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What Causes Swelling In The Left Side Of The Neck?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Oct 2016
Question: My neck swelled on my left side and I feel a hard lump. This just happened yesterday. I thought maybe a spider bit me so I took Benadryl last night. I am not any better. i am having a hard time swallowing and I can't open my mouth very far without my neck hurting.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rishi (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is most likely a recent throat infection & lymph swelling in neck.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam,
Welcome to Health Care Magic and Thanks for your question.
Is it possible that there was pain in the throat before you developed the swelling or some pain in the teeth or some dental issues?
Are you on any medications for any other conditions?
Please do let me know.
It is possible that you are suffering from an acute throat infection which could have lead to the swelling in the neck which would most likely be a lymph node swelling
I suggest get it checked by an ENT Specialist who can examine you and come to a diagnosis. You will most likely require a course of antibiotics. I would suggest Tab Azithromycin 500mg once a day for three to five days along with Tab Diclofenac or Tylenol two to three times a day after meals. Start doing warm saline gargles four times a day and steam inhalation three times a day and you should be fine. However, the swelling will take a few weeks to settle down. Do not worry but please do take an ENT opinion.
Take care and do let me know if there are any queries.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rishi (1 hour later)
No dental issues. This morning I tapped hard on each tooth on the left to see if anything hurt with touch because nothing hurt that I noticed.

I swallowed hard yesterday afternoon and I had a dry throat. I chewed some gum and then I noticed the swelling and lump.

I have mitral valve prolapse and I take Penvk 500mg when I see the dentist. That is it. I don't take daily prescription pills. I do take vitamins in gummi form because I have a hard time swallowing pills. I take D3, Omega 3, and a Women's multi vitamin.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rishi (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It does seem like an episode of Pharyngitis or Tonsillitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your answer and the detailed information.
It seems like a Tonsillitis or a Pharyngitis.
Please see an ENT Specialist. That would be the best course of action.
Otherwise start the medicines that I advised.
But always better to get examined by a Specialist who might advice some local investigations if they suspect something. It is unlikely though since the lump is a recent onset. Therefore, recent infection is the most likely possibility. Therefore do not worry and show it to them.
Take care and do let me know how I can help you further.
Regards,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Rishi

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 1312 Questions

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What Causes Swelling In The Left Side Of The Neck?

Brief Answer: It is most likely a recent throat infection & lymph swelling in neck. Detailed Answer: Hello Mam, Welcome to Health Care Magic and Thanks for your question. Is it possible that there was pain in the throat before you developed the swelling or some pain in the teeth or some dental issues? Are you on any medications for any other conditions? Please do let me know. It is possible that you are suffering from an acute throat infection which could have lead to the swelling in the neck which would most likely be a lymph node swelling I suggest get it checked by an ENT Specialist who can examine you and come to a diagnosis. You will most likely require a course of antibiotics. I would suggest Tab Azithromycin 500mg once a day for three to five days along with Tab Diclofenac or Tylenol two to three times a day after meals. Start doing warm saline gargles four times a day and steam inhalation three times a day and you should be fine. However, the swelling will take a few weeks to settle down. Do not worry but please do take an ENT opinion. Take care and do let me know if there are any queries. Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX