Dull sore throat (collarbone level) for three weeks, what do I have?

[steeterwav]

Hey guys. I have had a sore throat for 3 or more weeks now. I'm a hypochondriac so it is worrying me more than it would normal people, I'm sure.

The soreness is dull and is most noticeable when breathing. The feeling is between my collarbone and Adam's Apple in my throat. The only other real symptom I have is heart palpitations or a consciousness of my heart beating in my throat occasionally.

Actually, I do also feel pretty congested in my sinus and can feel mucus (yuck) possibly dripping down towards the back of my mouth.

After two weeks, I was prescribed Amoxicillin. It had no effect so I went back to another doctor and they prescribed Azithromycin. Because I'm a hypochondriac and was convinced I somehow had lung cancer, she also ordered some blood tests I should get back on Monday. So far, the Azithromycin hasn't helped.

I'm 21, and have never smoked, drank, or done any drugs. I am sometimes exposed to second-hand smoke and work in a shop with some chemicals, though I don't work with them directly.

So what does it sound like I've got? Post-nasal drip? Pneumonia, bronchitis? The heart palpitations, I'll admit, could be brought on by anxiety. I can't remember if they started exactly when the sore throat did or if I noticed them later on. I don't think I have any real shortness of breath other than because of the congestion, but I've still been riding my bike a lot and feel mostly as strong as usual. Swallowing is not difficult and doesn't hurt, and I don't really choke/cough. Mostly just clear my throat.

Thanks!

[steeterwav]

Hey guys. I am a little freaked out because I'm a hypo and my blood tests came back as being a little low on the WBC. Immediately my mind went back to cancer, while the nurse asked if I am at risk for HPV or HIV (I'm not).

So here's my question: can a viral infection cause a low WBC count? I was also taking antibiotics at the time my blood was taken (amoxicillin). Can a viral infection last this long and can it cause low WBC count, either on it's own or in conjunction with taking antibiotics? I still have the sore throat and congestion. What about sinusitis?

[tschock]

Great advice there!
I recently started having palpitations, etc...and I was told by the heart clinic to get checked for Celiac as well. ( Something to do while I wait for the heart results anyway lol)
She also mentioned getting tested for thyroid issues...so many problems out there that mimic heart problems.

Steeterwav -

That feeling in the back of your throat is called post nasal drip. Mucus runs down from your sinuses into your throat...it can cause you to cough, swallow constantly, clear your throat, etc.
The palpitations could be caused by anxiety.
Report all symptoms to your doctor so that he/she will know where to start looking. They must have seen something in order to give you antibiotics...therefore you are not entirely a hypochondriac.
Your "other problem" sounds like it could be GERD...it's basically acid that backs up into the esophagus...can cause all sorts of problems.
Get your tummy checked.

[Caryopteris]

You might be experiencing GERD.  If it is instead a sinus problem, stopping dairy might help.  I would stop worrying about cancer as this does not sound like cancer at all.  GERD, food allergies, and sinus problems can all be interrelated, and I suspect that stopping wheat and/or dairy will bring you optimum health.  Before you stop wheat on your own, get tested for Celiac disease.  Lots of people who think they are hypochondriacs are not hypochondriacs at all, it's just that Celiac disease can cause up to 250 different, seemingly unrelated, symptoms.