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Suggest Treatment For Extremely Painful Throat And Swollen Uvula
Question: Hello, I woke up this morning with an extremely painful throat. I could not swallow and it felt like something was stuck in my throat. I looked in the mirror and my uvula was extremely swollen to the point that it essentially rested on my tongue. In order to take a picture of it to send my husband back in the United States, I had to use my little finger to hold my tongue down and even then I still could not see the entire uvula. It was extremely swollen and red and there is a little bit of white on it but not pustule or pus sack white.
A few hours have passed by as I've debated going to urgent care. I decided to take another look and while there is still some swelling and redness, it has gone down significantly. It no longer "rests" on my tongue. There is still pain, however, certainly not as much (it is hard to tell or gauge my pain due to the fact that I took to 100 mg tramadol that I am prescribed by my doctor for pain). But swallowing is a little easier. And a little bit of white remains on the uvula. My tonsils or glands, I'm not sure exactly what those are on either side of the uvula, are clearly swollen as well.
I'm living in Germany and I'm entirely alone without any family or friends and I'm not sure what to do. Do you think this is something I can take care of at home simply by gargling salt and water? Or would you recommend I'd be seen by a doctor? What antibiotics be beneficial here? Anything you can offer for advice is very much appreciated. Thank you.
A few hours have passed by as I've debated going to urgent care. I decided to take another look and while there is still some swelling and redness, it has gone down significantly. It no longer "rests" on my tongue. There is still pain, however, certainly not as much (it is hard to tell or gauge my pain due to the fact that I took to 100 mg tramadol that I am prescribed by my doctor for pain). But swallowing is a little easier. And a little bit of white remains on the uvula. My tonsils or glands, I'm not sure exactly what those are on either side of the uvula, are clearly swollen as well.
I'm living in Germany and I'm entirely alone without any family or friends and I'm not sure what to do. Do you think this is something I can take care of at home simply by gargling salt and water? Or would you recommend I'd be seen by a doctor? What antibiotics be beneficial here? Anything you can offer for advice is very much appreciated. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
I recommend you stay at home for now!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this inflamed throat that you have reported. This is termed pharyngitis. The most common cause of this is a virus and there are hardly any antibiotics to treat viruses. Gargling salt and water with Tylenol would address this problem. If this fails to resolve fully within three days, which would be rare, only then would I recommend a visit to the doctors.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
I recommend you stay at home for now!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this inflamed throat that you have reported. This is termed pharyngitis. The most common cause of this is a virus and there are hardly any antibiotics to treat viruses. Gargling salt and water with Tylenol would address this problem. If this fails to resolve fully within three days, which would be rare, only then would I recommend a visit to the doctors.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for your quick reply! So, there would be no point in taking antibiotics? How would I know if there is any sort of infection? Do I have to worry about this being strep throat or turning into strep throat? Thank u!
Brief Answer:
For now, common thing first!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The most common cause is virus and let's treat most common thing first. If we fail to see significant improvement, then we shall consider other causes like strep throat. It cannot turn into strep sore throat unless it is at this time. However, we would be able to tell with monitoring.
How are you doing this time around? Any improvement? I wish you well.
For now, common thing first!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The most common cause is virus and let's treat most common thing first. If we fail to see significant improvement, then we shall consider other causes like strep throat. It cannot turn into strep sore throat unless it is at this time. However, we would be able to tell with monitoring.
How are you doing this time around? Any improvement? I wish you well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.
Brief Answer:
This is fine. How is the pain?
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have reviewed this image and I maintain the same treatment plan.. My advice is that you stick to the plan. How is the pain at this time? Do you think you are getting better or there are other concerns?
I wish you well.
This is fine. How is the pain?
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have reviewed this image and I maintain the same treatment plan.. My advice is that you stick to the plan. How is the pain at this time? Do you think you are getting better or there are other concerns?
I wish you well.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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