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What Causes Left-sided Sore Throat Along With Some Drainage?

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Posted on Fri, 21 Aug 2015
Question: I think i might have a sinus infection. It is on the left side of my face and involves my ear and also my lower jaw teeth. I am going to be having work done on my teeth. I didn't know if it might be a tooth infection or sinus. It also involves a sore throat on my left side as well. I do have some drainage.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
suggestive of Upper respiratory tract infection most probably Sinusitis

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Thanks for your query.

A. In your post, you have not mentioned about any past history of allergies/ asthma, etc.
Under such circumstances, the symptoms are suggestive of Upper respiratory tract infection most probably Sinus infection (Sinusitis).
There is a connecting tract (known as Eustachian tube) between the nasopharynx & middle ear through which infection can spread to the ear.
The soreness in throat can be attributed to the continuous irritation and inflammation of the throat mucosa due to the drainage of mucous and associated infection.

B. Advil (pharmacologically Ibuprofen) and Tylenol (pharmacologically Acetaminophen) are analgesic, anti-inflammatory preparations.
They can provide temporary relief from symptoms.
However, until the causative agent is treated, the symptoms will keep recurring.
Also a procedure on teeth can not be performed as long as the focus of infection is present.

C. Clinical examination is important for diagnosis, so I will advise you to consult your Doctor/ ENT specialist for a proper clinical examination.
Certain investigations like complete blood count, X ray of para nasal sinuses and culture & sensitivity(C/S) of the throat swab will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis.
Once the infection is established, a course of antibiotics will be prescribed against the causative organism.

D. Till then, symptomatic relief can be obtained with:
1. Warm salt water gargle to relieve throat pain.
2. Analgesic anti-inflammatory preparation like Advil and Tylenol.
3. Decongestant nasal drops.
4. Antihistamine preparations like Cetrizine or Allegra can also be used to provide symptomatic relief.
5. Steam inhalation.
6. Avoid taking cold food & drinks, maintain adequate hydration & take soft, non-spicy foods.

Wish you good health & a speedy recovery.
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. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Polash Sannigrahi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3353 Questions

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What Causes Left-sided Sore Throat Along With Some Drainage?

Brief Answer: suggestive of Upper respiratory tract infection most probably Sinusitis Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, Thanks for your query. A. In your post, you have not mentioned about any past history of allergies/ asthma, etc. Under such circumstances, the symptoms are suggestive of Upper respiratory tract infection most probably Sinus infection (Sinusitis). There is a connecting tract (known as Eustachian tube) between the nasopharynx & middle ear through which infection can spread to the ear. The soreness in throat can be attributed to the continuous irritation and inflammation of the throat mucosa due to the drainage of mucous and associated infection. B. Advil (pharmacologically Ibuprofen) and Tylenol (pharmacologically Acetaminophen) are analgesic, anti-inflammatory preparations. They can provide temporary relief from symptoms. However, until the causative agent is treated, the symptoms will keep recurring. Also a procedure on teeth can not be performed as long as the focus of infection is present. C. Clinical examination is important for diagnosis, so I will advise you to consult your Doctor/ ENT specialist for a proper clinical examination. Certain investigations like complete blood count, X ray of para nasal sinuses and culture & sensitivity(C/S) of the throat swab will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Once the infection is established, a course of antibiotics will be prescribed against the causative organism. D. Till then, symptomatic relief can be obtained with: 1. Warm salt water gargle to relieve throat pain. 2. Analgesic anti-inflammatory preparation like Advil and Tylenol. 3. Decongestant nasal drops. 4. Antihistamine preparations like Cetrizine or Allegra can also be used to provide symptomatic relief. 5. Steam inhalation. 6. Avoid taking cold food & drinks, maintain adequate hydration & take soft, non-spicy foods. Wish you good health & a speedy recovery. Take care.