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Suggest Treatment For Itchy Throat, Unilateral Swelling In The Face And Fever
Question: hi, last Saturday night I was feeling like I was coming down with something, I had a slightly itchy throat. Sunday the left side of my neck and cheek was beginning to swell and by Monday it was red and enlarged. Through the week it got worse and the left side of my head felt swollen and today my left eye is swollen around it as if I had been hit. yesterday I went to a clinic and they said it was an ear infection but my ear doesn't bother me, I had a 99.9 degree fever too. Does this sound like anything I should be concerned about or should I continue to take antibiotics and see what happens. My eye started swelling today.
Brief Answer:
it raises some concerns
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it sounds like an infection but the origin of the infection cannot be determined without clinical examination. The itchy throat usually accompanies upper respiratory tract infections. Eye swelling and fever raise concerns about spread of the infection to the soft tissues of the face (erysipelas/cellulitis?). Sometimes unilateral face swelling occurs during the course of severe sinusitis. If you also have headache and tenderness over the affected area then sinusitis is a likely cause.
The good thing is that amoxicillin/clavulanate is a good choice for antibiotic in such cases.
Another thing to consider (although less likely) is an allergic reaction to the antibiotic (which may present with swelling but usually not unilateral).
Since the doctor does not know about the swelling, I suggest you visit the clinic again for reassessment.
Did they do any blood tests? Can you upload the reports?
it raises some concerns
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it sounds like an infection but the origin of the infection cannot be determined without clinical examination. The itchy throat usually accompanies upper respiratory tract infections. Eye swelling and fever raise concerns about spread of the infection to the soft tissues of the face (erysipelas/cellulitis?). Sometimes unilateral face swelling occurs during the course of severe sinusitis. If you also have headache and tenderness over the affected area then sinusitis is a likely cause.
The good thing is that amoxicillin/clavulanate is a good choice for antibiotic in such cases.
Another thing to consider (although less likely) is an allergic reaction to the antibiotic (which may present with swelling but usually not unilateral).
Since the doctor does not know about the swelling, I suggest you visit the clinic again for reassessment.
Did they do any blood tests? Can you upload the reports?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply. I called them recently and they said they were limited in tests they could do so they referred me to the er. No blood tests were taken. I can tell my fever has broken, and I will rest for the next couple of days
I have not had a runny nose or any cold symptoms
I started taking the amoxicillin yesterday afternoon
I have not had a runny nose or any cold symptoms
I started taking the amoxicillin yesterday afternoon
Brief Answer:
it seems you're doing better but reassessment is recommended
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the additional info!
Since your temperature seems to be normal, you're probably getting better with the antibiotic although antibiotics usually require a couple of days to provide significant benefits. Since the swelling is unexplained at this point, I would still recommend a visit to the ER for reassessment. If an allergic reaction is suspected then the antibiotic would have to be substituted. Otherwise the swelling would have to be explained and treated.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
it seems you're doing better but reassessment is recommended
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the additional info!
Since your temperature seems to be normal, you're probably getting better with the antibiotic although antibiotics usually require a couple of days to provide significant benefits. Since the swelling is unexplained at this point, I would still recommend a visit to the ER for reassessment. If an allergic reaction is suspected then the antibiotic would have to be substituted. Otherwise the swelling would have to be explained and treated.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
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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