Persistent Sore Throat - HELP!

Updated on November 15, 2010
S.B. asks from Flower Mound, TX
17 answers

I am normally a very healthy 37 year old mom. However, I am now on day 18 with a sore throat. This is very unusual for me because I rarely get a sore throat. In fact, the longest I have ever had a sore throat prior to this was 2 days tops and that was well over a year ago. I have been to the doctor and had blood work and a throat culture. All tests came back normal. The only other symptom I have had is being very tired. The doctor thought it might be mono but the test came back negative. I have tried warm salt water gargles, Tylenol, and Benadryl and nothing has helped. Has anyone else ever experienced something like this? Should I just stop worrying and wait for it to go away on its own? Thanks in advance!

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So What Happened?

Thank you all so much for your responses. I am going to take the advice to see another doctor for a second opinion. I am now starting my 4th week with this and now my voice is getting raspy! I appreciate you all taking the time to respond!

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B.F.

answers from Dallas on

I am thinking reflux. Try an over the counter med for that. But if it's not better with in 2 days you need a more through exam. Docs make mistakes. Pain is telling you something is wrong. Try an ENT doc.

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D.J.

answers from Dallas on

It could be sinus drainage if you have problems like that but I would not ignore it. A persistent sore throat is a sign of a serious problem.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

It could be allergies. Unfortunately, you can develop allergies in your 30s (or 40s, or 50s). Fall is my worst season for allergies. I get a lot of sore throats from post nasal drip and I also get infected adnoids which cause sore throats and pain in the back of your throat. I'd start with an ENT. And then ask if you should go to an allergist.

I feel your pain. It's a horrible feeling to have a chronic sore throat. It drags me down and exhausts me.

Feel better!!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

See an ENT for another opinion. Also-sore throat is a symtom of reflux. You can have reflux without the classic heartburn feeling-I do.

1 mom found this helpful

L.M.

answers from Dover on

You could be developing allergies and maybe whatever it is you continue to be exposed to it. Could even be something you have used or been exposed to for years that you are now sensitive to (cleaning products, laundrey detergent, etc. can cause irritations through absorption as well as skin irritations or inhalation).

Do you know if you sleep w/ your mouth open? If so, that can cause a sore throat because you are breathing through your mouth instead of your nose.

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T.M.

answers from Chicago on

Try DR. Tichenor's works good for me... very strong but, it really works!

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Sounds like a sinus infection to me. Is it worse in the morning? That's a sure sign of sinus drainage.

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Do you have sinus drainage? It could be allergies.

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I always use Congaplex from Standard Process and take 4-6 of them a day. The bottle holds 40. It works like a charm, even for strep. I've never had an antibiotic in my life. Not because there isn't a time and place for it, but because I have never needed to go that route. I also use therapeutic dosages of vitamin A with D - both together in one capsule in oil form. I take 50,000-100,000iu A/day for about 5 days and I'm good. It's not something you take long-term and most people don't understand how to properly adminster certain vitamins safely, regardless of the recommendations. If you have questions on toxicity, read the Merck manual.

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A.R.

answers from Dallas on

One more thing to consider is hypothyroidism. If your levels are off, it will make you very tired and will give you a sore/hoarse throat. Tell your doctor you want to test your TSH, T3, and T4 levels to make sure your thyroid isn't the issue. Good luck!

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J.E.

answers from Tyler on

I'm sorry you are having this problem. I believe it has gone on too long and at the very least failure to resolve the problem could cause your immune system to become so worn down that you are at risk for new illnesses that you would normally be able yo fight off.

I suggest returning to the doctor for more tests, a referral to a specialist, a second opinion whatever it takes to get this fixed as soon as you can. The actual cause may turn out to be something quite simple - the consequences of long term stress to your immune system are pretty bad.

I don't mean to sound pushy about this, but I had a similar situation brought on mainly by allergies and took the "oh, it's not so bad, eventually it will grt better route" after my dr. assured me I didn't have anything " bad" for years now I have lived with a severely deficient immune system. I hope all goes well for you.

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B.W.

answers from Dallas on

I had a similar problem with a very persistant sore throat and extremely run down. It turned out to be severe anemia and they wanted me to go to the ER for a blood transfusion. You said they did blood work so possibly that was ruled out. Woth double checking while your getting more tests done. Also, retest the mono because false negatives are not uncommon, per a friend who has had it several times. Good luck to you!

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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

pregnant? that messes with your sinuses!

mono? One of our friends (age 30) currently has mono. The 1st testing was negative. 3 weeks later, it was positive. Maybe a retesting for you?

try a new bed pillow....that might help. & maybe look at your environment - is it time to spring clean....? Scrubbing the house top to bottom might eliminate whatever's triggering you! Good Luck!

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S.W.

answers from Dallas on

Sore throat: Have you looked into a sinus drainage problem? Maybe you've now developed allergies that you didn't have before.

Fatigue: Has your doctor looked at your thyroid level? You may have hypo or hyperthyroid.

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

My first guess would have been mono too. I had it years ago, and I could be wrong, but I think it's not uncommon to get false negative tests for mono. Or I have heard of people testing negative at one stage of it, then positive in another stage. Just a thought. When I had mono, it kept me "down" for nearly three weeks. I was MISERABLE and so very tired.

Other than that, I know I often have a sore throat during allergy season (fall is the worst for me) simply because of post-nasal drip constantly dripping and irritating my throat.

Good luck. I hope you find some answers and get relief soon. I know this is no fun :(

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P.H.

answers from Dallas on

I was thinking Reflux too. But you would probably have the sensation of having something "stuck" in your throat as well. You might try a Netti Pot if you are having any post nasal drainage. Regardless of what it is, make sure you are staying well hydrated with lots and lots of water. This will help.

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A.F.

answers from Dallas on

I used to get sick like that when the weather changes. I was introduced to a great nutritional supplement by a friend about 11 years back and I have not had any issues since then. Since what we does not have all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals etc. you may need to supplement to boost your immune system.

A.

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