I get a sore throat once every two weeks
Just as the title says, I (21, F, 5'2, 115 lb) get constant sore throats. It usually goes like this: I'm fine, my throat starts feeling off (dry, thick-- it's not always the same) and a few days to a week later, it turns into a full blown sore throat (what I call an "episode"), then after 1-3 days it goes away and I'm fine. Cycle repeats.
The sore throats usually involve a lot of mucus, so much so my mouth fills with it in a matter of seconds. I usually throw up from swallowing so much mucus. Very rarely, the episode is just a day long and relatively painless. But most of the time, it's pretty bad. I usually lose all appetite for 1-2 days and occasionally get fevers too.
This has been happening for at least a year, maybe more. I've seen multiple ENTs that have led to no results. Negative for strep, tonsils removed and problem still persisted, no allergies (didn't test positive for any, and I tried Flonase + Claritin for months everyday and no difference), not LPR. Currently testing an environment change (sleeping downstairs and not going into my bedroom where I used to spend about 70% of my time) but already having some throat issues.
I've also seen a speech therapist, but I was told I have a strong, healthy voice. Additionally, my ENTs have said my vocal cords look fine. My throat too. The only thing they noticed was small bumps on the back of my throat.
Though, I'm not for sure it's related, I do notice that my throat gets worse when I use my voice too much. I work in a loud restaurant, so I use my voice pretty intensely there. I'm not sure if it's the cause, or if me using my voice just makes the problem worse. Or it could be completely unrelated, idk.
I take a few medications daily (mainly Adderall for my ADHD and Zyrtec for some itchiness on my back). I've been starting to use ipratropium bromide 3 times a day, as per my current ENTs instructions. I have HSV-1 (usually under my eye when it flares up) and eczema. Other than that, I don't have any other medical conditions (that I know of lol).
I do vape, but the problem began before I started. I also quit for a month but still had episodes. Though, I know it probably doesn't help and am planning now to quit forever. Other than that and what's prescribed to me, I don't do any kinda drugs or anything.
Additional info: I'm east asian and white, and I'm living in the US currently.
If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I would appreciate it so much! It's a serious burden on my life lol. Thanks!
Posted Apr 2, 2026, 10:38 PM UTC