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What Causes One-sided Swelling On Throat And Ear Discomfort?
Question: granddaughter had a swelling on one side of her throat along with an ear discomfort (like water in the ear). Went to pediatrian to get her an examine, after just a breif examine he gave us a script for bloodwork and an ultrasound. The blood work came back normal (no signs of thyroid problems). She's a swimmer and in the pool underwater all the time and occasionally swallows pool water? When the young doctor called me about the bloodwork results and I asked him what I could give her for some relief if she needed it before going forward with an ultrasound (which my insurance doesn't pay for) and he said Motrin. I've given her 3 200mg of motrin in the last 48hrs and started her garggling with saltwater and now the ear doesn't bother her and the swelling has diffinityly gone down. Should I go ahead with the ultrasound, seek advice from an throat specialist or just keep her on Motrin and garggling for few days to see it mysteriously goes away as it appeared. Your thoughts please.
Brief Answer:
It might be a good idea to see the ENT doctor first
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thank you for using HCM for your medical queries. I am Dr. Taher, a Pediatrician from XXXXXXX with over 29 years of clinical experience.
Usually, ear, throat and nose problems are inter-related because these organs communicate with each other through the throat (pharynx). This is the reason why a child with a sore-throat will often also get ear effusions, or a child with sinus problems will often also have a sore-throat. Having said that, symptomatic treatment of any illness is designed to do just that: relieve the symptoms. They do not affect the underlying cause of the symptoms. Motrin is an example of symptomatic treatment. It contains "Ibuprofen" which is a pain killer and reduces the associated inflammation.
Since your grand-daughter has almost recovered from her acute symptoms, and since her blood work was entirely normal, it does seem that she is recovering. Having said that. you would be better off not neglecting her problems and at least see a qualified ENT surgeon near your house before starting her on a new regimen. In the meantime, you may certainly continue giving her the present courses of the prescribed medications/treatment
including gargling.
If, however, she worsens from here on, you need to take her to the pediatrician immediately.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Taher
It might be a good idea to see the ENT doctor first
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thank you for using HCM for your medical queries. I am Dr. Taher, a Pediatrician from XXXXXXX with over 29 years of clinical experience.
Usually, ear, throat and nose problems are inter-related because these organs communicate with each other through the throat (pharynx). This is the reason why a child with a sore-throat will often also get ear effusions, or a child with sinus problems will often also have a sore-throat. Having said that, symptomatic treatment of any illness is designed to do just that: relieve the symptoms. They do not affect the underlying cause of the symptoms. Motrin is an example of symptomatic treatment. It contains "Ibuprofen" which is a pain killer and reduces the associated inflammation.
Since your grand-daughter has almost recovered from her acute symptoms, and since her blood work was entirely normal, it does seem that she is recovering. Having said that. you would be better off not neglecting her problems and at least see a qualified ENT surgeon near your house before starting her on a new regimen. In the meantime, you may certainly continue giving her the present courses of the prescribed medications/treatment
including gargling.
If, however, she worsens from here on, you need to take her to the pediatrician immediately.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Taher
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. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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