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What Causes Swelling Of Throat?

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

Question: I have a swollen throat. one side more than the other. I'm very concerned but snow is causing travel problems. please let me know what I should do. 25. M. Smoker

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Mild inflammation of the tonsils..

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have gone through the history and examined the photograph thoroughly.There seems to be mild swelling of the tonsils and apart from that I am unable to appreciate any major issues.

My sincere suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Avoid smoking as much as possible, this is the chief cause of all your problems.
3. Avoid coffee and fizzy drinks.
4. Do gargles with dilute povidone iodine mouth washes.
5. If there is pain, you can take anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac) available OTC.

With the above measures you will definitely feel better.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (21 minutes later)

I also have tenderness in areas commonly know areas where lymph nodes are. armpits, groin, and problems with tenderness while breathing. painful I gales from and back of chest.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need to get some blood tests done...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back.

Oh! My goodness, you did not mention these things in the previous query.

If there is pain in those areas mentioned by you, I would suggest you to get a complete blood check up done along with a monospot test and X-ray of the chest. All these tests can be done only after consulting your doctor.

As you are unable to travel because of snow, you can try home remedies such as drinking plenty of warm water and doing steam inhalation; avoid chilled food and beverages and coffee.

For the pain, you can take paracetamol. Best of all medicines is to stop smoking.

Hope this clears your doubts.

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

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

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (40 hours later)

this is the most recent picture of my throat. people tell me take anti inflammatories but this seems more serious

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Anti-inflammatory if there is pain and fever

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

Yes, both the tonsils and the posterior pharyngeal wall are inflamed. It is considered infected when associated with fever, pain and patch over the tonsils. If you are having pain with or without fever, you can take anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac) available OTC.

I do not see any signs of infection. Your throat looks red and swollen because of smoking. Hence, I would like to stress upon to reduce or stop smoking. Do warm water gargles (povidone iodine mouth gargles would be the best) and drink plenty of warm water.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. I wish you good health and speedy recovery.

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. Ashwin Bhandari