Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough Followed By Painful Throat

Posted on Sat, 6 Dec 2014

Question: I have had a heavy cold over past 3 weeks combined with a tickly chesty cough. It seem to be improving but today whilst working outside I started coughing violently & now have a very painful throat which seems to originate on one side of my XXXXXXX Apple. It is now very painful to cough & swallow. Also causing pain in my tongue and into my ear. Any ideas? Should I see my doctor?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please consult your doctor...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

After going through the history, I do feel the pain in the throat would have started because of trauma to the pharyngeal wall while coughing.

Three week long duration of an upper respiratory tract infection would have caused enough congestion in the nose and the the throat. So when you coughed violently the mucosa of the pharynx would have got traumatized thus leading to severe pain. As the throat and the ears enjoy a similar innervation, any pain felt in the throat will be perceived in the ear too.

My sincere advice to you is to consult your doctor and get a complete check up done.

Meanwhile, you can try drinking plenty of warm water to reduce the congestion, irritation and moisturizing the throat. Avoid coffee/smoking/chilled food and beverages.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head and 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. Vinay Bhardwaj