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Forum Name: Viral Infections

Question: Lump in throat?

april012 - Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:42 pm

Hi, I'm a 23 year old female and have had a very sore throat for just a few days. I was sick about three weeks ago with a sore throat, went to the doctor, and was given amoxicillin, which, like an idiot, I took for three days and then left on vacation and forgot it. But I felt better, so I didn't think it was a big deal to not finish the prescription. Now, I have a sore throat again, which at first I thought was the same thing, but today I noticed that I have a big bump in front of my right tonsil, just a little farther forward onto my soft pallet than my uvula. This sounds gross, but it's about the size of a pencil eraser and basically looks like a big white pimple. It hurts really bad, especially when I swallow, but only in that spot (the other side is fine, and I'm not Coughing or having a typical sore throat, it just hurts around that area) Two questions: 1) What is wrong with me??? and 2) would finishing up my amoxicillin dosage (I have enough for probably about a week) be a helpful idea? Thanks!

Dr. Chan Lowe - Sun Jan 21, 2007 5:01 pm

There are a few possibilities for your sore throat. Several viruses can cause sores in the throat. They generally last a few days, then begin to get better. If the area you are describing is near the tonsil, you may also be experiencing a small abscess known as a peritonsilar abscess (clever name). These require Antibiotics to recover. From your description, I suspect that you are likely dealing with a virus rather than an abscess. I would recommend NOT taking your left over Antibiotics. If you aren't getting better in the next day or two you should have your throat examined by your doctor. Also, some of the sore throat medications that numb the throat can be helpful for pain occasionally. Hope this helps.

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