I have had a sore throat--on the right side--for about four weeks. It has not subsided since a week-long cold. I visited a family doctor last week who looked in my throat, felt around a bit, took a culture (it was negative), and prescribed Keflex. (My temp was 97.8 degrees). She seemed rather confident that the cause was sinus drainage and said that I should see improvement after about 48 hours. It has not improved. I do not smoke or chew tobacco (never have). The pain seems to subside at times, but is more severe than average on occasion. There has been very slight radiation of the pain to the right ear and neck, although infrequently and occurs when I am most aware of the symptoms.
Ideas?
Reply: -----------------------
Sore throats of this nature, particularly when lasting for a month or more may warrant an examination by an otolaryngologist who can examine the entire throat including the part of the throat behind and above the palate, the base of the tongue, the vocal cords, etc. These areas are typically not examined by a family physician who generally will examine the oral cavity and tonsils which are visible with a tongue blade. Examination of the areas I previously mentioned require special mirrors with high intensity illumination or an endoscope and such examinations are usually done only by an otolaryngologist.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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