What medicine should I take for throat pain and swelling on the left side? - #29457

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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 rate the severity of your throat pain?:

- Moderate — affects daily activities

Have you noticed any other symptoms accompanying the throat pain?:

- Cough

Is the lump on your throat tender to touch?:

- Yes, very tender

Have you had any recent illnesses or infections?:

- No, healthy

Do you have any allergies or sensitivities?:

- No known allergies

Have you tried any treatments for your throat pain?:

- No, this is the first time seeking help

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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.

32 days ago

Hello
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

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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.

30 days ago

Hello dear
See i think it is probably laryngitis
It is due to bacterial infection
Iam suggesting some medication and precautions for improvement
Please follow them for atleast a week
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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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

30 days ago

Given the symptoms of throat pain and swelling on one side without a fever, it’s useful to consider several potential causes, such as a viral infection, bacterial infection, or even an inflamed lymph node. Since there’s no fever, this could lean towards more common issues like viral pharyngitis or a non-severe bacterial infection. However, the presence of a lump and persistent pain for several days does bring a few concerns. It’s crucial to exclude more serious causes like an abscess or a lymph node significantly enlarged due to infection. For now, there are a few steps you could take. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with the pain and reduce any inflammation if present; make sure to follow the dosing instructions on the package. You might also find relief from throat lozenges or gargling with warm salt water. However, watch out for any new symptoms like high fever, significant difficulty swallowing, or worsening pain, which would require more immediate attention from a healthcare provider. It’s important to get a proper examination if this doesn’t improve soon. An evaluation might include a physical exam, and possibly a throat swab to rule out a bacterial cause like streptococcus which may require an antibiotic. Avoid tobacco smoke and other irritants, and try to keep hydrated which should help soothe the throat. If the symptoms persist beyond another few days or worsen, it would be prudent to see a doctor in person for a more thorough investigation and treatment plan tailored to what they find.

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