Illness question....?

Question

About a week and a half ago, I came down with some kind of sinus infection...I had alot of post nasal drip and eventually lost my voice for about 3 days. My throat didn't hurt at all during that time. I work at a hospital, so I asked two of the drs to check me out....one said they thought it could be allergies and one said it was a virus and it would just have to pass. I have been taking Alavert (allergy medication) in hopes it will dry it up. Anyway, I am now pretty much back to normal...I have my voice back and my sinuses don't hurt anymore, but NOW I have a sore throat on and off throughout the day. It seems to get worse over the course of the day. I feel that going on 2 weeks is a little much for a sore throat. Any ideas on what could be going on and what I can do to help it? I have been taking ibuprofen pretty much everyday when it gets bad to help with the pain, but I don't want to over do it! Thanks!

Answer 1

If your sore throat comes and goes, it could be caused by post nasal drip. While you are feeling better, your sinuses must still be draining. That drainage can be related to allergies or illness. Might be worthwhile to talk to one of those doctors again to see if you need something to drain those sinuses faster.

Also, make sure you don't have a fever which could indicate a sinus infection, strep throat, a bacterial throat infection or other related problem. If you have a fever, definitely see a doctor!

In the meantime, there are things you can do to improve the situation:
1. drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol due to its dehydrating effects
2. hot compresses to sinus areas
3. steam will thin the mucus (steam from hot shower, or heat pan of hot water and inhale that steam...do not get close enough to burn yourself!)
4. humidifier/vaporizer...use one with a "well" for adding medications so you can add vicks vaporub or eucalyptus
5. saline nasal spray (can buy at any drug store)

And believe it or not, chicken soup is a perfect comfort food at this time and is beneficial since it contains fluid and has steam!