Hello. I have been suffering from a Chronic Sore Throat for about 6 months now. Not a scratchy throat, but a painful ache in my throat. I'm 28 years old and have been a smoker for 13 years. I have noticed that I have been unusually sensitive to allergies this year, but nothing seems to take the pain away in my throat in the way of allergy medication. I haven't noticed any post nasal drip or anything, just waking up with a scratchy throat that then turns into a constant ache. There is a pain in top back of my pallet as well that will accompany the sore throat on occasion as well. I went to the doctor for it about 4 months ago and was put on Z-pak for a sinus infection/double ear infection where the only symptom was the achy throat, but it returned a month later. What could be causing this and what can I do to get rid of it? I am going to make an appointment to see the doctor very soon, but I thought I might be able to get another opinion before seeing the doctor as this is a very busy practice and it seems as though the doctors don't take the time to hear the full story before prescribing meds and shooing me off. Thank You very much for replying to my question.