soon as I stop the symptoms come back...

Hello, and thanks for your medical question on E Health Forum. I am glad that I can help you.

From the history provided, it seems that you have recovered from a severe bout of pharyngitis and could be having persisting issues due to post infectious bronchitis.

Usually once a infection subsides the residual inflammation of the airway causes persistent cough, this is called post infectious bronchitis.

The main symptoms here are dry, cough in paroxysms which persist for a long variable time frame.

Up to 25% of people suffer from a post-infectious cough – that continues for 3-8 weeks after one recovers from a cold or chest infection. It is important to know that Antibiotics do not work for this condition.

Some measures that can help you include :

1. Postnasal drip, if present can be managed with a nasal spray and decongestants.
OTC antihistamines will also help here

2. Cough can be controlled with Cough suppressants, lozenges, etc.

3. In case the symptoms are very severe, your doctor can prescribe you inhaled or oral steroid drugs.


Some important tips to Sooth a Sore Throat and prevent worsening include :-
1. Drink enough fluids,
2. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
3. Rest your voice.
4. Gargle with warm salt water several times a day.
5. Suck on throat lozenges or hard candies.
6. Take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
7. Use medicated throat sprays.

Conditions such as deviated nasal septum, tonsillitis, ear infections, chronic sinusitis have to be screened for and treated. If not the chances of recurrent infections and severe illnesses increase.

You may consider to consult your doctor for an examination, which can rule out the above predisposing conditions.

I hope you find the information here helpful.