Suggest Treatment For Pain And Swelling In The Jaws With Sore Throat

Posted on Mon, 1 Aug 2016

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

Mon, 1 Aug 2016 Answered on

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I woke up with swollen glands on left side, very painful to the touch, extremely sore throat, can't open mouth. I realized it probably started last night with jaw pain (I have tmj) so I was massaging jaws. Also had the feeling you get right before you eat something sour, but just on left. Also, I ate some shrimp last night. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please go in to be seen for what is likely a bacterial infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I'm sorry you are having so much pain. If it is so painful that you are needing oxycodone, you need to be seen promptly.

Here is what may be going on:
1. Strep tonsilitis/strep throat: A swab of the throat can be used for a Rapid Strep test which can be done in the office while you wait, and if negative, sent to the lab for a culture.
2. Peritonsillar abcess: This is an infection of the peritonsillar tissue and can be seen on looking in your throat. The access is lanced and treated with an antibiotic.
3. Infected, inflamed salivary gland. This too, needs prompt treatment.

So - please go in now to be seen. If you can't get in to see your own doctor this afternoon, go to an urgent care clinic, and if none is available in your area, then the ER.

Please let me know how you are doing after you have gone in.

I don't think it is a reaction to the shrimp. Allergic reactions to shellfish give a more generalized swelling and itching, not on one side and not so painful.

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