Brief Answer:
Likely upper respiratory infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,

Sore throat,swollen glands and difficulty in swallowing is likely because of upper respiratory infection (pharyngitis or epiglotitis etc) but should be evaluated further by clinical examination of throat and some routine blood tests.

However,majority of cases throat pain are due to viral infection, but in some cases it can also be related to bacterial infection (commonly streptococcal) which needs to be ruled out first.

So,If I would have your treating doctor,I would like to differentiate the cause through routine blood counts (CBC with differential counts,ESR) and throat examination with pharyngoscopy to rule out infective (especially bacterial) causes.

Therefore it would be advisable to see the doctor (preferably an ENT specialist) who will take complete medical history including history of sensitivity to antibiotics with thoroughly clinical examination of your throat and may order some routine blood works as I mentioned.

However,you can take below mentioned treatment for symptomatic relief until you see your doctor.

1) Take pain killers with anti-inflammatory combination (paracetamol 500 + ibuprofen 400) drugs twice or thrice daily (but not more than 3 tablets per day) for throat pain which are available over the counter.

They will also help to reduce further inflammation in throat and thereby will help to subside symptoms quickly.

2) Antihistamines like levocetrizine 10 mg twice daily if you have cough.

3) Warm salt water gargles will certainly help for symptomatic relief.You can also have antiseptic mouth wash (listerine) for gargles.

4) Take multivitamins like vitamin B complex with folic acid daily once.

5) Avoid cold water or any other cold products like ice-cream or soft drink.Or because doing so, may cause further inflammation in throat.

Antibiotics will also be helpful if bacterial infection found from examination or tests but you will need a prescription from some local doctor or ENT specialist.

You can also continue with your current medications for RA.

Hope this helps and feel free to ask if you have more doubts.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra

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Brief Answer:
Stomatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for quick response.

Redness and sore on both sides of tongue is likely because of inflammation of oral cavity which is called stomatitis. However clinical examination of mouth or oral cavity will confirm it.

Meanwhile,you can take above mentioned symptomatic treatment until you see your doctor.

Also you should be careful with your diet and hygiene.So,maintain good oral hygiene and avoid hot and spicy foods.

Start with antiseptic mouth wash (listerine or chlorhexidine) for gargles for rapid healing and to prevent secondary infection.

Topical analgesic gel like benzydamine, having a local anesthetic effect will also be helpful for symptomatic relief from stomatitis.

Take folic acid with vitamin b complex once daily to promote healing.

Since you are also having sore throat with difficult in swallowing which is because of upper respiratory infection and for that I will suggest you to see ENT doctor for complete clinical examination with some routine blood works.

We may expect to see improvement within 2 or 3 days with these symptomatic treatment.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip kabra

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