Sore Throat with No Other Symptoms

[Jessie29]

I've had a moderate-severe sore throat for about a week now with no other symptoms (no cough, no phlegm, no cold).  My throat doesn't hurt when I cough, just when I swallow.  Occasionally my ears hurt as well (especially the left one), down low near the jaw line (feels like it's connected to the sore throat somehow).  I'm also experiencing very restless sleep, and last night I vomited unexpectedly for no apparent reason (stomach wasn't upset at all), but I don't know if those things are related to the sore throat at all.  Basically, I feel stupid going to the doctor for a simple sore throat, but its persistence is starting to worry me (it's gotten neither better nor worse since its inception).

I guess I'd just like to know what this might be, so that if I do go to the doctor I can go informed of the possibilities.  I'd also like to know, if a doctor is recommended, how urgent such a visit is, etc.  Or if I can try to eliminate the problem WITHOUT going to the doctor, info on that would be great too.

Thanks!

[rusty1959]

A related discussion, persistent sore throat was started.

[Jessie29]

Of course since I bothered to ask about it, it has almost entirely gone away.  My throat hurt this morning, but over the course of the day the pain has pretty much disappeared.  This means that I will not see a physician or pursue it further . . . unless someone tells me I should.  Does the fact that my throat no longer hurts mean that whatever caused it is no longer an issue?

[National Jewish]

Sore throat could be related to several different things.  It could be an infection of your throat and is easily identified by an examination and a culture.  It could be from postnasal drainage that is irritating your throat.  This can be from an allergic or non allergic condition or again from an infection coming from your sinuses.  If this is persisting and you are concerned, a physician visit can help to identify the cause and get on appropriate therapy.