what is a symptom of bacterial pharyngitis? - #26820
I am struggling with this sore throat that just won't go away! Like, for the past week, I’ve been feeling like I swallowed sandpaper or something. It’s all scratchy and painful, and I can’t even enjoy eating or talking much. I went to see my primary care doctor who said it might be bacterial pharyngitis, but I didn’t really understand what that meant. They mentioned something about, like, possible bacterial infection, and I guess they were gonna do a throat swab or something? Anyway, I’ve had this runny nose that comes and goes too, and occasionally I get chills but no fever. What is a symptom of bacterial pharyngitis that would help me figure out if I really have this? I keep thinking about, like, are there specific signs that make it clear it's bacterial and not just a normal cold or allergies? Like I’ve read stuff online but it’s sooo confusing. Should I just wait for my test results? Ugh, it's like I’m driving myself crazy wondering if I’ll need antibiotics or if it’ll just clear up. If anyone who's been through this could share what is a symptom of bacterial pharyngitis that you remember, I’d really appreciate it. I’m all ears for any advice or personal stories too!
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