Suggest Treatment Pain While Swallowing Food

Posted on Thu, 19 Jan 2017

Question: Having difficulty swallowing solid food only (initiating swallowing) for 3 days. No pain, tonsils look a little swollen.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please continue the gargles

Detailed Answer:
Hello

The most common cause of difficulty in swallowing at your age would be a tonsil enlargement or dry mouth due to decreased saliva production.

For the tonsillitis, gargling would be very effective and i would like you to gargle at least 2-3 times a day. If you develop fever or the tonsils become more swollen or painful, then you may need antibiotics for it. In my patients i would normally start on amoxicillin 500mg thrice a day for 5 days.

For the dry mouth, i would suggest you to drink as much liquids/juices/water as possible and keep sipping water at frequent intervals.

Hope you find this information useful!

Take care!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (21 minutes later)

how much time should I allow before seeing a doctor?

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
You can wait for 2 days

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You can wait for 2 days and continue the gargles.

If however you develop fever, pain or the difficulty increases, then it would be advisable to meet your doctor as soon as possible.

Take care!

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. Raju A.T