Hello, thank you for your question. Persistent cough and sore throat that does not go away even after weeks may indicate a bacterial infection and requires antibiotic treatment. However, for this to be the case, there would normally be fever and other symptoms as well. For frequent cough and sore threat, as you described, antibiotic treatment may not be necessary.

Frequent cough and sore threat may be due to a more long standing issue, such as post-nasal drip. This is when there is a problem higher up in the airway (namely the nasal area) where mucus tracts down the nasal tract backwards into the throat and airways instead of coming out through the front (for example in runny nose).

It is normal for glands that line the nose, throat and airways to produce mucus, which is a thick fluid that functions to lubricate the airway and also trap foreign particles such as viruses and bacteria. Sometimes, for one reason or another, our body produces more than the usual amount of mucus, or mucus that is thicker than normal.

In cases like these, the passage of huge amounts of mucus, abnormally thick mucus, or both can cause irritation and also inflammation along the airway, leading to frequent coughing and sore throat. While therapeutic agents such lozenges and mouthwash are available to alleviate the symptoms, ENT intervention might be required to properly address this problem in the long term.

Medical treatment that are available include oral medication, nasal sprays, and also surgical procedures. For more clarification, you should consult your doctor and provide a full history and get examined properly.