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What medicine should I take for throat pain and swelling on the left side?
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Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions
Question #29455
28 days ago
81

What medicine should I take for throat pain and swelling on the left side? - #29455

Client_f620dd

Hello Doctor, I have throat pain for the past 4 days with a small lump (swelling) on the left side. It hurts while swallowing. I do not have fever. Could you please suggest what medicine I should take?

How would you describe the pain in your throat?:

- Sharp and stabbing

Is the lump tender to touch?:

- Yes, very tender

Have you noticed any changes in your voice?:

- No, my voice is normal

Do you have any other symptoms besides throat pain and swelling?:

- Cough

Have you had any recent illnesses or infections?:

- No, I haven't been sick

Are you experiencing any difficulty breathing?:

- No, breathing is normal

Do you have any allergies to medications?:

- No, I have no known allergies
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Doctors' responses

Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
28 days ago
5

Throat pain for 4 days with a small swelling on one side and pain while swallowing, but no fever, is most commonly due to localized inflammation such as Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis, or a swollen lymph node from a minor infection.

Most cases improve with simple treatment within a few days.

What medicine you can take:

You can use a pain reliever such as Paracetamol every 6–8 hours if needed for pain.

Gargling with warm salt water 3–4 times daily helps reduce swelling.

Also Betadine gargle twice daily(buy it from pharmacy)

If there is significant throat irritation, a soothing lozenge or anti-inflammatory medicine like Ibuprofen can also be used if you have no stomach, kidney, or allergy issues.

Antibiotics are usually not needed unless bacterial infection signs appear.

Monitor for these signs: •Fever develops •Swelling becomes larger or very painful •Difficulty swallowing saliva or opening the mouth •Symptoms last more than 7–10 days •Persistent one-sided lump beyond 2–3 weeks

If any of those occur, a physical examination is recommended to rule out an abscess or other causes.

Take care

1681 answered questions
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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
26 days ago
5

Tablet Amoxicillin 500 mg twice a day for 5 days Tablet montair lc once a day for 3 days Tablet paracetamol 500 mg twice a day 6 hourly a day on fever only Steam twice a day for 15 days Ginger honey combination solution twice a day for 5 days Warm salt water rinses 6 hourly a day for 5 days Avoid cold food Hot fomentation application twice a day In case of no improvement consult ent surgeon in person for better clarity Regards

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Throat pain with swelling on one side, particularly when swallowing, can be concerning, especially when it’s been persisting for a few days. Since you mentioned there’s no fever, some serious infections like strep throat or a peritonsillar abscess become less likely, but not impossible. You might be dealing with a viral infection or something like mild pharyngitis. If the swelling is noticeable and persists, it’s important to watch for other symptoms. Since you’re asking about medications, starting with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. These should be taken according to the dosage instructions on the packaging, usually every 4-6 hours as needed. Also, saltwater gargles can be quite helpful; mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle several times a day. This can ease discomfort and may help reduce swelling. Stay hydrated and rest your voice as much as possible. If there’s any sign of difficulty breathing, rapid increase in swelling, or if the pain worsens significantly, seek medical attention promptly. You should also consider seeing a doctor if there’s no improvement within a few days or if you develop additional symptoms like fever or chills. If you’re prone to allergies, antihistamines could be useful, but these should be used with caution if it’s an unfamiliar allergy season for you. It’s critical in cases of lumps to consult a healthcare provider, as they might want to rule out any more significant conditions that could require specific attention.

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