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Swollen Glands, Sore Throat, Swollen Gums, White Spots On Tongue. Should I Visit A Doctor?
Question: Hi, I'm an usually healthy 34 year old male. For the last three days my glands have been swollen, i have a sore throat, swollen gums, painful white spots on my tongue and a cold sore. What donyou think i could have? GPs are closed as its new year's day. Is this something that can wait a few days or should I go to a walk in?
Hi
Thanks for the query
The above mentioned features are of upper respiratory tract infection. The swollen glands are due to the infection in the throat. Whenever there is infection in the throat or oral cavity, the lymph nodes (also called glands) get enlarged as a response to the infection to fight against the infection. And even the cold sore is an exaggerated response to the upper respiratory tract infection.
Most of the times, the upper respiratory tract infection is or viral in origin and is usually self limiting. You can take symptomatic medicines for time being and if the symptoms do not subside within 3-4days, it is better to visit the doctor for a thorough evaluation and management.
Till then, you can take anti-inflammatory medicines (such as diclofenac or ibuprofen), do throat gargles with povidone iodine solution 3-4 times a day after food, drink plenty of warm water, and avoid chilled beverages and coffee for few days.
Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Thanks for the query
The above mentioned features are of upper respiratory tract infection. The swollen glands are due to the infection in the throat. Whenever there is infection in the throat or oral cavity, the lymph nodes (also called glands) get enlarged as a response to the infection to fight against the infection. And even the cold sore is an exaggerated response to the upper respiratory tract infection.
Most of the times, the upper respiratory tract infection is or viral in origin and is usually self limiting. You can take symptomatic medicines for time being and if the symptoms do not subside within 3-4days, it is better to visit the doctor for a thorough evaluation and management.
Till then, you can take anti-inflammatory medicines (such as diclofenac or ibuprofen), do throat gargles with povidone iodine solution 3-4 times a day after food, drink plenty of warm water, and avoid chilled beverages and coffee for few days.
Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
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
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2540 Questions
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