HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Hello, I Have Been Having Sinus Issues Frequently This Year.

default
Posted on Mon, 18 Feb 2019
Question: hello, i have been having sinus issues frequently this year. have been feeling drainage in my throat, however none in my nose and not coughing anything up. am having sinus pressure and some swollen lymoh nodes. Taking flonase and allegra for the last week or so. today i noticed what appears to be very thick mucus on my tonsils. i tried briefly to remove some of it with a q tip to no avail. Should i be concerned that this is an infection in the tonsils? no fever or body aches. im attaching some pictures, thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consider adding guaifenesin

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thank you for sending the picture, that helps me see what is going on. It looks like there is thick mucus from post nasal drainage on your tonsils.

Usually strep tonsillitis causes fever, body aches (as you mentioned), and a very painful throat. The whitish - yellow stuff we see on the tonsils then looks more like pus.

Something you can add to help is
1. gargling with warm salt water (to help wash the throat and ease discomfort), and
2. Guaifenesin, which is a mucolytic. It draws water to the mucus and helps thin it out so that it is cleared more easily and less uncomfortable.

However, if this doesn't start to clear up in the next few days, OR if you develop worsening symptoms (throat pain, fever), then I would advise going in and having a throat swab done. Because sometimes we can be tricked.

By the way, to get the guaifenesin to work maximally, drink at least 8 oz of water (or more) when you take it.

I hope this helps and that you are feeling better soon.
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. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Hello, I Have Been Having Sinus Issues Frequently This Year.

Brief Answer: Consider adding guaifenesin Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Thank you for sending the picture, that helps me see what is going on. It looks like there is thick mucus from post nasal drainage on your tonsils. Usually strep tonsillitis causes fever, body aches (as you mentioned), and a very painful throat. The whitish - yellow stuff we see on the tonsils then looks more like pus. Something you can add to help is 1. gargling with warm salt water (to help wash the throat and ease discomfort), and 2. Guaifenesin, which is a mucolytic. It draws water to the mucus and helps thin it out so that it is cleared more easily and less uncomfortable. However, if this doesn't start to clear up in the next few days, OR if you develop worsening symptoms (throat pain, fever), then I would advise going in and having a throat swab done. Because sometimes we can be tricked. By the way, to get the guaifenesin to work maximally, drink at least 8 oz of water (or more) when you take it. I hope this helps and that you are feeling better soon.