Suggest Treatment For Sore Throat Associated With Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

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

Thu, 4 Dec 2014 Answered on

Sat, 20 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a severe sore throat. My tongue feels like it is burnt. My ears hurt and are ringing. I feel some enlargement in the lymph nodes in my neck just below my ears. I have had no fever. No runny nose. I am really tired. I have taken tylenol, cold and flu remedies gargled with salt water, using lozenges. I havehad my tonsils removed and a flu shot. Should i go to my doctor or is there something else I can be doing. Its been almost 3 days.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need antibiotic treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to HCM forum.

I have read your query in detail and understand your concern.

Sore throat associated with enlarged cervical lymph nodes, not responding to supportive measures (tylenol, saline gargles) indicate a bacterial pharyngitis. In addition to supportive measures, this need antibiotics too. Usually we give azithromycin/amoxicillin+clavulonate for about 5 days. So kindly see your doctor without delay for prescription of antibiotics.

Aching and ringing in ear indicates eustachian tube dysfunction secondary to pharyngitis, and will respond to its treatment.

Meanwhile, you continue tylenol(if pain is severe, you can use ibuprofen instead)and doing frequent gargles with warm saline. Avoid cold drinks and cold atmosphere.

Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing for a faster cure.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D