Does anyone suffer from chronic throat infections?

[Nurse22]

Recently, have had a chronic throat infection for the past three months even after 2 weeks on antibiotics. Trying to make appointment with Ear,Nose,throat doctor but difficult due to corona virus. I tested negative for corona virus at my last doctor's visit in June. Just wondering if these infections are due to my immune system and lupus diagnosis.

[Dalilatm]

Hi hi, sorry to hear this. I'm currently with a throat infection too, it's been on/off for the last two years. It's a nightmare. And, It's something new to my lupus. It wasn't like this before, but I'm also very immunosuppressed. Last November I was given antibiotics, to try and see, my GP said that probably they wouldn't work, and... they didn't. I have to use mouth wash every day, twice a day, if I want to keep my throat free from infection. It's the only thing I've found that helps and keeps me free from throat infection for longer times.

Good luck x

[Nurse22 in reply to Dalilatm]

Thank you

[Barnclown]

My experience is that you could well need a longer course of a stronger antibiotic. have your white blood cell levels been checked?

Also: have you ever had immunologic blood tests? If you have, do you know your immunoglobulin G,A, M levels? It’s unusual, but a few of us have a chronic predisposition to complex persistence pattern multisystem infections (especially in our respiratory tracts) due to more than just our lupus & our immunosuppression meds ....ie I have chronically below normal reference range immunoglobulins G, A, M and, after thorough + lengthy investigations immunology has diagnosed me with early onset Antibody Deficiency Disease and has me on long term daily antibiotics + Immunoglobulin G Replacement Therapy, which have me a lot ‘better’. So my immune dysfunction disease care is led in tandem by rheumatology & immunology.

Simultaneous autoimmune & immunodeficiency diseases are rare, but cases like mine exist ( & I personally know of others). For what it’s worth, my feeling is that AID patients whose history includes pre-immunosuppression meds complex persistence pattern respiratory infections (as my history does) should have their immunoglobulin levels checked...and the same goes for lupus patients on immunosuppression meds whose white blood cell levels are in normal range, but who have this sort of infection pattern

🍀❤️🍀❤️ Coco

[Nurse22 in reply to Barnclown]

Thank you so much for all the informing information that I have not thought of. Feel Better.

[Barnclown in reply to Nurse22]

👍💐🍀❤️🍀❤️

[Hoofprints]

I have suffered recurrent throat infections for years, seemingly after Epstein Barr infection. They never seem to respond to antibiotics, and my GP doesn't prescribe them anymore- the assumption, rightly or wrongly, is that it's viral.

I have immunodeficiency - mannose binding lectin deficiency- which was eventually picked up by immunologists. I believe this compromises my bodies ability to recognise and effectively fight off viruses. I suffer repeated shingles managed by taking a daily antiviral tablet. There's no treatment for MBL deficiency.

I have a low plasmablast level, and some of my antibodies against things like flu and pneumonia are below a protective level. But I was not deemed to have a classic immune deficiency that fits the picture of CVID ( common variable immune deficiency). Therefore I have not been offered IVIG , although wonder if this wouldn't help me as I always seem to be getting infections .

I have also developed anti-C1q antibodies - an antibody made against a good, protective antibody! So I guess this is further hindering my immune system. This was picked up on tests run by a rheumatologist.

I echo Barnclown's advice and get checked by an immunologist if you can. Good luck.

[Nurse22 in reply to Hoofprints]

Thank you so much for all the informing information. Bless you, you are going through so much. I will try to get a referral to see a Immunologist. Feel better.

[Hoofprints in reply to Nurse22]

Good luck 💐

[Krock1]

I had a prolonged episode of coughing that ended up being diagnosed as esophagitis last year. The gastro doctor was the one that narrowed it down to both GERD and bile reflux. I did not have any other GERD symptoms but I ended up controlling it with over the counter gastro drugs and reducing my intake of stuff that inflamed my digestive track. What was happening is during my sleeping the reflux was occurring which cause nasal drip into my esophagus. Prior to getting the correct diagnosis I had used antibiotics with no success.

[Nurse22 in reply to Krock1]

Thanks Krock1,I have a history of Acid re flux and it had not occurred to me that the frequent sore throats were related. I started watching my diet, sleeping with my head elevated and not eating 2-3 hours before bed, and feeling much better. Will give you an update in two weeks. thanks again, feel better

[Hoofprints]

Yes - it is curious. Feel like some hit and run victim 😂. One minute healthy, next minute a viral infection that somehow permanently seems to have wrecked everything. Hopefully one day we'll not only get explanations, but a cure - you can but live in hope 😅😁👍🌈

[Barnclown]

That sort of testing is great! Will see if I can find details, thanks 🍀❤️

[Muff20]

Hi, in my 30s I constantly got throat infections. In the end the consultant said we can't get rid of it as the infection was so deep in pockets of the tonsils. I had my tonsils out at 35. No more infections but still have sore throats and glands up and painful in my neck. Now in my 50s everything has developed, I now believe it was connected to the connective tissue disease. In fact everything I have been through in the past is connected. This disease definitely does damage.🤔

[Barnclown]

👍🤷🏼‍♀️😬🤞❣️