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Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Throat Infection
Question: Hello,
I have had recurrent infections of the throat, and sinuses now..It seems like I get a new infection every month. I have had blood tests, CT scans, MRI's, biopsies of lymph nodes and I am still quite unwell. I have been told maybe LPR, maybe muscle dysphonia, and maybe allergic rhinitis. I have never had heart burn, was on PPI's for 6 months for them to do nothing, I barely talk anymore, and my allergies to dust feel much different than this. I feel like I am living in a constant state of low grade infection. What step should I take now? How do I get an appointment with an infectious disease specialist in Toronto, and do you know of any that may be good? Also, when there what should I say?? Thank you! XXXXXXX
I have had recurrent infections of the throat, and sinuses now..It seems like I get a new infection every month. I have had blood tests, CT scans, MRI's, biopsies of lymph nodes and I am still quite unwell. I have been told maybe LPR, maybe muscle dysphonia, and maybe allergic rhinitis. I have never had heart burn, was on PPI's for 6 months for them to do nothing, I barely talk anymore, and my allergies to dust feel much different than this. I feel like I am living in a constant state of low grade infection. What step should I take now? How do I get an appointment with an infectious disease specialist in Toronto, and do you know of any that may be good? Also, when there what should I say?? Thank you! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
some tests may help
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the throat and voice problems can be reasonably explained by reflux. The sinuses problem cannot. Prolonged sinusitis may be caused by various pathogens but it could also be due to autoimmune disorders. Chronic sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
A test to identify infectious or autoimmune disorders is ESR and CRP. A high ESR may increase the chances of an autoimmune disorder (like Wegener's granulomatosis) and increased CRP (without significantly increased ESR) may be caused by an acute infection. Other test like a complete blood count might provide helpful clues too.
I don't know how the health system works in your country but I've done some internet search and I've found that Sunnybrook health center (for example) requires referral from your doctor. So a visit to your doctor is required first before visiting the specialist. Besides that for this kind of infections (if it's an infection) any primary care doctor or an ENT specialist should be equally qualified to manage it. Too many recurrent (or new) infections in the upper respiratory tract (sinuses or other areas) may be caused by regular contact with diseased individuals (like very young children going to kindergarten) or immune defects. If such a defect is suspected by your doctor then the investigation might be left to the specialist.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Please contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
some tests may help
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the throat and voice problems can be reasonably explained by reflux. The sinuses problem cannot. Prolonged sinusitis may be caused by various pathogens but it could also be due to autoimmune disorders. Chronic sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
A test to identify infectious or autoimmune disorders is ESR and CRP. A high ESR may increase the chances of an autoimmune disorder (like Wegener's granulomatosis) and increased CRP (without significantly increased ESR) may be caused by an acute infection. Other test like a complete blood count might provide helpful clues too.
I don't know how the health system works in your country but I've done some internet search and I've found that Sunnybrook health center (for example) requires referral from your doctor. So a visit to your doctor is required first before visiting the specialist. Besides that for this kind of infections (if it's an infection) any primary care doctor or an ENT specialist should be equally qualified to manage it. Too many recurrent (or new) infections in the upper respiratory tract (sinuses or other areas) may be caused by regular contact with diseased individuals (like very young children going to kindergarten) or immune defects. If such a defect is suspected by your doctor then the investigation might be left to the specialist.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Please contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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