Suggest Treatment For Acute Pharyngitis With Sub-mental Lymphadenitis

Posted on Tue, 30 Dec 2014

Question: Hi,

I recently wrote a very long description of some throat/mouth issues I have been having for months and received a good response. Not sure if it would be helpful to reference that...

3 days ago I started having pain in my left ear, down the left side of my face and under my chin in the lymph node. The lymph node doesn't really feel swollen but it hurts to touch. Today it has gotten worse and it is hurting to eat (chewing) and open my mouth wide. The pain in my ear is also worse. Any idea what this could be?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly Acute pharyngitis with sub-mental lymphadenitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

The symptoms are secondary to infection in the oral cavity (hence the swelling below the chin) and in the throat. It is termed as sub mental lymphadenitis and acute pharyngitis. The pain in the ear is because of the referred pain from the throat into the ear, as both the former and the latter enjoy the similar innervations.

My suggestions to you are:
1. To use OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.
2. Drink plenty of warm water. Avoid chilled food and beverages, smoking and coffee.
3. Try using povidone iodine throat spray; this will kill the oral micro-organisms.
4. Antibiotic such as cefuroxime or clarithromycin is required to treat the infection (which is available with the prescription only).

Do not worry! With the above measures you should be alright. Continue with the present set of medicines.

Hope I have answered the query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju