Why Am I Having Severe Pain In The Throat And Difficulty In Swallowing?

Posted on Wed, 28 Mar 2018

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

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 1 Aug 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, for the last four days I have had this pain in my throat. It doesn’t feel like a really bad pain but I can feel it most of the time. Also, it doesn’t really affect me when I’m eating or swallowing food and I can do that as normal. I tend to worry about things like this so what can I do about this to relieve the pain and do I need to see my doctor?

If someone could let me know, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Pharyngitis/tonsillitis is likely.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The throat needs to be examined for evidence of bacterial pharyngitis or tonsillitis by looking for exudation and inflammation typical with bacterial causes. Throat swab can be taken for culture sensitivity testing and antibiotics should be started subsequently. The oral cavity should also be extensively examined and the cervical nodes should be palpated for associated lymphadenopathy.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil, General & Family Physician

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Thanks for your reply.

I’ve looked up the symptoms for both tonsiltis and laryngitis and I think it seems more likely that I’ve got tonsillitis.

I might not be able to go and see my doctor until tomorrow though so is there any medicine or antibiotics you could recommend that I could get from the shop in the mean time.

Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained...

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

For the time being Ibuprofen can be taken for pain relief. Listerine and saline gargle for reducing the inflammation and it can work as an antiseptic too. Antihistamines like loratadine can also be used for symptomatic relief and are available over the counter in most areas.

Antibiotics may not be available over the counter and you may require a prescription from your doctor to purchase them. Azithromycin or amoxicillin would be my suggestion in such a case if I suspect a bacterial cause.

Please consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil, General & Family Physician

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