Suggest Remedies For Sore Throat, Enlarged Papillae And Running Nose

Posted on Wed, 23 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 Answered on

Mon, 30 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a sore throat and enlarged papillae and white areas, runny nose and ear discomfort. What can I do to make it go away?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be due to a viral infection.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Gurgling with lukewarm water a few times a day is the best treatment for sore throat. Antibiotics are not usually required.
I would not be concerned by the enlarged papillae.
The runny nose is an allergic manifestation of a viral infection which is likely to have given you the sore throat. Taking cetirizine once daily for next few days should provide relief.
The ear discomfort is also a part of the same problem and taking steam inhalation should provide relief. The tubes that connect between the inner throat and the middle ear cavity seems to have got blocked due to the sore throat. The water vapor should reach deep inside and would help in opening these tubes.

Please be patient. Such symptoms usually last for 5-7 days.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (19 hours later)

It's the left side of my throat, and also ear discomfort. It heard a a little when I swallow cold drinks. Do you think it's the same issue

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Just the same

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
Yes, the issue is just the same. It seems that the tube on only one side is involved. Transient changes are likely to occur on swallowing. However, I would discourage intake of cold drinks since cold temperatures might worsen the matter.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee