Allergies or more?? Sore throat, lots of phlegm, nasal congestion...please help!?

Question

Hi all,

Not sure what my odds are of having some sort of med professional answer this but here goes. i have been to 3 doctors and they are saying i have symptoms of allergies. However, whatever I take does NOT work. My throat is ticklish so I cough all the time, I have a lot of nose congestion and mucus (no weird coloring, thank god) and post nasal drip. I have tried Sudafed, Alka Seltzer, Robitussin, and now Claritin.I also got a prescrition for Flonase two days ago. Also, when I touch the sides of my throat (like right under the base of my jawline, my glands are very sore).

I seriously cannot take this agony anymore...this has been going on for 9 days now. Any thoughts? Something more serious or am I just overreacting? Should I just wait it out?

Has anyone else experienced this?? Thanks.

Answer 1

Chica: Do you have a fever? Allergies never cause a fever. If you have a fever then it is something else. Sore throat is rarely a sign of allergy. When you went to the Dr, did they swap your throat for strep? The swollen glands are also contra-indicated for allergy. Most common colds run their course in 10 days. Since you are on day 9 and not feeling better, there is a good chance it is an infection. The only way to rule allergy out is to have either a skin or blood test performed. Never accept a diagnosis of allergy without one of these two. It is odd that you would see three different doctors in 9 days that are diagnosing allergy without a test. So, get yourself to a real doctor. Get yourself a white cell count and a swab for strep. This will either indicate or rule out infection. If infection is ruled out then insist on the allergy test. But frankly, sore throat and swollen glands are not typical of allergy.

Answer 2

Sounds like you need to take further action...such as see specialists. You mention seeing three doctors but did you see and allergist and an ENT? If not, I suggest you start there. See an allergist to find out if it is allergies and, if so, what you are allergic too so you can get properly treated.

I also suggest ENT (ear, nose and throat) because maybe it isn't allergies but is a sinus condition instead. This is totally possible given your symptoms. A cold usually ends in 7 to 10 days so I think this is more sinus related, not cold. I would also make the ENT my first specialist to see and see the allergist only if ENT feels it is allergies.

Please see specialists so you can get to the root of your issues and get successful treatment.

Answer 3

Whenever you have thick yellow/green mucus it is indicative of a bacterial infection. You most likely have either strep throat or a bacterial sinus infection. You should see your doctor so he/she can prescribe you an antibiotic. You should also stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water, this will help break up the mucus as well. Unfortunately if you let it get worse it may turn into pneumonia. Sounds like you NEED antibiotics! Hope you feel better!

Answer 4

Take a Benadryl every night and it will last throughout the day. Benadryl is the most powerful allergy medicine out there, even prisciption meds aren't as powerful as Benadryl. I have nasal allergies too and Benadryl always helps.