Suggest Treatment For Severe Sore Throat, Swollen Glands And Painful Swallowing

Posted on Sun, 7 Jun 2015

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

Sun, 7 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a very sore throat and swollen glads which has gotten worse the last couple of days making it very painful to swallow. Am just getting over post herpatic neuralgia and am on medication for 6 more days for that. I had the shingles in my mouth. Could this sore throat be related to the shingles, or another matter entirely? And is there something that I can do myself to get some relief?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
probably need to see doctor

Detailed Answer:
This could be related to the shingles, but if you have fever, white spots on the tonsils and swollen glands then you probably need to see a doctor and get checked to make sure you do not have strep.
In the mean time you can try throat lozenges and warm salt water gargles to give yourself some relief. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also be used to help relieve the pain.
Drink warm liquids and avoid tobacco, alcohol and acidic foods which will make the pain worse in your throat. Examples of foods that are acidic are tomatoes and citrus.
If the trouble swallowing becomes severe or if you develop high fevers please see a doctor immediately.
I hope you are feeling better soon,
Dr. Robinson

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