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Suggest Treatment For Swollen Glands On Neck
Question: I developed swollen glands in my neck about two weeks ago. At the time the one on the right hand side felt quite tender when prodded and I felt discomfort when sneezing and, occasionally, swallowing. I went to the the doctor who said the back of my throat was slightly red and he gave me penicillin for strep throat. I have been taking this for a week by my symptoms have not improved and seem slightly worse. The gland is not really tender any more but I still feel discomfort when sneezing. I seem to be thisrty a lot of the time and have a sensation of something being in my throat. I have also noticed a lump under my chin which is painless and cause me considerable worry. Should I get this checked urgently?
Brief Answer:
Culture sensitivity and specific antibiotic
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
It is not uncommon to have swollen glands in neck with infection in throat.
The treatment given by your doctor is the initial standard treatment given for throat infections routinely.
If the problem is not responding to this, the antibiotics can be shifted to a higher one or a throat swab and culture sensitivity can be done and a specific antibiotic can be used.
But if symptoms have improved partially, use of antiseptic gargles and analgesics with proton pump inhibitors should help.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Culture sensitivity and specific antibiotic
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
It is not uncommon to have swollen glands in neck with infection in throat.
The treatment given by your doctor is the initial standard treatment given for throat infections routinely.
If the problem is not responding to this, the antibiotics can be shifted to a higher one or a throat swab and culture sensitivity can be done and a specific antibiotic can be used.
But if symptoms have improved partially, use of antiseptic gargles and analgesics with proton pump inhibitors should help.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you for the reply.
Given the lack of issues with the throat itself, the painless lump, and the failure to respond to anibiotics, is it definitely an infection? No need for a biopsy?
Given the lack of issues with the throat itself, the painless lump, and the failure to respond to anibiotics, is it definitely an infection? No need for a biopsy?
Brief Answer:
go for FNAC if you are suspicious
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Your history is very short and there were some issues with your tbroat as per you previous statement.
So, thinking some other cause is not warranted.
Painless lymph nodes after a course of antibiotics or even otherwise does necessitate the need for a biopsy.
Clinical examination like consistency of nodes also matters.
Still if you are suspicious, discuss with your doctor the need for an FNAC and not biopsy.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
go for FNAC if you are suspicious
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Your history is very short and there were some issues with your tbroat as per you previous statement.
So, thinking some other cause is not warranted.
Painless lymph nodes after a course of antibiotics or even otherwise does necessitate the need for a biopsy.
Clinical examination like consistency of nodes also matters.
Still if you are suspicious, discuss with your doctor the need for an FNAC and not biopsy.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thanks.
The worrying thing at the this point is the lump (node?) under my chin, or directly under where my tongue is, that is hard and painless and doesn't move. Is this normal or likely to be related to the other symtoms?
The worrying thing at the this point is the lump (node?) under my chin, or directly under where my tongue is, that is hard and painless and doesn't move. Is this normal or likely to be related to the other symtoms?
Brief Answer:
An ENT examination will help in resolving fears
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Did your doctor say that there is a node in submental region which is hard and fixed? I do not expect this as the doctor would have advised FNAC for such a node.
Please get yourself examined from an ENT to alleviate all your doubts by getting a neck examination done. If something suspicious is found by your ENT, there is not point delaying an FNAC especially when the patient is so much worried.
But your initial description stated a tender swelling to start with which supports inflammation and can be treated with antibiotics and usually does not need FNAC.
There are many swellings in neck which to a non trained hand will look suspicious but which usually are not; worries based on that can only be alleviated by a neck examination by a qualified doctor.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
An ENT examination will help in resolving fears
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Did your doctor say that there is a node in submental region which is hard and fixed? I do not expect this as the doctor would have advised FNAC for such a node.
Please get yourself examined from an ENT to alleviate all your doubts by getting a neck examination done. If something suspicious is found by your ENT, there is not point delaying an FNAC especially when the patient is so much worried.
But your initial description stated a tender swelling to start with which supports inflammation and can be treated with antibiotics and usually does not need FNAC.
There are many swellings in neck which to a non trained hand will look suspicious but which usually are not; worries based on that can only be alleviated by a neck examination by a qualified doctor.
Feel free to ask another query.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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