To ask for your opinion on my sore throat - pic included

[Sorethroat1]

Just that really, I’ve felt run down for a good week or so but put it down to typical January blues. However on Sunday morning I woke up with a really sore throat that came from nowhere. Its getting gradually worse and today it’s horrendous, I’m struggling to even swallow my saliva (keep having to spit it out)

I really don’t want to waste a doctors appointment (assuming I can even get one). I feel absolutely miserable, my throat is raging and each side of my neck all the way down feels bruised.

This is the best picture I can take as I can’t actually see the back of my throat behind my tongue. I know this is a rubbish quality picture but if any of you lovely people out there have any knowledge or experience of what this could be or what may soothe it I would really appreciate your opinion. Would a hot toddy with some whiskey help? 🤔

Hi OP you can gargle with boiled salt water and spit it out. If you can't swallow I think it could be tonsillitis. You will possibly need antibiotics so I would try to get a doctor's appointment. Try and get an emergency appointment -they have to release some of those each day. Also keep an eye on yourself as these things can get worse and become things like quinsey I think. Hope you are feeling better soon.

@Ukholidaysaregreat thanks for responding. I did wonder if it could be tonsillitis but not sure what my throat usually looks like so can’t tell if that’s red or swollen etc all I know is I’m in agony. Never heard of quinsey but just googled and hope to god it’s not that!

Good tip on the salt water thank you 🙏

I’m sure you can go to the pharmacist for that now - check your local area as they check you and can prescribe some things if needed.

Your throat looks fine but if you want a hot toddy you can have one!

It could be strep or tonsillitis so as pp said book in with your GP. If it were quinsy you would feel a big lump in your throat and your speech would be affected.

When I had tonsillitis, the numbing throat spray from Boots saved me! That plus Soothers were my go-to until I went to the GP and got antibiotics. Good luck

Another thing to gargle with is dissolvable aspirin OP, this was recommended to my by a GP, when I used to suffer from regular sore throats, and it can help relieve the discomfort for a while. You can also buy a throat spray from the pharmacy, which again does tend to help a bit.

I always get a sore throat when I'm generally feeling run down especially this time of year, also I tend to drink less as well when the weather is colder, so I up my fluids and do something that cheers me up and usually in a week or so it improves

Do you have white spots on either side of your tonsils? I have just had tonsillitis and felt absolutely wretched with it. Drs prescribed a weeks worth of antibiotics. You can also buy otc sprays which numb your throat.

Do you have a temperature or chills? Any lumps in your neck or white patches at the back of your throat? I've had tonsillitis a couple of times as an adult, I wouldn't wish it on anyone! I couldn't speak, swallow or move for an entire week, just lay in bed with a raging fever and the most excruciating throat pain i have ever known. Don't feel bad for seeing GP for a sore throat, I'd book in as soon as you can and in the meantime have the pharmacist have a quick look.

I'd phone 111 who may possibly send you to A&E. If you can't even swallow saliva then you need to be treated.

Thanks all - I can’t tell if I have white patches as I’m really struggling to actually see the back of my throat, I do have a nasal drip which is extremely annoying. My glands are also swollen on both sides and my neck is extremely tender. I’ve had a hot toddy which has helped with the pain slightly (i dissolved some paracetamol in there too).

I will try to get in with the GP first thing and if no appts I’ll call 111. Forgot to say I have already been to the pharmacy but when it wasn’t as bad as this, they gave me some throat spray and advised I go to the GP if it lasts longer than 2 more days (which it has)