Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Left-sided Sore Throat And Pain While Swallowing?
Question: Ive had a really sore throat only on left side for 4 days now. It hurts to swollow, open mouth, and when move my neck. I looked at it and it's red and my tonsil appears to have a big hole in it. The gland under my jaw bone on that side is really swollen and makes me want to scream when I touch it. I have no cough, no fever. I have a slight headache from time to time and both ears hurt. I'm wondering if this is something I need antibiotics for or if it viral and will clear up on own. I don't see any spots of white or yellow just red. The roof if my mouth is a little yellow though. The pain is only on left side none on right or at least not noticeable.
Brief Answer:
Throat infection, probably bacterial; take antibiotics as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query in healthcaremagic.com
This is Dr. Swarnava dattagupta answering your query.
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
From your description of symptoms, it looks like a bacterial throat infection. If such a patient comes to me, I advise antibiotics like coamoxyclav or azithromycin for 5 days alongwith steam inhalation and salt water gargling. Avoidance of cold or chilled food and drinks and cold atmosphere is also important. A throat swab for culture sensitivity should be useful to find the organism in case of long standing sore throat and specific antibiotic could be administered. Antihistamines like levocetrizine can be given if there is running nose or sneezing.
You can consult your treating or family doctor about these and get these prescribed.
Get back to me with the reports and give me a feedback.
Hope i have answered your question.
If you have any further questions i will be happy to help.
Regards
Throat infection, probably bacterial; take antibiotics as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query in healthcaremagic.com
This is Dr. Swarnava dattagupta answering your query.
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
From your description of symptoms, it looks like a bacterial throat infection. If such a patient comes to me, I advise antibiotics like coamoxyclav or azithromycin for 5 days alongwith steam inhalation and salt water gargling. Avoidance of cold or chilled food and drinks and cold atmosphere is also important. A throat swab for culture sensitivity should be useful to find the organism in case of long standing sore throat and specific antibiotic could be administered. Antihistamines like levocetrizine can be given if there is running nose or sneezing.
You can consult your treating or family doctor about these and get these prescribed.
Get back to me with the reports and give me a feedback.
Hope i have answered your question.
If you have any further questions i will be happy to help.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Ok thanks. I was really hoping it sounded viral. I dont like taking antibiotics. Im allergi to azithromycin and others dont go well with me. I get anxiety and stomach problems so i avoid them if possible. Would bacterial eventually clear up on own or never without antibiotic? c
Brief Answer:
Its better to take antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
See, there are viral causes of sore throat also but they are not as common as viral. And your description goes more with bacterial causes. You have lymphadenopathy as well as starting to show patches in throat.
Viral causes tend to clear up with time but it is better to take antibiotics if bacterial cause is suspected. It might clear without antibiotics but there are chances of it leading to a chronic infection. You can avoid azithromycin and take coamoxyclav for 5 days. Take probiotics like lactobacillus and/or pantoprazole/omeprazole to avoid stomach and bowel problems. Get the throat swab done as advised and you can also get clinically examined by an ENT specialist for further advice.
Regards.
Its better to take antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
See, there are viral causes of sore throat also but they are not as common as viral. And your description goes more with bacterial causes. You have lymphadenopathy as well as starting to show patches in throat.
Viral causes tend to clear up with time but it is better to take antibiotics if bacterial cause is suspected. It might clear without antibiotics but there are chances of it leading to a chronic infection. You can avoid azithromycin and take coamoxyclav for 5 days. Take probiotics like lactobacillus and/or pantoprazole/omeprazole to avoid stomach and bowel problems. Get the throat swab done as advised and you can also get clinically examined by an ENT specialist for further advice.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
I saw my dr today and he prescribed amoxicillin 1000mg every 12 hrs for 10 days eek!!! said sore throat and ear is from sinus infection. My throat actually feels a bit better today so I'm hesitant on taking the antibiotic. He wouldn't do a swab to confirm it's bacterial just said the swollen lymph node is a good indicator. Anyways I'm wondering if I should give it a couple days before starting medication just. In case it is viral since it seems better today. I also feel like that is alot for a long time especilly since i have issues with abtibiotics
Brief Answer:
Do as directed
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Yes if you are hesitant of taking antibiotics, you can wait for a couple of days since your problem is improving. Continue gargling and steam inhalation. But if it does not reduce further in 2 days, I would recommend a course of antibiotics definitely.
Regards.
Do as directed
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Yes if you are hesitant of taking antibiotics, you can wait for a couple of days since your problem is improving. Continue gargling and steam inhalation. But if it does not reduce further in 2 days, I would recommend a course of antibiotics definitely.
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
