Hello Bisma Thanks for sharing all these details—painful, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw after a sore throat and cough can be uncomfortable and worrying. Here’s what you need to know:
Why are your lymph nodes swollen?
Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw are usually a sign your body is fighting an infection, often from the throat, tonsils, or teeth. Since you recently had a sore throat and cough with phlegm, it’s likely your lymph nodes are reacting to that infection.
About antibiotics:
- Stopping antibiotics early (like with azithromycin) can sometimes allow the infection to come back or not clear completely.
- Your doctor has now prescribed amoxicillin, which is a different antibiotic, likely because your symptoms are still present.
- Stomach upset is a common side effect of antibiotics, but not everyone gets it with every antibiotic. Amoxicillin is usually gentler on the stomach than azithromycin for many people.
What you can do:
- Take amoxicillin as prescribed: If your doctor has advised it, try to complete the full course. Take it after food to reduce stomach upset.
- Probiotics and yogurt: Eating curd/yogurt or taking a probiotic supplement can help prevent stomach upset and diarrhea from antibiotics.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water.
- Pain relief: For pain and swelling, you can use warm compresses on the area and take paracetamol if needed (unless you have a reason not to).
- Take Pantop dsr - empty stomach for 5 days it will help in stomach upset
Thank you and get well soon
Swollen lymph nodes, especially when associated with a recent upper respiratory infection, often indicate your body’s response to infection or inflammation. If the lymph nodes are painful and persistent, and given your previous reaction to antibiotics, it’s essential to balance treatment efficacy with your tolerance to medications. Azithromycin is a common choice, yet discontinuing early can lead to incomplete treatment. However, you’ve now been prescribed amoxicillin, a different antibiotic. It’s crucial to complete the full course this time unless severe side effects occur. To mitigate stomach upset, take the medications with food, and consider a probiotic or yogurt to maintain gut flora. If discomfort persists, contact your doctor as they might need to adjust the regimen. Ensure hydration and opt for a bland diet if your stomach is sensitive. Keep observing your symptoms; if the lymph nodes increase in size, become extremely hard, or other concerning signs like high fever or weight loss develop, seek medical attention promptly. It would also be wise to confirm there’s no underlying issue, so a follow-up with a healthcare provider would be prudent. Remember, effective treatment involves addressing both the infection and your body’s response, ensuring you don’t compromise on either. If stomach issues were to be significant even from amoxicillin, further evaluation might be needed to consider alternative medications or explore a different underlying cause for recurring infections.
Hello dear See lymph nodes are inflamed only on presence of infection It can be associated with systemic or oral conditions Since you are already taken medication for improvement so I suggest you to please get following tests done for confirmation of exact diagnosis and best treatment Please share the result with general physician medicine for better clarity and for recovery please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Esr Cbc Culture PCR Tsh Fnac PCR if recommended by general physician. In addition Please do warm salt water rinses 6 hourly a day for 5 days Ginger honey combination in case of throat infection Please note i have not provided any medication because diagnosis is must for better clarity Regards
Your symptoms are most consistent with severe dry skin (xerosis) caused by cold weather, possibly with mild hand eczema/skin barrier damage.
Cold air, frequent washing, and low moisture are causing:
Dryness
Peeling
Cracks
Bleeding lips and hands
This is not dangerous, but it needs stronger moisturization and proper skin care, not just regular light creams.
What to do:
Use thick moisturizers (petroleum jelly or heavy cream) multiple times daily
Apply immediately after washing
Use lip balm frequently
Avoid hot water and harsh soaps
Wear gloves in cold weather
If there is no improvement in 2–3 weeks, see a doctor for evaluation of eczema or vitamin deficiency.
Hello Bisma, thank you for sharing your concern. Painful swollen lymph nodes after a throat infection are usually reactive and settle once the infection is properly treated. Since the previous antibiotic course was not completed, the infection may not have fully resolved.
You should take the currently prescribed amoxicillin exactly as advised (complete the full 5-day course), preferably after food to reduce stomach upset. Also take Tab. Sporlac Plus twice a day × 5 days so that Amoxicillin can’t produce side effects.
Warm salt-water gargles, good hydration, and rest will help reduce pain.
If swelling continues beyond 2–3 weeks, increases in size, becomes very hard/fixed, or is associated with persistent fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, you should revisit your doctor for examination and possibly an ultrasound.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
Painful swollen lymph nodes under the jaw following a sore throat and cough for 1–2 weeks are most commonly reactive lymphadenitis from a throat infection, and incomplete antibiotic courses (like stopping azithromycin early) can allow infection to persist.
Since you still have severe pain and fatigue, it is reasonable to continue the amoxicillin as prescribed (take it after food and consider a probiotic to reduce stomach upset), but if swelling worsens, fever develops, or nodes remain enlarged beyond 2–3 weeks, further evaluation is needed.
Please follow up with your General Physician or an ENT specialist, especially if pain remains severe, the nodes become very hard/fixed, or you develop difficulty swallowing or breathing.
