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What Causes Persistent Sore Throat Even After Zitromax Intake?
Question: I had pharyngitis three weeks ago (I went to urgent care due to a very sore throat and a slight fever), and the doctor gave me something called zitromax. She advised me to take the first dose, then split the last two into four pills to prolong the amount of time the antibiotics were in my system. They didn't run any tests, because I had a splenectomy three months ago, they just gave me the antibiotic. I still have the sore throat. I have really bad hay fever this time of year, and my sore throat goes away when I take ibuprofen, but I'm wondering if I should go back to the doctor to get more antibiotics because everyday I wake up with swelling that only goes away with ibuprofen, I only worry because of my recent splenectomy...I have also been more tired than usual. Three days ago I started taking loratadine daily to help with the allergies, and hopefully helping my throat, but it doesn't seem to do anything.
Brief Answer:
throat swab and more antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
If your sore throat has persisted for so long it is worthwhile getting a throat swab for culture and sensitivity testing. It will help to identify the exact organism and also pin points the antibiotic the organism is sensitive to.
Zithromax is not the first line antibiotic for sore throat. Penicillin group of antibiotics work best for upper respioratory tract infections.
You should also follow some general measures like -
1) Warm salt water gargling 4 times daily.
2) Plenty of warm fluids - 3 -4 litres per day.
3) Avoid using the air conditioner and drinking cold drinks.
4) It is not advisable to use ibuprofen too frequently. It is safer to use tylenol.
For hay fever along with loratidine you can also start a local steroid nasal spray. Antileucotrines like montelucast also help to control symptoms better.
Please talk to your doctor about all of the above.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.
throat swab and more antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
If your sore throat has persisted for so long it is worthwhile getting a throat swab for culture and sensitivity testing. It will help to identify the exact organism and also pin points the antibiotic the organism is sensitive to.
Zithromax is not the first line antibiotic for sore throat. Penicillin group of antibiotics work best for upper respioratory tract infections.
You should also follow some general measures like -
1) Warm salt water gargling 4 times daily.
2) Plenty of warm fluids - 3 -4 litres per day.
3) Avoid using the air conditioner and drinking cold drinks.
4) It is not advisable to use ibuprofen too frequently. It is safer to use tylenol.
For hay fever along with loratidine you can also start a local steroid nasal spray. Antileucotrines like montelucast also help to control symptoms better.
Please talk to your doctor about all of the above.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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