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Suggest Treatment For Sore Throat With Headache
Question: Good Morning,
49 year old woman in basic good health.
Developed very sore throat yesterday, feels very swollen and hurts to swallow. Looked at back of throat- red and somewhat inflamed. As much as it hurt, i expected worse-- but was surprised to see large globule of thick yellow pus hanging at back of throat. Removed with q/tip, but more this am, I am not congested. Headache all day? But no fever. Glands dont appear swollen.
I will go to get strep test- but it doesnt seem like strep- or the beginnkngs of any cold ive ever had.
Wondering what this might be? Tonsil infection? Not sure what to do.
Thank you for your time.
49 year old woman in basic good health.
Developed very sore throat yesterday, feels very swollen and hurts to swallow. Looked at back of throat- red and somewhat inflamed. As much as it hurt, i expected worse-- but was surprised to see large globule of thick yellow pus hanging at back of throat. Removed with q/tip, but more this am, I am not congested. Headache all day? But no fever. Glands dont appear swollen.
I will go to get strep test- but it doesnt seem like strep- or the beginnkngs of any cold ive ever had.
Wondering what this might be? Tonsil infection? Not sure what to do.
Thank you for your time.
Brief Answer:
tonsillitis or viral infecgtion
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
It could be strep and certainly it is best to get tested for that, so I am glad that you will be doing that today.
Most often when there is severe throat pain it is either a cold type virus or strep. Strep can affect the back of the throat or the tonsils. In your case it sounds like you may have tonsillitis.
The best things to do to relieve the discomfort before you see the doctor are warm salt water gargles, drink plenty of warm water or other liquid to stay hydrated (cold liquids may irritate the throat), take motrin or tylenol for pain and use a spray like chloraseptic to help with the pain. Sometimes a teaspoon of honey is also very soothing.
If it is viral it will resolve on its own in a few days to a week. If it is strep you will need an antibiotic so I am glad you are being tested today.
I hope you get some relief soon,
Dr. Robinson
tonsillitis or viral infecgtion
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
It could be strep and certainly it is best to get tested for that, so I am glad that you will be doing that today.
Most often when there is severe throat pain it is either a cold type virus or strep. Strep can affect the back of the throat or the tonsils. In your case it sounds like you may have tonsillitis.
The best things to do to relieve the discomfort before you see the doctor are warm salt water gargles, drink plenty of warm water or other liquid to stay hydrated (cold liquids may irritate the throat), take motrin or tylenol for pain and use a spray like chloraseptic to help with the pain. Sometimes a teaspoon of honey is also very soothing.
If it is viral it will resolve on its own in a few days to a week. If it is strep you will need an antibiotic so I am glad you are being tested today.
I hope you get some relief soon,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr XXXXXXX
Rapid strep test was negative but based on very red and swollen tonsils, slightly enlarged nodes , plus presence of yellow "gunk," she postulated as you did a general infection. She has prescribed Z pack, but i guess it's hard to know if bacterial or viral. May not help if viral. But, wow- this hurts. Can barely speak. Warm chix broth and ibuprofen- hoping for s little relief.
Thank you for your response earlier. I just wanted to let you know test result.
xxxxxx
Rapid strep test was negative but based on very red and swollen tonsils, slightly enlarged nodes , plus presence of yellow "gunk," she postulated as you did a general infection. She has prescribed Z pack, but i guess it's hard to know if bacterial or viral. May not help if viral. But, wow- this hurts. Can barely speak. Warm chix broth and ibuprofen- hoping for s little relief.
Thank you for your response earlier. I just wanted to let you know test result.
xxxxxx
Brief Answer:
glad you are getting treated
Detailed Answer:
Yes it is hard to know sometimes if an infection is viral or bacterial. The zpack covers most upper respiratory bacteria so that is a great choice.
I hope you are feeling better soon and thanks for the follow up.
Dr. Robinson
glad you are getting treated
Detailed Answer:
Yes it is hard to know sometimes if an infection is viral or bacterial. The zpack covers most upper respiratory bacteria so that is a great choice.
I hope you are feeling better soon and thanks for the follow up.
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have awoken this am with huge tonsils and streaks of pus running down the back of my throat. First 2 z pk pills have had no effect. Can hardly swallow or talk. If viral-- do i neef to
Wait a few days? Seems it's somewhat rare for adult tonsilitis. I talk a lot for my job and have young kids. My 11 year old daughter has severe sore throat now too. It seems we have been hit by a nasty virus oerhaos? What should i do if not improved in - 2 days? Thank you
Wait a few days? Seems it's somewhat rare for adult tonsilitis. I talk a lot for my job and have young kids. My 11 year old daughter has severe sore throat now too. It seems we have been hit by a nasty virus oerhaos? What should i do if not improved in - 2 days? Thank you
Brief Answer:
sorry this is going on
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the follow up.
Even if it is bacterial, the z pack would take a few days to start clearing it up. Sometimes we need to give patients a few days of steroids like prednisone to calm down the inflammation in the tonsils whether it is viral or bacterial. If it gets worse or is not better soon you should see your doctor again or call them and ask for a few days of steroids.
Anti-inflammatory meds like motrin may help. You may need to take a childs liquid if you can't get the pills down. Suggested dose of ibuprofen would be 600 mg every 6 hours if you do not have ulcers or kidney disease
I hope you are feeling better soon
Dr. Robinson
sorry this is going on
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the follow up.
Even if it is bacterial, the z pack would take a few days to start clearing it up. Sometimes we need to give patients a few days of steroids like prednisone to calm down the inflammation in the tonsils whether it is viral or bacterial. If it gets worse or is not better soon you should see your doctor again or call them and ask for a few days of steroids.
Anti-inflammatory meds like motrin may help. You may need to take a childs liquid if you can't get the pills down. Suggested dose of ibuprofen would be 600 mg every 6 hours if you do not have ulcers or kidney disease
I hope you are feeling better soon
Dr. Robinson
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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