Brief Answer: Throat infection's due to either bacteria or yeast Detailed Answer: Hi there, Thanks for your query. The symptoms indicate that you are suffering from acute infection (bacterial or yeast) of the throat (called Acute Pharyngitis). Spread of the infection to the draining Lymph node (in the neck) has caused the latter to become swollen. It is difficult to differentiate between bacterial and yeast infection without examining your throat. Hence, I recommend the following course of action :- 1. Give your throat swab in the lab for evaluation and identification of the causative organism. 2. Start with a suitable antibiotic such as Ciprofloxacin and, an anti-inflammatory drug , such as ibuprofen. Do gargles with warm saline. These measures will take care of the inflammation, pain and bacterial infection. 3. If bacteria are identified in the throat swab report, continue with treatment as advised, till complete relief occurs. 4. But, if yeast (Candida) is isolated as causative organism, stop Ciprofloxacin and replace it with an anti-fungal drug, such as, Fluconazole- to be taken for 2-3 weeks. 5. Lastly, if you have suffered from herpes simplex infection in the past, sore throat and ulcers would be due to reactivation of herpes virus, lying dormant in the throat nerves. In that event, NO antibiotics or anti-fungal drug would be needed. It will improve with anti-viral drug, such as, acyclovir, along with short course of ibuprofen and gargles. It would however, be advisable to consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with my opinion; order required tests, and- based on the reports- will arrive at a certain diagnosis and prescribe suitable treatment as advised. Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

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