Suggest Remedy For Difficulty In Swallowing Caused By A Throat Infection

Posted on Mon, 30 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to the doctor because it was hurting to swallow. the dr said I have the beginning signs of a throat infection and that I'll probably feel worse before I feel better..is there anything I can do to prevent it from getting worse?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
probably not...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

although I can't guess whether the throat infection is caused by a virus (which means that no treatment is available) or bacteria (antibiotics will help). So the answer is that if you take antibiotics a bacterial infection might have a shorter duration (although this is not always the case). The bad thing about it, is that your doctor can only estimate the chances for bacterial or viral infection and prescribe treatment accordingly. When the first symptoms occur most doctors won't prescribe antibiotics.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (59 minutes later)

The doctor thinks it's viral but he sent the culture to the lab so I'll see if anything comes back I just know it's not strep, that back negative. I wish it was because then I could take antibiotics and get better!

he prescribed me magic mouth to numb my tonsil so wouldn't hurt when I swallow but it didn't do anything! :(

It's strange because I was fighting a cold but I felt fine Friday to Sunday and then last night is when it started hurting to swallow , is that strange? I even worked out this morning and felt fine

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it's not strange

Detailed Answer:
I see... your infection is probably viral in origin.

Gargles won't usually reduce the symptoms, that's why there is no clear recommendation to prescribe such treatment in medical guidelines.

Feeling throat pain after seemingly getting better is not strange. It happens fairly often. Sometimes a patient may feel various symptoms, which may evolve to sore throat or a runny nose, etc.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)

Thanks for the response!
He said it would numb it..

Typically how long can it take til I'm better?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
3-5 days in most cases

Detailed Answer:
The most severe symptoms usually last for 3-5 days but individual variation may apply. For example infectious mononucleosis may last for weeks but in most cases the symptoms would be much more blatant.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar