ chest physician as per need.
* self care- increase your liquid intake, drink warm water & avoid cold drinks, sour & fried things/ hot tea with honey helps/hot saline gargles give relief/ Use a steamer / humidifier in your room.
Thus expert advise & self care would help you to get rid of the harassing problem. I hope the answer is both informative & helpful to you.any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Expert advise & self care would help.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXX,
Thanks for the query under health care magic platform.I have read it carefully & understand your concern.
You have recurrent throat soreness, fever over last several weeks. fever 7 weight loss also make you concerned.
In my view when your doctor says there is some strong infection in body. & that is affecting your health issue recurrent... also without cure after two full courses of antibiotics & steroids from your blood work .... I feel
Blood signs do indicate serious infection.. but then it aught to show some bodily symptoms too. You don't have any other complaint/ symptoms in body except for repeated & non resolving sore throat... In this scenario, possibilities are-
- The infection is non responding, possibly because the bacteria are not responding to antibiotics given ( they are resistant ). In such condition culture & sensitivity test of sputum / throat swab would throw light on causative organisms & the suitable antibiotics for their control.
May be it follows chronic tonsillitis/ tooth infection/ sinusitis. These need to be excluded.
- Associated diabetes when uncontrolled can hamper recovery. In such condition blood sugar testing to exclude/ to assess sugar control with treatment given is done& necessary change in medicines is done to achieve good sugar control.
- in case the root cause is allergy.. which is unrecognized .. it may continue to restart the problem.In such case allergen needs to be recognized by allergy screen test & exposure to allergen is avoided.
Anti allergic drug given to restrain the symptoms till you get sufficient resistance after returning to normal general condition.
- Few conditions lowering resistance like Tuberculosis/ HIV affection too needs to be excluded.
* In this context I would advise to consult an ENT specialist for an expert advise. He may refer you to a dentist/ diabetologist/ chest physician as per need.
* self care- increase your liquid intake, drink warm water & avoid cold drinks, sour & fried things/ hot tea with honey helps/hot saline gargles give relief/ Use a steamer / humidifier in your room.
Thus expert advise & self care would help you to get rid of the harassing problem. I hope the answer is both informative & helpful to you.any follow up query is welcome.
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
Answered by
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