B*stard sore throat, when to see doctor?

[AstorianPlease]

About three days ago I started with that horrible virus that's going around and had cold/flu symptoms and a bit of sore throat.

Flu/cold symptoms have gone but I can't swallow without it feeling like a million razor blades are sliding down my throat and it's getting progressively worse.

Yesterday wasn't too bad, I could still eat and drink with some discomfort but I couldn't sleep at all last night the pain was too much.

Today it's even worse, I can't eat or drink properly and have been forcing myself to have ice lollies and ice creams to try a soothe it.

I've tried the spray, painkillers, literally everything I can think of and having no joy.

My voice isn't horse but I can barely talk due to the pain and now I keep dribbling (sorry tmi) as I can't swallow my own spit properly.

I keep feeling really cold even under the bedcovers, like freezing.

Should I leave it a couple of days and see a doctor if not improved or should I get a grip and get on with it as it's just a sore throat?

Have a look at the back of your throat and see if you have any white spots on your tonsils. Use your phone torch to see.

These are good if you can’t get an appointment.

https://www.superdrug.com/health/cough-cold-flu/sore-throat-lozenges/tyrozets-dual-action-throat-lozenges-24s/p/160770

You don't need to see a doctor. If no improvement in a few days, consult a pharmacist for some over the counter products that will help.

Go and see your local pharmacist. Don't think a sore throat usually needs a doctors appointment.

A sore throat that’s not got better in 3 days and you’re drooling needs the attention of a doctor in my opinion.

Sounds like tonsillitis, go see the GP. Admittedly I had quinsy as a teen so am a bit anxious about this sort of thing, but if you're dribbling that's bad enough to warrant the trip.

Following as I have similar thing. No tonsils so not tonsillitis but it's really sore and has got worse rather than better.

Thank you everyone. I can't see the pack of my throat due to the salvia but it does look swollen, can't see any white spots though.

I was thinking about a doctor for the same reason, the fact I can't swallow my own salvia and drooling and the fact over the counter stuff isn't touching it but I can always see the chemist and I'm sure they'd tell me if it requires a doctor, I don't wanna waste an appointment especially with how the nhs is at the moment.

I'm just a bit frustrated with it and ranting here probably because I'm hungry and sick of ice cream

Are they back?? Thought they weren’t allowed to be sold anymore due to the (fucking tiny) amount of antibiotics in them.

Pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics for sore throat now if part of Pharmacy First

https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/01/pharmacy-first-what-you-need-to-know/

It may be strep throat, I'd call the surgery and get advice if you need to go in or when to go in

I agree that difficulty swallowing to the extent of drooling warrants seeing a doctor, OOH service if you can or A&E. Someone needs to have a proper look and not just antibiotics might be indicated depending on what they find. I hope you can get some help moderately soon.

Hot water
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Teaspoon of water
Drink once or twice a day

Or hot toddy before bedtime

I would not go to doctor

If temperature and can’t swallow fluids you should get checked out. Tonsillitis needs 10 days of antibiotics .

I had similar symptoms (sore throat that got progressively worse, swelling and drooling).

I had a quinsy (abscess behind tonsil). It’s a medical emergency and I was admitted to hospital for draining of the abscess, IV antibiotics and steroids.

Worth a call to 111.

See local pharmacist.
Your sore throat will go, but reassurance from them might help.

I know this from my b’stard sore throat last year. Glands up like golf balls, swallowing like razors.
Keep up the painkillers, ice, Difflam throat spray etc.
It’ll go, keep the faith.

This is from patient uk:

The 'take home' message is ... see a doctor if symptoms of a sore throat are severe, unusual, or do not ease within one week. In particular, seek urgent medical attention if you develop:
Difficulty in breathing.
Difficulty swallowing saliva.
Difficulty opening your mouth.
Severe pain.
A persistent high temperature (fever).
A severe illness, especially when symptoms are mainly on one side of the throat.

@platinumplus sorry to tell you, but you can still get tonsillitis as it's where the infection sits. A doctor told me this some years ago when I gave him a funny look in him diagnosing me with tonsillitis lol.

I spoke to a OOH doctor and they thought it might be Quincy and to come to A&E.

I told the receptionist what the doctor said and he was like isn't that your eyes? Haha just made me laugh, hopefully I'm seen soon and it's not quincy.

Quinsy is vile but easily treatable. Hope you’re better soon!

Was going to suggest strep throat. Complete sympathy. I get it once every few years. I always know it’s coming with the chills. I’ve learnt now to reach out to the doctors asap!

Hi hope you are seen to soon
Sounds awful
My dad had quincy years ago
Which required hospital treatment
All went well once treated
Good luck

How are you this morning?

Glad you're heading to hospital. It sounded potentially serious.
Hope you are on the mend soon.

Sorry for late reply.

It wasn't quinsy thank goodness, the thought have having a needle down my throat was very scary haha

It's just a bad case of tonsillitis so the hospital gave me steroids, antibiotics and pain relief through a drip and I feel a whole lot better, no more bastard throat - I could actually eat today it was a miracle.

They've given me a course of antibiotics but the pharmacy couldn't get them until tomorrow so gonna pick them up and hopefully I feel a lot better once I've finished them.

Thank you all for your advice and thank you for asking.

(And I know some people suggested going to the pharmacy with a sore throat but due to not being able to swallow at all, I needed the medication through a drip which is why I had to go to the hospital but next time I'll try and get to the chemist before it gets that bad) ❤️