What Causes Extreme Pain In Throat After Treating Upper Respiratory Infection?

Posted on Sat, 30 May 2015

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

Sat, 30 May 2015 Answered on

Sat, 20 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having extreme pain in my throat, it has been coming and going for quite a while, but the last month it has been constant. I went to an urgent care and the PA told me i had an upper respiratory infection and gave antibiotics, three weeks ago. I am now in so much pain that i can barely swollow, i am worried it was not a simple infection. I'm not sure what to do next. My neck is actually tender to touch from the outside now.
I have attached a picture of my throat. Thank you in advance.
Ami

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Oral thrush...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I have understood your problem and examined the images thoroughly.

My findings are:
1 The tonsils are tiny and not infected.
2. The back or the base of the tongue has multiple white spots giving suspicion of oral thrush (fungal infection).
3. The pharyngeal wall has multiple follicles, secondary to throat infection.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Revisit you doctor for a complete examination and confirmation of the same.
2. Drink frequent sips of warm water
3. Try gargling with dilute povidone iodine mouth wash
4. Apply OTC antifungal mouth paint
5. Avoid chilled food and beverages, coffee, fizzy drinks and smoking

Hope I have answered your query; Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (5 hours later)

Thank you very much! Reading up on thrush, it makes alot of sense. I think i understand now why my syptoms became so much worse during and after the course of antibiotics.
One followup question. I had a toncillectomy 7 years ago, is it normal that they grow back? I did not realize that is what they were, I thought the bumps had something to do with the throat pain.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No it's only the remnants of tonsils...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

No, they are the remnants of tonsils. The remnants of tonsils have got enlarged due to the inflammation in the throat. Do not worry! It will subside once the surrounding inflammation reduces. Drink plenty of warm water, this helps in improving the blood circulation and reducing the inflammation.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T