Question 1

sore throat been 3 4 week i am a regular smoker no symptoms of cold or sickness what is this?

Accepted Answer

Doctor can check: Throat pain can be from a strep throat infection (antibiotics are needed), a cold or influenza (antibiotics usually not used), or from some other cause such as allergies or irritants (hopefully not cancer). One should go to his doctor if the sore throat is bothersome, recurrent, or doesn't go away quickly, to check things out (3-4 weeks is long). Sometimes throat lozenges can decrease throat pain.

Question 2

what is the difference between a strep throat & a regular sore throat?

Accepted Answer

Germ & consequence: Group a streptococcus is the agent causing strep throat while a multitude of viruses can cause  an otherwise sore throat. Both will get better within a few days without treatment. However, the untreated strep may result in heart, kidney or central nervous system problems if not treated within the first  9 days.Symptoms may be identical at the beginning.

Question 3

does throat cancer feel like a regular sore throat?

Accepted Answer

Yes and depends: Tonsil, tongue, supraglottic larynx, larynx, pharyngeal wall, pyriform sinus, etc are all sites often bundled together unfortunately into "throat" cancer. "sore throat" symptoms can overlap anatomical sites. Different sites can have different issues. Difficulties in taste, dentition, chewing, w/ food types (solid, acidic, spicy, carbonated), reflux, ear pain, change in smell/taste can be seen.

Question 4

can regular sore throat be a sign of throat cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: The pain of throat cancer will sneak up on you over weeks, and it will lack the symmetry of a regular sore throat. More important is to check a bad sore throat for streptococcus and get treated to prevent rheumatic fever.

Question 5

is it normal to have pus pockets on your tonsils when u have a regular sore throat?  i've had this 7 days and all my tests for strep are neg.

Accepted Answer

Possible: A negative strept test means that the infection is presumed to be due to a virus. You may see pus pockets on tonsils in infections due other than streptococcus. However, you should be seeing improvement in the next few days, else, consider seeing your PCP.

Question 6

i have a bump under my arm which is sensitive to touch..it was first a puss bump and later just a regular bump that's abit sensitive.also a mild sore throat?

Accepted Answer

Bump: Sebaceous cyst is most likely.  A picture would help. Follow up with a doctor or virtual consult for confirmation

Question 7

i have been sick for about 5 weeks now. it changed from a regular head cold about 3 weeks ago to an on & off heavy feeling in my chest and a cough, no sore throat. i had a fever for about 5 hours last friday and a very low fever again for a couple hours l?

Accepted Answer

: Any illness that lasts this long should be evaluated by a physician. Especially in this pandemic, prolonged respiratory problems can be Covid, or RSV, or even more serious issues. It is time for someone to take a thorough history and do a good physical exam to help identify possible causes and direct the right care. Good luck!

Question 8

differences between strep throat and regular sore throat? how can you tell? i dont like to run to the doctor for every little thing, and ive never gone just for a sore throat. but my daughter recently had strep throat, and now im wondering how i would

Accepted Answer

A : A sore throat can be caused by infection (bacterial or virus) or also commonly caused by allergies. Allergies cause something called post nasal drip. Mucous from your nose created by allergies runs  from your nose down into your throat and causes irritation or pain. This is usually improved with anti-histamines or benadryl (diphenhydramine). 
The fact that your daughter has recently had strep throat leads me to believe you are at high risk. Your doctor can perform a simple test in the office, called a rapid strep test, you will know within a matter of minutes if you have strep throat or not. Aprropriate treatment can then be initiated.
Running to your doctor for a sore throat is not a "little thing". Strep throat, if left untreated can cause multiple complications, so treatment is paramount.

Question 9

hi doctor. i started having a sore throat 2 days ago then it went to coughing and headache/fever, now i have no voice and can barely speak loud. is this just a regular cold?

Accepted Answer

Laryngitis: Suggest analgesia , pholtex and menthol inhalation. If not settling within 48 hrs , see your GP.

Question 10

i have runny nose and sore throat and body ache. it feels like just regular cold symptoms, but it has been going on for 2 days now. is there a medication i can take that is not otc.

Accepted Answer

10-14 days: A cold can take up to 10-14 days to fully resolve.  It is important to allow yourself to take full and adequate rest in order to speed up recovery. Take 3-4 days off from work, sleep a lot, gargle with warm salt water with turmeric. There are several over the counter remedies to help with symptoms, and some Ayurvedic or Chinese herbs that can help speed recovery if taken in the first few days.

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Doctor answers about:

Sore throat vs regular throat

A member asked:

Sore throat been 3 4 week i am a regular smoker no symptoms of cold or sickness what is this?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a strep throat & a regular sore throat?

A member asked:

Does throat cancer feel like a regular sore throat?

A member asked:

Can regular sore throat be a sign of throat cancer?

A member asked:

Is it normal to have pus pockets on your tonsils when u have a regular sore throat? i've had this 7 days and all my tests for strep are neg.

A member asked:

I have a bump under my arm which is sensitive to touch..it was first a puss bump and later just a regular bump that's abit sensitive.also a mild sore throat?

A member asked:

I have been sick for about 5 weeks now. it changed from a regular head cold about 3 weeks ago to an on & off heavy feeling in my chest and a cough, no sore throat. i had a fever for about 5 hours last friday and a very low fever again for a couple hours l?

A member asked:

Differences between strep throat and regular sore throat? how can you tell? i dont like to run to the doctor for every little thing, and ive never gone just for a sore throat. but my daughter recently had strep throat, and now im wondering how i would

A member asked:

Hi doctor. i started having a sore throat 2 days ago then it went to coughing and headache/fever, now i have no voice and can barely speak loud. is this just a regular cold?

A member asked:

I have runny nose and sore throat and body ache. it feels like just regular cold symptoms, but it has been going on for 2 days now. is there a medication i can take that is not otc.

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