Coughs and Colds

Your sore throat and nasal symptoms have lasted longer than the duration of a usual common cold. It is possible that you have a viral infection, but it is also possible that something other than an infection is causing your symptoms. The most common non-infectious cause of a sore throat (in the absence of a runny nose, which you do not report having) is irritation from refluxed stomach acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or "GERD"). GERD can usually be managed with over-the-counter anti-acid medicine. It is reasonable for you to meet with your doctor to see if this diagnosis fits well with your symptoms and to discuss a treatment strategy.

If you have any medical conditions that result in an abnormal immune system (for example, HIV), if you take steroid pills (for example, prednisone), or if you use steroid sprays or inhalers, then you may have a yeast infection in your throat. A yeast infection in the throat is also known as "thrush." Yeast infections in the throat are usually caused by a type of yeast called "candida." A visit to your doctor is recommended.

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Online Medical Reviewer: McDonald, Thad, MD Date Last Reviewed: 5/4/2006 Date Last Modified: 3/30/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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