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Why Do I Have Progressively Worsening Sore Throat?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Jan 2024
Question: I have for over a week dealt with a progressively worsening sore throat but my sinuses are clearing up. I can't talk normal and my throat feels dry after drinking. Is there any remedy for this or what could be wrong?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Sore throats are most commonly caused by drainage from the sinuses (from infection, allergies, or sensitivities to inhaled things such as fragrances), and sometimes directly by irritation from things that are inhaled in the air, or swallowed. It can also be caused by acid that comes up the esophagus from the stomach.

So here are some tips for trying to sort it out (and I have recommendations for each depending on which may go with your history or symptoms):

If your sinuses are clear and you don't feel any post nasal drainage, it may be acid coming up. This often causes an irritated or burning sensation in the back of the throat or tongue.

If you recently had a cold or sinus infection and the sinuses seem clearer but still have a sore throat, it may be that there is still some persistent post nasal drainage.

The same applies for allergies.

Usually you can tell an infection from allergies in that an infection will make a person feel more tired, achy, and possibly start with a fever while allergic symptoms are more itchy nose and throat.

If there is dust in the air or you smoke cigarettes, it may be direct irritation.

Do any of these scenarios sound like what might be going on?

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
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Why Do I Have Progressively Worsening Sore Throat?

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Sore throats are most commonly caused by drainage from the sinuses (from infection, allergies, or sensitivities to inhaled things such as fragrances), and sometimes directly by irritation from things that are inhaled in the air, or swallowed. It can also be caused by acid that comes up the esophagus from the stomach. So here are some tips for trying to sort it out (and I have recommendations for each depending on which may go with your history or symptoms): If your sinuses are clear and you don't feel any post nasal drainage, it may be acid coming up. This often causes an irritated or burning sensation in the back of the throat or tongue. If you recently had a cold or sinus infection and the sinuses seem clearer but still have a sore throat, it may be that there is still some persistent post nasal drainage. The same applies for allergies. Usually you can tell an infection from allergies in that an infection will make a person feel more tired, achy, and possibly start with a fever while allergic symptoms are more itchy nose and throat. If there is dust in the air or you smoke cigarettes, it may be direct irritation. Do any of these scenarios sound like what might be going on?