Is it worth seeing the doctor about this?

[LetThereBeRock]

I've had an extremely sore throat,earache and cough for 8 days now.

I don't want to bother the doctor if it's just a cold but I've never had a sore throat quite like this before.

It's constantly sore.It feels raw as though someone's been scrubbing it with steel wool and paracetamol,ibruprofen,Strepsils and honey and lemon aren't helping at all.I'm getting two hours sleep at most as it's difficult to breathe when sleeping and because of the pain.

The earache is constant and again nothing is helping.At times it's so bad that I feel like banging my head against a wall to take my mind off.I do have a slight fever.

I don't want to waste the doctor's time by going to see him about a cold,but I'm going on holiday in 2 weeks and I don't want to have an ear problem when flying.

Any opinions on if it's worth bothering the doctor about this would be welcome.

TIA

tonsillitis?? I would go.

Yes go. You've given it chance to improve and it hasn't.

Do you have a walk in centre nearby?

Sounds like you are proper sick. Not sure about Dr but I hate going but it may take a few days to get an appointment anyway? But 8 days is a long time to feel that rubbish.

I think Aspirin is best for a sore throat. Also keep it very moist, I find ice drinks helps reduce swelling. I also gargle with mouthwash.

Hope you feel better soon.

No walk in centres here unfortunately but I think I will call for an appointment tomorrow as you've both recommended that I do so.

I thought it might be best to do so but wasn't sure and I'd hate to waste the doctor's time.

It isn't wasting the dr's time. 8 days with no ease and no ability to control the symptoms is enough. Perfect weather for ice lollies and they will help.

what do you mean it's hard to breathe when sleeping?

I keep waking up and having to clear my mouth and throat of saliva and mucus.It feels as though it's blocking my airway at times.

The same thing happens when I'm eating. I keep choking on food because my throat is so blocked with mucus and saliva.

And my nose is blocked up too which doesn't help.

sounds like upper respiratory infection.

try a saline spray, steaming, limit dairy and make GP appt.

I'll do that.

Thankyou all for the tips/advice.

Could it be glandular fever if you are not getting better?

I'm a doctor, I wouldn't mind you coming to see me. I would be surprised if it was more than a bad cold (what we call and URTI or upper respiratory tract infection) but its going on for longer than you are used to and you have tried treating the symptoms sensibly with no improvement - that means its sensible to seek further advice.

I had very similar sounding symptoms 6 weeks ago and put off going to the GP as I thought I'd be improved the next day.

I'm glad I did go as he said I had severe tonsilitis. I had the first a/bs I've had for years and was massively improved within 48 hours.

Do go to your GP.

Thankyou all for your responses.

I went to the doctor today and he gave me a 7 day course of antibiotics which will hopefully clear it up.

I hope you feel better soon.