[19F] With severe sore throat, ear pain, and throat swelling

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female presents with a severe sore throat, particularly on the right side, and associated right ear pain, both persisting for approximately 2 weeks. The ear pain began 2 days ago and is described as constant. The patient reports a sharp and stabbing throat pain rated at 9.5 out of 10 in severity, which worsens upon swallowing. Additionally, there is significant swelling in the area where the right tonsil would be, described as red, painful, and warm to the touch. The patient has experienced a change in voice but denies any difficulty breathing, high fever, or specific injury that might have caused these symptoms. Nighttime discomfort is noted, characterized by feeling uncomfortably hot without an actual fever. The patient has no past medical history of note, is not on any medications, and has had her tonsils removed previously. No other symptoms were reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few possible conditions that could be causing your discomfort:

Tonsillitis or Pharyngitis: Even though you've had your tonsils removed, it's still possible to get an infection in the area where they used to be, known as a peritonsillar abscess. This could cause a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a change in your voice. The pain could also radiate to your ear.
Ear Infection: An ear infection, or otitis media, could cause ear pain and might also cause some throat discomfort, particularly if the infection has spread or if there's fluid draining down the back of your throat.
Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain can be felt in a different location than where the problem is actually occurring. This is known as referred pain. In your case, it's possible that a problem in your throat is causing you to feel pain in your ear.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to soothe your throat and prevent dehydration.
Rest: Get plenty of sleep to help your body recover.
Avoid irritants: Smoke and other irritants can make your symptoms worse, so try to avoid them if possible.

What you should look out for

It's important to seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen. Here are some signs that you should see a doctor:

Your symptoms last longer than a week
You have a high fever
You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
You have a persistent earache
You have a lump in your neck
You have blood in your saliva or phlegm

Please remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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9 mo ago

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