[19F] Experiencing difficulty swallowing and other symptoms

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female presents with difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils, runny nose, stomach ache, and fatigue. The swallowing difficulty, more pronounced with solid foods, has been worsening over the past 3 days and is accompanied by drooling, especially at night. The patient reports a painful and swollen throat, with occasional difficulty breathing. She also experiences an aching pain below the ribs on the left side and cramping in the stomach, rated 5/10 for severity, which started 2 days ago. Additionally, the patient has had a low-grade fever with alternating chills and overheating sensations, and ear pain with a feeling of pressure. There is a family history of tonsillitis, and the patient had mononucleosis a few years ago. She was also in close contact with a friend who currently has mononucleosis. The patient's medical history includes taking Vyvanse (30 mg daily) and previous use of fluoxetine and antibiotics for urinary tract infections. No known drug allergies or chronic physical illnesses are reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, you could be experiencing:

Tonsillitis: This is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are two masses of tissue at the back of your throat. It's often caused by a viral infection, but bacterial infections can also be the cause. The symptoms can include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils. If your tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you may need antibiotics to treat it.
Mononucleosis: Also known as "mono" or "the kissing disease," this is a viral infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms can include fatigue, sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Given your recent contact with a friend who has mono, this could be a possibility. There's no specific treatment for mono. Rest and adequate hydration are important.
Strep throat: This is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. It's usually treated with antibiotics.

What you can do

You should definitely see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. They may perform a throat swab to determine if your symptoms are due to a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.

In the meantime, here are some things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, or clear broths to soothe your sore throat and prevent dehydration.
Rest: Get plenty of sleep and rest to help your body recover.
Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help with the pain and fever. Throat lozenges or sprays can also help soothe your sore throat.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

Your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a week
You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
You have a high fever (over 38.5°C or 101.3°F)
You have severe abdominal pain or vomiting

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.

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11 mo ago

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