Persistent Throat Pain: Seeking Advice
I am a 37-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 7 inches and weighing between 260 and 275 pounds. I do not smoke. My discomfort began on the evening of July 19 with a sore throat that escalated to an unbearable level by July 22. I experienced no nasal congestion, cough, or fever. As a result, I called in sick to work and sought immediate care at an urgent care facility. There, I was tested for RSV, COVID, Influenza, and Strep throat, all of which returned negative results. The doctor examined my throat and asserted that it appeared normal. I received a steroid injection and was prescribed a regimen of 20mg prednisone to take twice daily, along with lidocaine to gargle for relief. I was advised to return in three days if my condition did not improve. Additionally, I was recommended to create a homemade mouthwash to soothe my throat. However, there were delays in obtaining the prednisone, which I only received by Thursday afternoon, and the lidocaine came the following Friday, after much back and forth with the pharmacy and the urgent care clinic. Throughout Thursday and Friday, I managed to take the two 20mg prednisone doses each afternoon, which provided some relief, but only temporarily. By Saturday, I began adjusting my dosing schedule to one pill every 12 hours. This tactic has helped a bit, but the relief tends to wear off every eight hours and the lidocaine has not been very effective. Concurrently, I started developing a severe productive cough with brown and gold phlegm, adding to my discomfort. By Sunday, the pain became intolerable, prompting another visit to urgent care. After re-evaluation and further testing, the results remained negative, and my throat was still deemed normal. At that visit, I was prescribed a Z-Pack antibiotic, which I began on Sunday with an initial dose of two tablets. As of today, Tuesday, I am on my third day of treatment. I ran out of my prednisone supply this morning and the level of pain has increased again. I'm feeling quite uncertain regarding the cause of my symptoms. The steroid is the only treatment that has seemingly provided any benefit. Interestingly, I had a persistent sore throat last November that lasted a grueling five weeks, and it was extremely difficult to endure. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions regarding my situation, especially as I am a single parent and cannot afford to be unable to speak. I have already consulted two different doctors regarding my health. Additionally, I want to note that there has been no sexual activity in over four months, and my last STD screening in May was clear.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 2:30:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
Summary of Main Points: I understand you are dealing with severe throat pain that has persisted for more than two weeks, and while you've had some treatments, the pain continues to be a concern alongside a newly developed cough. It’s important to address your symptoms comprehensively and support your recovery.
Explanation: Your throat pain combined with a new productive cough could be a result of several factors, potentially including lingering inflammation from your initial throat irritation, a secondary infection, or even post-nasal drip due to allergies or sinus issues. Given the normal test results and the relief provided by steroids, it’s possible that there is underlying inflammatory or allergic activity contributing to your discomfort.
The antibiotics you've started may help if there’s a bacterial infection involved, but since you've noted a past lengthy bout of throat pain, it's wise to keep track of all symptoms and notice any patterns that emerge, particularly related to environmental factors (like allergens) or dietary influences.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Maintain a daily log of your throat pain levels, cough characteristics (e.g., color and consistency of phlegm), any other symptoms (like fatigue or changes in appetite), and potential triggers. This will be helpful in managing your condition and can guide further medical evaluations.
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Consult Your Provider About Medications: Since you've run out of prednisone and noticed interim relief, speak with your healthcare provider about a possible extension of the steroid treatment. There may be alternative anti-inflammatory options available if your symptoms persist.
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Homemade Mouthwash: Continue using the suggested homemade mouthwash, which may help soothe your throat. A common recipe includes warm saltwater or a solution of warm water with honey and lemon, which can provide temporary relief.
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Hydration and Humidification: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids (warm teas or broths can be comforting) and consider using a humidifier in your home, especially in your bedroom at night, to maintain moisture in the air.
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Follow-Up if Symptoms Worsen: If the severity of your pain increases or if you develop new symptoms (like high fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing), seek further medical evaluation promptly.
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Explore Potential Causes: Considering your previous experiences with throat discomfort, discussing a referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist may provide additional insights into underlying issues and targeted treatments.
Remember, you’re doing your best to manage a challenging situation. Stay focused on your recovery, and take care of yourself as you navigate through this. If you need more advice on any specific areas, feel free to ask!
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