How to treat a symptomatic enlarged lymph node in the neck?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

I saw the file you have attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Kindly answer to the questions mentioned below,

1. Since how long do you have these symptoms?

2. Do you have difficulty swallowing food?

3. Do you have a fever, dry cough, or sore throat?

4. Are you taking any antibiotics for this?

In the pictures you shared, I could see enlarged right side tonsil and erythematous mucosa of the posterior pharyngeal wall and side of the tonsillar wall. It appears to be tonsillitis. Since there is tonsil inflammation on the right side, there can be node enlargement. I suggest you to follow the instructions mentioned below:

1. Please reply to the above questions.

2. Take tablet Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) 500 mg daily or tablet Ibuprofen (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) twice daily.

3. Take tablet Pantoprazole (antacid) 40 mg daily on an empty stomach to prevent gas formation.

4. Do lukewarm water gargle two to three times a day.

5. Take warm food and avoid cold food.

6. Take antibiotics for tonsillitis.

7. Drink plenty of water.

8. Take rest.

Please reply to the above questions to guide you on suitable antibiotics if you are not taking one. And also to know further diagnosis and treatment.

I hope this has helped you. Take care.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Usually, iron tablets do not cause tonsil swelling. A few side effects of oral iron tablets include epigastric pain, heartburn, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, bloating, etc. But you have mentioned you have a sore throat, and you have been struggling to swallow for about two weeks. The cause of the dysphagia is due to an enlarged tonsil on the right side. The tonsil inflammation could be due to bacterial infection. It would be best if you started taking antibiotics for maximum relief from swollen tonsils. I suggest you to follow the instructions mentioned below.

1. Take tablet Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate potassium) 625 mg three times a day after food for five days. Kindly do not take this antibiotic if you have a history of allergy in the past due to this medication. I hope that you are not allergic to this antibiotic.

2. Take tablet Pantoprazole (antacid) 40 mg once a day before food for bloating or gas formation.

3. Do lukewarm salt water gargle two to three times a day.

4. Take tablet Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) 500 mg twice a day or tablet Ibuprofen (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) if there is any pain. Consult with a specialist, talk to them and take medications with their consent.

5. Avoid cold food or water.

6. After taking the antibiotic, you may get episodes of loose stools as a side effect, so kindly take adequate water.

7. You can continue taking the iron pill as the tonsil swelling was present before taking the iron pill. So it is not iron pill induced.

Please follow up if you have further doubts. Also, kindly reply if you have any side effects after taking the antibiotic.

I will follow up with a message after three days to check the response and relief in the symptoms. Take care.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Kindly answer the questions mentioned below,

1. Since when do you have these symptoms?

2. Is it of a similar duration, along with the tonsil inflammation?

3. Did you have any episode of anxiety recently or phobia of any kind while going outside?

Kindly follow up for a detailed diagnosis. Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have a few answers to your problem.

1. The runny nose at present is due to an upper respiratory tract infection which is also the reason for the inflamed tonsil.

2. The blocked ear is due to the inflamed tonsil.

It would be best if you started taking antibiotics as early as possible to relieve the above symptoms. Also, follow the measures I mentioned earlier for tonsillitis.

Now, coming to the anxiety issue,

1. Why do you get anxious when you leave your house?

2. Can you specify the reason?

3. Do you have any psychological issues?

4. Is there any anxiety issue that bothers you, especially when you go outside?

You need to figure out what causes your anxiety. This anxiety is not related to the present tonsillitis. The rest of the symptoms, like runny nose, blocked ear, swallowing difficulty, sore throat, etc., are due to the swollen tonsil. And it would subside after taking an appropriate antibiotic, which I have suggested for tonsillitis.

Kindly reply about anxiety in detail for appropriate treatment. Take care.