worried about problem

28 yrs old male, non-smoker. had cold 4 weeks ago. took me 3 days 2 recover by takin OC med. had some pain in my ear + headache. ear canal was red (infected&fluid in middle ear)and pain in sinuses. took 14 days of Augmentin & Guaifenex 2x. same time started allergy nasal (fluticasone). Had a thin blood one day in my spit. changed it to Nasonex. taking Clartin once a day. Problem: cold is gone but, the throat is red (purple) and itchy,dry. Lymph nodes in groin area of the right leg is hard but not visible by eye nor more than one(1) cm in size. (just by touch is feelable and when I sit up-right  90 degree angle feels the slight pain, which makes me change my position). I could see the capileries on the surface of back of my throat. kind of concern about STDs. since my last STD/HIV neg test ('05)(Thank God) was with 3 ladies each once & all of them I used protection. and the last 2 piece of info that may help :last 3 weeks I have been going to dentist and a temporary crown on the  last top left tooth was placed. the temp crown is removed now & the permanent one is there since Wed. (not sure if  has to do anything with the red throat).& last piece of info is that the middle ear fluid is still there (not clear reflec & some bubbles according to nurse)started re-taking Guaifenex PSE  5 days, 2x to drain the fluid. concerns are 1-red and dried throat for the last couple weeks and 2- hard lymph nodes. and if these symptoms has to do anything with STDs? Will appreciate your thoughts.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the treatment course thus far.  The Augmentin would have appropriately treated strep infection if it was here.  

You can further culture the throat if gonorrhea is a possibility.  However, I would also do a blood test looking for mononucleosis - since that can lead to a sore throat.

If STDs continue to be of concern, appropriate urine tests and urethral swabs can be considered.

An ENT referral should be obtained if the sore throat lingers.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[health concern]

follow up question:

the throat is still red, not as much as before but it gets dry and itchy very quick. Taken blood test for Mono, STD and HIV and waiting for the result, tomorrow is going to be one week! Also took a rapid HIV test (FDA approved) and the result was Negative (Thank God). Now sometimes I get back pain like a nerve pinch, and the finger joints a little bit hurts... any idea that you think would help me figure out what is wrong. No fever by the way. thanks

[health concern]

Sorry I think I wrote your name Dr. David on the last post. My apology.

Also I got a CBC and everything was normal. and was seen by an ENT and he said it is red and if it doesn't go away I should go back to see him. Basically nothing particular he said after the examination, beside he said make sure to check out at the register. :)