What Could Be Causing My Sore Throat?
At 18 years old, standing 5'4" and weighing 98 pounds, I’m currently dealing with an extremely painful sore throat that is making it quite challenging to swallow. I initially dismissed it as nothing serious since I have a history of anorexia with the binge/purge subtype, where I often experience severe throat discomfort after multiple daily purges. However, it has been two days now without significant improvement, although I think there might be a slight ease in the pain, as talking isn't as bothersome as it was before. Another concern weighing on my mind is whether this could be linked to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Just three days ago, I engaged in oral sex with someone I barely know—a friend of a friend—after a night of feeling lonely, a bit high, and drunk, and I started feeling the sore throat the next day. I've been examining my throat closely; however, it doesn't match the STI-related images I’ve seen online, although it is notably red. I even asked him, but he insists he feels fine, so I'm unsure if I contracted something from him. Additionally, I have a habit of snorting Concerta regularly, and I've continued to do so despite my throat issues, mainly to avoid withdrawal. Surprisingly, I find that doing lines may alleviate some of the discomfort temporarily since it numbs my mouth. On another note, I did smoke a handful of cigarettes that I found discarded in public while intoxicated, which might not help my throat either. Furthermore, I have infected self-harm cuts on my thigh and forearm, which raises concerns that I may have inadvertently transferred bacteria from them to my mouth, especially since I didn't wash my hands before inducing a purge. I also experience acid reflux every time I bend or burp, which might be irritating my throat as well. To add to this, I haven’t purged since the sore throat became so intense, which is unusual for me. I apologize for the lengthy explanation but would appreciate any thoughts on my situation.
Answers (1)
3/6/2026, 9:20:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand you're experiencing a very painful sore throat, and I appreciate your detailed explanation of the situation. It sounds quite complex and concerning, especially given your history and the recent events.
Key Points:
- Your sore throat may be caused by several factors: irritation from purging, potential bacterial infection, STI, smoking, and acid reflux.
- It’s essential to address the throat pain and consider potential infection sources, especially with your history of self-harm and poor hygiene during purging.
Explanation: Your sore throat can result from irritation or injury from frequent purging, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort. The throat may also be red as a sign of irritation, which could be exacerbated by other factors like smoking and acid reflux. Additionally, engaging in oral sex introduces a risk of STIs that could cause throat issues, although it doesn't seem to match stereotypical presentations based on your description.
Given your history of self-harm, it's wise to maintain good hygiene to prevent any bacterial infections from cuts. Snorting substances like Concerta can also damage the throat lining, leading to irritation. Since you're feeling a slight improvement, that’s encouraging, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be monitored.
Next Steps:
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Increase Fluid Intake: Drink plenty of water and soothing liquids (like warm tea with honey) to keep your throat hydrated and help ease the pain.
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Avoid Irritants: Stop smoking and refrain from snorting substances, as these can exacerbate throat irritation and delay healing.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If you haven’t already, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce soreness and inflammation.
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Practice Good Hygiene: Keep any self-harm cuts clean and avoid touching your mouth with unwashed hands. This will minimize the risk of introducing bacteria into your throat.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms for any significant changes. If your sore throat persists beyond a week, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or swallowing, it would be important to seek medical attention for further evaluation.
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Seek Professional Support: Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or a counselor who can provide support regarding your anorexia and substance use, as well as the psychological aspects of your recent experiences.
Your health and well-being are of utmost importance. Take care of yourself, and please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.
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