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What Causes Persistent Throat Pain Despite Taking Medications?
Question: Hi I dont recall having any other symptoms other than a sore throat about five weeks ago. After a few days i noticed my tonsils were swollen - my left much more so than my right - the doctor prescribed a course of anti biotics. This did nothing. A different course was then prescribed which again did nothing. The doctor then took a swab and advised that he believed it to be viral and they would go down eventually. Five weeks later they are still causing some discomfort when swallowing and especially when yawning. What would your advice be?
Brief Answer:
Symptomatic treatment, Tonsillectomy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I had gone through your question.
I can understand your concern.
This could be due to Chronic tonsillitis.
1) Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain
2) Drink plenty of fluids
3) Create a mixture of warm water and 1 teaspoon of salt per cup and gargle it a couple of times per day
4) Avoid refrigerated food, drinks and smoking.
5) Surgical treatment may be needed.
You will be fine. Nothing to worry.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any questions, I am happy to help.
Wish you a good health and speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Consultant ENT Surgeon
Symptomatic treatment, Tonsillectomy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I had gone through your question.
I can understand your concern.
This could be due to Chronic tonsillitis.
1) Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain
2) Drink plenty of fluids
3) Create a mixture of warm water and 1 teaspoon of salt per cup and gargle it a couple of times per day
4) Avoid refrigerated food, drinks and smoking.
5) Surgical treatment may be needed.
You will be fine. Nothing to worry.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any questions, I am happy to help.
Wish you a good health and speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Consultant ENT Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you -
1) you say it could be due to chronic tonsillitis - what other likely causes may be behind this?
2) Would chronic tonsilitis not present other symptoms other than just a sore throat?
3) Why is one tonsil more swollen than the other?
4) Why do refrigerated drinks, food and smoking need to be avoided?
If it is simply a case of waiting for the swelling to go down I am not concerned - however with a new job starting soon i want to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Kind regards
1) you say it could be due to chronic tonsillitis - what other likely causes may be behind this?
2) Would chronic tonsilitis not present other symptoms other than just a sore throat?
3) Why is one tonsil more swollen than the other?
4) Why do refrigerated drinks, food and smoking need to be avoided?
If it is simply a case of waiting for the swelling to go down I am not concerned - however with a new job starting soon i want to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Kind regards
Brief Answer:
Tonsillitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the follow up.
1) In your condition, its just infection.
2) Tonsillitis is often accompanied with sore throat, swollen tonsils, throat pain, itchiness, ear ache, fever and cold chills.
3) The important thing to be noticed is both the tonsils are enlarged, little size difference is of no clinical importance. So, don't worry about that.
4) Refrigerated foods and drinks though give temporary relief from pain, they aggravate it latter on by increasing congestion.
The smoke of cigarettes contains high quantities of chemicals that cause an irritation of mucosa and aggravate the congestion and pain.
Once these swellings come down you feel better. Follow the preventive measures as advised earlier to prevent recurrence.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
Take care
Tonsillitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the follow up.
1) In your condition, its just infection.
2) Tonsillitis is often accompanied with sore throat, swollen tonsils, throat pain, itchiness, ear ache, fever and cold chills.
3) The important thing to be noticed is both the tonsils are enlarged, little size difference is of no clinical importance. So, don't worry about that.
4) Refrigerated foods and drinks though give temporary relief from pain, they aggravate it latter on by increasing congestion.
The smoke of cigarettes contains high quantities of chemicals that cause an irritation of mucosa and aggravate the congestion and pain.
Once these swellings come down you feel better. Follow the preventive measures as advised earlier to prevent recurrence.
Wish you 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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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